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John Cleese, the Monty Python star, criticizes literal-minded viewers for not grasping the nuances of comedy, particularly in the context of his iconic show Fawlty Towers. Cleese's comments come as the play adaptation of Fawlty Towers is set to open in London's West End, showcasing the timeless appeal of the classic sitcom.
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The Conservative Party is facing heavy losses in local elections in England and Wales, with Labour making significant gains. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's leadership is under scrutiny as Labour wins control of councils and key mayoral seats, potentially paving the way for a change in government.
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Kevin Spacey denies new allegations of inappropriate behavior from men featured in a documentary set to be released next week. A former actor has accused Spacey of groping him in 2013, which will be included in the documentary.
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Labour's Sadiq Khan is expected to win the London mayoral election, with Tory candidate Susan Hall likely to come second. The election has been marked by controversy over Hall's campaign and allegations of Islamophobia. Conservative Lee Anderson was suspended for making comments suggesting Khan was controlled by 'Islamists.'
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Universal Music Group and TikTok have resolved their dispute over royalties, signing a new licensing agreement that will allow artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Adele to return to the platform. The deal promises improved remuneration for artists and protections against unauthorized AI-generated music.
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Worcestershire County Cricket Club announces the sudden death of 20-year-old cricketer Josh Baker, who had made significant contributions to the team. Tributes from fellow players and fans pour in, with the club inviting supporters to sign a book of condolence in his memory.
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Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was turned away from voting at his local polling station for not having the required photo ID. This incident occurred during the UK's local elections, where voters were required to present ID under rules introduced by Johnson's government. Additionally, MP Tom Hunt and former soldier Adam Diver also faced challenges voting due to lack of appropriate ID.
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Netflix's 'Ripley' series, based on Patricia Highsmith's novel, receives both praise and criticism for its adaptation and Andrew Scott's performance.
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Labour has won the Blackpool South parliamentary by-election, securing a significant majority of 7,607 votes. The victory has heaped pressure on the Conservatives, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer calling it a 'seismic win'. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Tory MP Scott Benton following a lobbying scandal. The results indicate a potential significant shift in voter sentiment, with the Conservatives facing losses in both the by-election and local council contests.
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UK banks, including Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander, report varied profits for the first quarter of 2024, with some experiencing significant drops due to factors like reduced mortgage lending and increased competition.
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Labour has achieved major victories in the UK local elections, winning the Blackpool South by-election and gaining control of several councils. The Conservatives are facing significant losses, potentially losing up to 500 seats, marking their worst performance in four decades.
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Labour has seen a resurgence in local elections, regaining control of Hartlepool council and making gains in areas traditionally dominated by the Conservatives. The party's success marks a significant turnaround from previous defeats and is seen as a validation of Keir Starmer's leadership.
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Multiple incidents of stabbings and violent crimes involving asylum seekers and locals in the UK have resulted in convictions, including the murder of Terence Carney in Hartlepool.
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Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt star in 'The Fall Guy', an action-comedy directed by David Leitch, where Gosling plays a stuntman who must track down a missing movie star while rekindling a romance with Blunt.
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The UK government has begun detaining asylum seekers identified for deportation to Rwanda, with thousands of individuals unaccounted for. The Home Office aims to send these individuals to Rwanda to deter illegal migration, but faces challenges in locating and detaining them.
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Finnair has suspended flights to Tartu, Estonia, due to GPS interference caused by suspected Russian jamming, impacting aviation safety in the region.
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BHP Group has proposed a £31.1 billion takeover of Anglo American to become the world's largest copper miner. Anglo American rejected the offer, citing it as 'highly unattractive' and 'opportunistic'. Meanwhile, Ocado's shareholders approved a potential £15 million bonus deal for CEO Tim Steiner, and Darktrace agreed to a $5.3 billion sale to US private equity firm Thoma Bravo.
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Authorities are warning about the rise in 'sextortion' scams targeting young people, with criminal gangs using real and fake images to blackmail victims. The National Crime Agency has issued alerts to teachers and parents, emphasizing the devastating impact these scams can have. A report from the Australian Institute of Criminology has highlighted the prevalence of online requests for child sexual exploitation, urging Australians to be cautious about sharing content online.
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England rugby star Billy Vunipola was arrested in Mallorca after an incident at a bar, where he was tasered twice by police. Vunipola has since issued an apology, stating that there was no violence involved and describing the situation as an 'unfortunate misunderstanding'.
