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Olly Alexander has spoken out against calls to boycott Eurovision due to Israel's participation, emphasizing the importance of peace and unity. The singer, along with other contestants, affirmed their commitment to performing in the competition despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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Switzerland emerges victorious in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with singer Nemo and their song 'The Code'. Nemo, a non-binary artist, wins over both the jury and public voters, making history as the first non-binary artist to win Eurovision. The competition is marred by controversy over Israel's participation, with protests and disruptions both inside and outside the arena.
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David Cameron calls on the BBC to label Hamas as terrorists after the group claimed a British-Israeli hostage died in Gaza from injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike.
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Former UK Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has admitted to paying nearly £5m to settle his tax affairs, following accusations of a smear campaign. This revelation comes after Zahawi announced his resignation as an MP at the next election.
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Abba's virtual residency at the Abba Arena in London with AR avatars, potential hologram performance at Eurovision, and Olly Alexander representing the UK at Eurovision mark a nostalgic and innovative era in music.
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The UK refuses to follow the US in halting arms sales to Israel despite concerns over an imminent Israeli offensive in Rafah. David Cameron and the British foreign secretary have expressed opposition to the offensive but are reluctant to cease arms shipments, citing potential consequences.
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UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron defends the country's arms sales to Israel, emphasizing the difference in scale compared to the US. This comes after US President Biden threatened to halt weapons supply if Israel attacks Rafah, a move that has faced criticism for not being matched by the UK.
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Labour faces pressure and criticism over its workers' rights reforms, with leaked documents revealing plans to ban fire and rehire, sparking backlash from unions. Trade union leaders are set to meet Keir Starmer amid concerns of watering down the policy, while Labour's proposal to allow employees to choose zero-hour contracts despite pledging to ban them has drawn further criticism.
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Olly Alexander's Eurovision journey ends in disappointment as his song 'Dizzy' receives zero points from the public vote, finishing 18th overall. Despite criticism of his vocals and a wardrobe malfunction during the semi-final, the former Years & Years singer remains positive about the experience.
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P&O Ferries CEO Peter Hebblethwaite has admitted that some workers are paid as little as £4.87 per hour, sparking outrage. This revelation comes two years after the company sacked 786 UK-based workers and replaced them with lower-paid agency staff. The CEO's acknowledgment has reignited scrutiny over the treatment of workers in the maritime industry.
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Eva Wiseman explores the nuances of giving and receiving compliments, while another individual reflects on identifying with TV characters in ensemble comedies.
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David Moyes bid farewell to West Ham with a 3-1 win over Luton in his final home match, securing a top-ten finish. Moyes, who had been in charge for four-and-a-half years, will be succeeded by Julen Lopetegui. Gianfranco Zola was sacked as West Ham manager in 2010 after a disappointing season.
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AI chatbots simulating dead people, known as deadbots, risk causing psychological harm to the bereaved through unwanted digital hauntings. Cambridge University researchers highlight the potential for distress and psychological impact from these AI recreations, urging the need for safety protocols to prevent harm.
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Thunderstorms and heavy downpours are set to strike across large parts of the UK, with warnings of flooding and travel disruption. The Met Office has issued yellow weather alerts covering various regions, with temperatures reaching as high as 27C before thundery breakdowns. The warnings stretch from Scotland to England and Wales, with the potential for fast-flowing floodwater, lightning strikes, and hail causing danger to life. The storms are expected to bring an end to the warm spell experienced in the UK, impacting travel and daily activities.
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The M25 in Surrey has been closed over the weekend between junctions nine and 10 for roadworks, with a new bridge being installed. The closure caused major delays and congestion in the surrounding areas. However, National Highways has announced that the road will reopen as planned at 06:00 BST on Monday.
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The UK, often seen as the underdog in Eurovision, has won the contest five times and come second 16 times. Notable wins include Sandie Shaw's 'Puppet On A String' in 1967 and Lulu's 'Boom Bang-A-Bang' in 1969.
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Rufus Wainwright's West End musical 'Opening Night' closes two months early due to Brexit-related backlash. The play, starring Sheridan Smith, faced mixed reviews and audience antipathy, leading to its premature closure. Wainwright attributes the negative response to Brexit, suggesting England's post-referendum 'narrow outlook' impacted the play's reception.
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Josh O'Connor delivers a standout performance in Alice Rohrwacher's film 'La Chimera' as Arthur, a British archaeologist entangled with grave robbers in 1980s Tuscany.
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Stars gather at the BAFTA TV Awards in London, with shows like Happy Valley and The Crown in contention for top honors. Meanwhile, the Cannes film festival faces a shadow of abuse allegations in the European entertainment industry.
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Rishi Sunak is set to deliver a speech outlining bold ideas ahead of the general election, aiming to restore confidence and pride in the UK. He warns of significant changes in the next five years and the country facing dangerous yet transformational times.
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British universities are facing protests over the war in Gaza, with students calling for their institutions to cut ties with companies supplying arms to Israel. The government, led by Rishi Sunak and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, is urging university leaders to protect Jewish students and ensure campuses remain safe amid the demonstrations.
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A groundbreaking gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease has been initiated in the US, offering hope to thousands. In the UK, the NHS is set to roll out Voxelator, a transformative drug, to improve the lives of sickle cell patients.
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Sadiq Khan has been re-elected for a historic third term as the Mayor of London, securing over 1,088,000 votes. Conservative candidate Susan Hall accused Wes Streeting of endangering her safety with comments linking her victory to racists and white supremacists.
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Calls for changes in child contact laws intensify as Tory MP and campaigners advocate for prioritizing the safety of domestic abuse victims over parental rights. Meanwhile, outrage erupts as the UK government's 'duty to report' legislation falls short of expectations, excluding key professionals from reporting child sexual abuse.
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An ongoing extreme solar storm has extended the rare chance to see the Northern Lights into another week, with the celestial light shows rarely viewable in the U.S. The storm has the potential to disrupt communications, the electric power grid, and navigation systems.
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Three prominent UK figures named David - Cameron, Lammy, and Miliband - deliver foreign policy speeches outlining the country's stance in a changing global landscape.
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Tory and Labour politicians clash over the two-child benefit cap, with Suella Braverman calling for its abolition, while Labour faces internal debate after reversing its stance due to affordability concerns.
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Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner is facing