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This weekend, stargazers will have the chance to witness the Eta Aquariid meteor shower as Earth passes through the debris of Halley's Comet. The shower is expected to peak on Sunday night into Monday morning, with up to 30 meteors visible per hour in the Northern Hemisphere and even better viewing in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Rail passengers in the UK are set to face disruptions over the upcoming bank holiday weekend due to planned engineering works by Network Rail and a three-day rolling strike by train drivers from Aslef over pay and working conditions.
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A High Court judge ruled the UK government's climate action plan unlawful for the second time in two years, highlighting deficiencies in meeting legally-binding targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
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Low voter turnout is expected in the English local elections, with only about a third of voters likely to cast a ballot. Young voters express concerns about the cost of living and lack of facilities for younger people.
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Former Post Office lawyers and executives are accused of lying about bugs in the Horizon system, contradicting evidence that could have prevented wrongful prosecutions of sub-postmasters. The Horizon IT inquiry is uncovering discrepancies in testimonies and emails, revealing a lack of transparency and accountability within the Post Office.
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ITV News presenter Rageh Omaar, 56, fell ill while presenting News at Ten, struggling with the autocue and looking pained. He received medical treatment and is now recovering at home with his family.
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Former England cricketer Monty Panesar has entered politics by standing as a candidate for George Galloway's Workers Party of Britain in the Ealing Southall constituency. Panesar aims to represent the working class and bridge the gap between rich and poor in the UK.
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The UK has backed Ukrainian strikes on Russia using British-supplied weapons, with David Cameron stating there is 'no way back' for the UK's relationship with Putin. Dmitry Kiselyov warned the US of radioactive ash if the West intervenes in Ukraine.
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Talks between Tata Steel and unions have broken down over the company's plans to close blast furnaces at its Port Talbot plant, potentially resulting in the loss of 2,800 jobs. The Welsh First Minister is set to visit India to urge Tata Steel to reconsider its decision.
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Supermodel Bella Hadid launches 'Ôrəbella' beauty brand with vegan perfumes, while the luxury 'Comète' perfume debuts at £375. KFC introduces 'No 11 Eau de BBQ' inspired by its Ultimate BBQ Burger.
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The Titan submarine imploded during a dive to the Titanic wreck due to 'micro-buckling' in its carbon fiber hull. A new study suggests that microscopic imperfections in the hull, accumulated during previous trips, may have contributed to the tragedy.
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Measles and whooping cough outbreaks are on the rise globally, with cases reported in the UK, US, and Greece. Health officials are working to contain the spread of these diseases through vaccination campaigns and public health measures.
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The UK's bottle deposit return scheme has been postponed until 2027, with glass bottles excluded. Scotland's DRS has also been delayed after SNP ministers removed glass from the scheme. The decision comes after failed talks to align the schemes across the UK.
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Comedians Tiffany Haddish, Dane Baptiste, and Rory Bremner have all faced online abuse and threats, with Haddish revealing extreme measures she took to protect herself. Haddish was accused of child sexual abuse in a lawsuit, leading to a surge in online vitriol. Baptiste posted an anti-Semitic threat online, while Bremner faced backlash over a satirical show on Scottish independence.
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Labour secures victories in mayoral elections in Greater Manchester and York and North Yorkshire. Andy Burnham retains his position as Mayor of Greater Manchester, while David Skaith wins the first mayoral race in York and North Yorkshire.
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Manchester's Co-op Live Arena, set to be the UK's largest indoor arena, faces a series of postponements and cancellations, affecting performances by artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Peter Kay. Technical issues and resignations have marred the venue's opening, leaving ticket-holders disappointed and uncertain about future events.
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The Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates this year, as predicted by Kevin O'Leary and supported by recent data showing faster pay growth and rising benefits, despite concerns about lingering inflation.
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Glasgow Clyde College in Scotland is offering a crash course on Taylor Swift to help parents and plus-ones of fans attending her Eras Tour in Edinburgh. The course covers set lists, crowd chants, and Swift's evolving styles. With over 2.9 million fans vying for tickets, the college aims to ensure attendees have the best experience at the sold-out concerts.
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UK banks, including HSBC and Goldman Sachs, are removing EU-imposed bonus caps for UK-based workers, allowing for higher variable pay based on performance. The move aims to reduce fixed costs, attract talent, and align with global financial centers.
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The UK government is preparing to send asylum seekers to Rwanda as part of a new policy to deter migrants from making dangerous journeys to Britain. Parliament passed a law allowing this transfer, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hoping to launch the first flights in the next few months. Asylum Aid has launched a legal challenge against this policy, citing concerns about the safety and rights of asylum seekers.
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Oil giants BP and Shell are facing investor pressure over their climate change commitments. BP is expected to announce slowing profits and revenues for the first quarter of 2024, while Shell reported better-than-forecast profits for the same period. Both companies are under scrutiny for their actions to tackle climate change and invest in renewable energy.
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Headteachers in England are campaigning to abolish single-word school inspection judgments, following the suicide of a headteacher after her school's rating was downgraded. The government has decided to keep the one-word ratings, despite calls for reform.
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Sean Dyche steers Everton to Premier League safety with a 1-0 win over Brentford, securing their top-flight status with three games to spare. Livingston also avoids relegation with a 2-0 victory over Ross County, while Edinburgh triumphs over Cardiff 24-7.
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Debate over buffer zones intensifies as anti-abortion protests rise due to delayed implementation. MSP Gillian Mackay's bill for safe access zones garners strong support in Holyrood. Home Secretary James Cleverly opposes abortion time limit reduction in the Criminal Justice Bill.
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Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, owners of Wrexham AFC, aim to increase the club's stadium capacity to 55,000, up from the current 12,600. The club's recent success and global fanbase have fueled ambitions for a significant expansion.
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The Scottish National Party faces uncertainty as First Minister Humza Yousaf's leadership is questioned, with John Swinney emerging as a potential successor. Yousaf's controversial decisions have raised doubts about his ability to maintain the coalition government, leading to speculation about his future.
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A burst mains pipe has left 31,000 properties without water in St Leonards and parts of Hastings since Thursday afternoon. Southern Water is working to fix the issue, setting up water bottle stations and delivering bottled water to affected customers. Disruption is expected to continue over the weekend.
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Take That, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and Keane have all had to move their shows from the troubled Co-op Live arena in Manchester to the AO Arena due to technical issues. Co-op Live faced a series of setbacks, including the cancellation of its opening concert for the third time, leaving fans disappointed and stranded.
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A new treatment for sickle cell disease, Voxelotor, has been recommended for use on the NHS in England by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The drug is expected to improve the quality of life for people with sickle cell by reducing the need for blood transfusions and hospital visits. This decision follows a successful patient-led appeal and is a significant milestone for the 17,000 people living with sickle cell in England.
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Labour's Claire Ward wins the East Midlands mayoral election, becoming the region's first mayor. The election saw a turnout of 27.6%, with Ward receiving 181,000 votes. Tory candidate Richard Parker accused Ward of a false statement, leading to police assessing claims of residency manipulation.
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The Royal Shakespeare Company presents an adaptation of Hanif Kureishi's 'The Buddha of Suburbia', exploring themes of sex, class, and race in 1970s Britain. Emma Rice directs a warm and cheeky production, while Nicolas Padamsee's debut novel 'England Is Mine' delves into toxic masculinity and extremism in east London.
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Jeremy Clarkson, known for his dismissive stance on climate change, has had a change of heart after witnessing its effects on his farm. In a recent interview, he discussed the impact of changing weather patterns on farming, contrasting with his previous climate change denial.
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Jadon Sancho's impressive performance for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-final has sparked media attention, while controversy surrounds Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley following a recent incident involving a police sergeant and an activist. Campaigner Gideon Falter's actions have also stirred debate within the Jewish community.
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Former defence minister Tom Watson is pushing for transparency on missing blood test records of UK troops to restore public trust in the nuclear programme. Meanwhile, 4,000 pages of previously withheld records are set to be released, raising questions about past legal cases and potential misinformation. Military sources warn of the UK's vulnerability to missile and drone threats due to air defence cuts.
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UK hospitality firms Hostmore and Whitbread implement cost-cutting measures to improve financial performance, while Metro Bank sees a decrease in lending but an increase in savings following turnaround efforts.
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Discover the art of confectionery sculpting at Sugarman Shop in Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, and explore Annabel Jackson's favorite dining spots in Macau and Hong Kong.
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Dating app Bumble introduces 'Opening Moves' feature, allowing men to initiate conversations by responding to prompts set by women, aiming to improve user experience and foster genuine connections.
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Duane Eddy, the rock guitarist known for hits like 'Rebel Rouser', and Richard Tandy, the keyboardist for Electric Light Orchestra, have passed away at the ages of 86 and 76 respectively.
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WhatsApp has introduced an update that allows users to see which friends have been online recently, encouraging more interactions and conversations. The feature is optional and provides a snapshot of recent online activity to help users start new chats with contacts they haven't messaged before.
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Anne Hathaway stars in the movie adaptation of The Idea of You, portraying a 40-year-old woman who falls for a pop star almost twenty years her junior. The film explores themes of celebrity couple age gaps, women's sexual independence, and the challenges of megastardom.
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Senator John Fetterman made a statement at the White House Correspondents' Dinner by wearing a Carhartt hoodie with a printed bow tie, gym shorts, and high-top trainers, deviating from the traditional formal attire. His unique outfit choice has sparked discussions about political fashion and individuality.
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Voters in England and Wales participate in local elections with Labour showing strong results and Tories facing significant losses. London Mayor Sadiq Khan seeks a third term, focusing on housing, transport, and violence against women, while Conservative candidate Susan Hall promises to tackle crime and scrap the Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion.
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Major news outlets are at odds over AI content rights, with some suing OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, while others are striking paid deals with AI companies. The lawsuits, filed by prominent U.S. newspapers, including The New York Times, allege that OpenAI and Microsoft have used copyrighted news articles without permission to train their AI chatbots.
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Kim and Khloe Kardashian engage in a playful exchange, reminiscing about their infamous purse fight from 16 years ago. Khloe's children tease her with images of whales, and Kourtney Kardashian addresses online hate over her appearance after a birthday post. The sisters' interactions provide a glimpse into their close relationship and shared sense of humor.
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Aston Villa secured seventh place in the Women's Super League with a 1-0 win at Brighton, while Arsenal's title chances were effectively ended by Everton in a 1-1 draw. Manchester United also claimed a 1-0 victory at Leicester with a late winner.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp criticizes broadcasters and the fixture schedule in England, blaming them for the failure of Premier League clubs in Europe this season. Klopp expresses concerns over the overworked players and the negative impact on the league's performance.
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The UK Infrastructure Bank invests in Invinity Energy Systems for longer-duration energy storage, the HyNet project at Stanlow Manufacturing Complex advances to supply hydrogen and capture carbon dioxide, and the University of Edinburgh's commercialisation service supports Blackford Analysis in translating research into an AI-driven medical imaging platform.
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Gyles Brandreth reveals his guilt over the death of Rod Hull in 1999, who fell from his roof while trying to fix his TV aerial. Brandreth blames himself for encouraging Hull to climb onto the roof during stormy weather.
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Actors Martin Freeman, Elizabeth Hurley, and Corey Feldman address various controversies in the film industry, including age gaps in relationships on screen, abuse in Hollywood, and working with family members on intimate scenes.
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Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace celebrates its 25th anniversary with a return to cinemas, sparking debates about its place in the Star Wars canon. Fans and critics reevaluate the film's legacy as it continues to captivate audiences.
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Former EastEnders star Don Gilet has been announced as the new lead detective in Death in Paradise, replacing Ralf Little. Gilet will play Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson in the upcoming season set on the fictional island of Saint Marie. Little, who portrayed DI Neville Parker, expressed his joy at Gilet's casting and wished him success in the role.
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England Women's head coach, Jon Lewis, has integrated AI technology from London-based PSi into the team's selection process, aiding in squad composition and match strategies. The AI system runs simulations to project outcomes based on team compositions, assisting in making data-driven decisions. This approach has already shown benefits, as seen in the team's performance during the Ashes series against Australia.
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Renowned historical novelist C.J. Sansom, known for his popular works featuring barrister Matthew Shardlake, has passed away at the age of 71 after battling cancer. His TV adaptation 'Shardlake', starring Arthur Hughes and Sean Bean, is set to be released on Disney+.
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Covid-19 vaccines have saved millions of lives but have also caused side effects in some recipients. Additionally, tobacco company Philip Morris has sponsored medical education programmes for doctors, raising concerns about industry influence in healthcare.
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Celebrities Mark Steel, Mike Peters, and Cheryl Fergison share their battles with cancer, while Shona McGarty explains her departure from EastEnders after 16 years.
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Recent music releases by Dua Lipa, Jessica Pratt, Lawrence Rothman, and Nia Archives showcase a resurgence of Britpop influences in the music industry, with each artist bringing a unique twist to their sound.
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TV pilots have played a crucial role in launching successful series, from 'Doctor Who' with Ncuti Gatwa to the final season of 'Inside No.9' on BBC Two. Netflix also released the new season of 'Bridgerton', focusing on beloved characters Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton.
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A variety of entertainment options are on the horizon, including Neil Gaiman's 'Dead Boy Detectives' TV show about two ghosts solving paranormal mysteries, Craig Hinde and Marc Zammit's movie 'Witch' with a surprising multiverse twist, and Weston Razooli's film 'Riddle of Fire' following kids on a whimsical medieval quest.
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Chelsea's record women's goalscorer Fran Kirby, who has won numerous titles during her time at the club, will be departing at the end of the current season after nine years.
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Apple's quarterly revenue dropped by 2% due to a 10% decline in iPhone sales, particularly in China. Despite this, the company's stock price surged after announcing a $110bn stock buyback plan and a 4% increase in its quarterly dividend.
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Israel strikes a building near Damascus, prompting a retaliatory drone and missile attack from Iran on Israel. The European Parliament condemns Iran's actions and calls for further sanctions.
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Ukraine is urgently requesting expedited military aid as Russian forces make gains, with President Zelenskyy pressing for faster delivery of promised support from the UK and NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg warning of dire consequences due to delays in aid. Ukraine recently retreated from villages in Donetsk due to Russian advances and slow aid flow, while President Biden approved a substantial $61 billion aid package for Ukraine.
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Mass protests erupted in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, as the government moved forward with a 'foreign agents' bill, sparking clashes with police using tear gas and stun grenades.
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Israeli Military Intelligence Chief, Major General Aharon Haliva, resigns over failures that led to the Hamas attack on October 7. His resignation may prompt further accountability within the Israeli military leadership.
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Apple is in discussions with OpenAI and Google to bring generative AI to iOS 18 for the next iPhone. Despite a significant drop in iPhone sales, Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at big AI announcements in the coming weeks, reassuring investors and leading to a 6% premarket stock climb.
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A United Nations report reveals that the reconstruction of Gaza, following the extensive damage caused by the Israel-Gaza conflict, could extend until 2040, with costs estimated at up to $50 billion. The war has led to the destruction of nearly 80,000 homes, significant casualties, and a severe economic downturn in the region.
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is working to secure a cease-fire deal in Gaza, urging Hamas to accept the proposal and Israel to delay a ground invasion into Rafah. Tensions have risen as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah regardless of truce talks, sparking pressure from families of hostages for a ceasefire deal.
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World Athletics has announced a historic move to award $50,000 in prize money to Olympic gold medalists in Paris, marking a significant departure from the traditional non-monetary rewards for athletes.
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Dr. Adnan Al-Bursh, head of orthopedics at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza, dies in an Israeli prison after being detained for over four months. His death is labeled an 'assassination' by Palestinian officials, sparking outrage and accusations against Israel.
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Turkey has suspended all trade with Israel until a permanent cease-fire is established in Gaza and uninterrupted humanitarian aid is allowed into the region, amidst mounting global pressure to end the conflict.
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China has launched the Chang'e-6 lunar probe to collect rocks and soil from the far side of the Moon, marking a significant milestone in the country's ambitious space exploration program.
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Yemen's Houthi rebels have threatened to extend their attacks on Israel-bound shipping to the Mediterranean after targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. The Houthis have launched drone and missile attacks on ships, including container ships and oil tankers, in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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A section of a highway in Meizhou, Guangdong province, collapsed due to heavy rain, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries. The incident has prompted emergency response efforts and raised concerns about infrastructure safety.
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US intelligence agencies have assessed Russian President Vladimir Putin's involvement in the death of opposition leader Alexey Navalny, concluding that Putin likely did not directly order Navalny's killing in an Arctic prison camp. Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, died in February under suspicious circumstances, sparking international condemnation and accusations against the Kremlin.
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Fast-food chains like KFC and McDonald's are facing boycotts in Malaysia and other markets due to perceived links to Israel amid the conflict in Gaza. KFC Malaysia has closed some outlets temporarily, while McDonald's reported a modest increase in profits despite the boycotts.
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Deadly floods triggered by heavy rains in southern Brazil have killed at least 56 people, with tens of thousands forced out of their homes. The flooding, the worst in 80 years, has affected over 265 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, injuring 74 and displacing more than 24,000. The situation is expected to worsen as rescuers search for missing individuals amidst collapsed homes, bridges, and roads.
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Tesla is facing challenges with falling car sales, intense competition, and layoffs, including the firing of its entire Supercharger division. The company has cut prices, laid off 14,000 employees, and faces concerns over its charging network.
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Canadian police have arrested three Indian nationals in connection with the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which led to a diplomatic feud between Canada and India. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusations of Indian involvement in the slaying further strained relations between the two countries.
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French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed his willingness to consider sending French troops to Ukraine if Russia were to break through the front lines. Macron emphasized the urgent threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Europe following the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
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A scandal has erupted in India involving Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of a former Prime Minister, who is accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of women. The controversy intensified after videos of his alleged crimes surfaced during the national elections. Prime Minister Modi, who had campaigned for Revanna, faced criticism for his support.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Europe for the first time in five years, with a focus on trade, investment, and diplomatic relations amid rising tensions over the war in Ukraine and China's economic policies.
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Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland have all been targeted by Russian hackers, with Germany attributing a cyberattack on the Social Democratic Party to the Russian group APT28, also known as Fancy Bear. The Czech Republic and Poland have also confirmed being victims of the same hacking group.
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President Biden labels Japan and India as xenophobic for their immigration policies, stating that their economies are suffering due to a lack of immigrants. The remarks were made at a campaign fundraising event in Washington, contrasting the US's welcoming stance towards immigrants.
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Orangutan Rakus in Indonesia was observed treating a wound with a medicinal plant, a behavior never before seen in wild animals. Scientists believe this could provide insights into the origins of wound care in humans.
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Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan cuts annual guidance for a third straight quarter after the company's worst performance since the pandemic, leading to a 15% plunge in shares. Weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings and warnings of continued underperformance in 2024 have raised concerns about the company's future.
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China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea, including firing water cannons at Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal, have sparked protests from the Philippines, leading to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
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NATO has condemned Russia for engaging in malign activities, including cyber interference and disinformation campaigns, in several member states. The alliance expressed deep concern over the threat posed by Russia's hybrid activities on its soil. Poland's Foreign Minister warned of Russia's inevitable defeat in a potential war with NATO, emphasizing the alliance's military and economic superiority. An analyst highlighted the risks of an emboldened Russian army if Ukraine is defeated, potentially leading to a heightened threat to NATO borders.
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Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 victory over Roma in the Europa League semi-final first leg, extending their unbeaten run to 47 games. Roma, under new management, had to settle for a draw against Napoli in Serie A, highlighting their recent struggles.
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India's economic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been remarkable, with the economy more than doubling in size to over $3.7 trillion. The IMF has upgraded India's growth forecast to 7.8% in 2024, positioning it to overtake Japan and Germany to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027.
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Violent clashes erupted at UCLA between pro-Palestinian students and counter-demonstrators, leading to 210 arrests. The peaceful protest turned violent with fistfights, chemical sprays, and arrests, highlighting the heightened tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict on US college campuses.
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UNESCO has awarded its world press freedom prize to Palestinian journalists reporting on the Gaza conflict, acknowledging their bravery in the face of danger. The award comes amidst a backdrop of escalating violence against journalists globally, particularly those covering environmental issues.
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The Home Office has allocated an additional \\(192,000 for the Scotland Yard investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, bringing the total cost of the investigation to \\(13.2 million. Madeleine vanished in 2007 while on holiday in Portugal.
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China's President Xi Jinping is set to visit France, Hungary, and Serbia amidst escalating trade tensions with the EU, particularly regarding anti-subsidy investigations into Chinese electric vehicles and a raid on a Chinese security scanner maker's offices.
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Sky Atlantic's adaptation of The Tattooist of Auschwitz tells the love story of Lali Sokolov, a Slovak Jew who becomes a tattooist at Auschwitz, and Gita, a fellow prisoner. The series explores their romance amidst the horrors of the Holocaust, sparking a debate on the appropriateness of fiction in responding to historical tragedies. Additionally, an interview with Hilary Swank reveals the challenges she faced with health insurance despite her success in the film industry.
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House Republicans are gearing up to push colleges to tackle violence and destruction at campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. President Biden has addressed the unrest, condemning violence and antisemitism at pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses.
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Harvey Weinstein will be retried in New York after his 2020 rape conviction was overturned. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is committed to seeking justice for survivors of sexual assault.
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President Biden has signed a bill requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a US ban, with the option to extend the deadline by three months. TikTok plans to challenge the law in court, asserting its commitment to continue operating in the US.
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A landmark antitrust trial against Google concludes after final arguments, with the Justice Department and state attorneys general alleging Google's monopoly over the search business. Google denies the claims, arguing its dominance stems from excellence. The trial, presided over by Judge Amit P. Mehta, featured testimony from industry leaders and revealed Google's significant payments to secure default search engine status. The ruling, expected in the coming weeks, could set precedents for future antitrust cases against tech giants.
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A series of tornadoes have torn through Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Kansas, causing widespread destruction, leaving many injured, and claiming lives. The tornadoes have flattened homes, ripped off roofs, and left thousands without power.
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Boeing faces turmoil as a second whistleblower, Joshua Dean, dies from a mystery infection, following the death of another whistleblower, John Barnett. The company also reports a $355 million loss in revenue, and its CEO, Dave Calhoun, announces his resignation.
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South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has faced backlash after admitting in her book that she shot her dog Cricket and an unruly goat. The revelation has led to public disapproval and criticism, with even Hillary Clinton weighing in on the controversy.
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Amgen's experimental weight-loss drug MariTide shows promising results, leading to a stock rally. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk is lowering prices of its weight loss drug Wegovy to increase sales volumes amidst tough competition.
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Three women in New Mexico were diagnosed with HIV after receiving 'vampire facial' procedures at an unlicensed spa. The CDC's investigation revealed that the spa reused disposable equipment, leading to HIV transmission. This marks the first documented cases of HIV transmission through cosmetic services using needles.
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Former President Donald Trump has been fined $9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order in his hush money trial, facing potential jail time for attacking witnesses and jurors. Judge Juan M. Merchan warned Trump to comply with the court's orders or face further punishment.
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Lindsey and David Barber, a tech power couple with successful businesses, have chosen not to retire early despite having enough savings. They prioritize flexibility and intentional living over traditional retirement goals.
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Retailers like Walmart and rue21 are closing stores across the U.S. due to financial challenges. Walmart is shutting down 51 health clinics and a virtual care service, while rue21 plans to close all 540 stores after filing for bankruptcy.
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An AI-controlled warplane, the X-62A VISTA, successfully completes a test flight with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on board, engaging in aerial combat with a human-piloted F-16 jet. The US Air Force plans to have over 1,000 AI-controlled jets in operation by 2028.
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Former President Donald Trump faces a criminal trial in New York over hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Witness testimonies, including that of former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, have highlighted a 'catch and kill' scheme to suppress damaging information about Trump during the 2016 election.
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Caitlin Clark's debut with the Indiana Fever has sparked a surge in WNBA ticket sales, with StubHub reporting a 93% increase. The general manager compares Clark to basketball legends Sue and Larry Bird, highlighting her potential impact on the league.
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The 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby is celebrated at Churchill Downs with new safety initiatives to prevent horse deaths. Festivities include colorful hats, mint juleps, and the excitement of the race.
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The Department of Energy is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the electrical grid, aiming to meet the growing energy demand for AI data centers. Through the establishment of a working group and issuing a report, the DOE is taking proactive steps to address the energy needs of the future.
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GOP Senate candidates vie for Trump's support as Thune and Cornyn endorse Kari Lake, who has raised significant funds. Trump expresses concern over Lake's out-of-state travels, potentially impacting her Senate race against Ruben Gallego. Meanwhile, Sen. JD Vance strengthens his loyalty to Trump, potentially positioning himself as a future VP pick.
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A Delta Boeing 767 flight from JFK Airport to Los Angeles experienced an emergency when its emergency slide detached mid-air. The slide was found washed up near a lawyer's home who is suing Boeing over safety issues.
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President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 recipients at a White House ceremony, including Al Gore, Michael Bloomberg, and Michelle Yeoh. The medal is America's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country's prosperity, values, or security.
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Hope Hicks, former aide to Donald Trump, testified in his criminal trial that she was instructed to deny his affair with Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump faces charges of falsifying business records to cover up a payment to Daniels. Hicks' testimony sheds light on the campaign's damage-control efforts amidst multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against Trump.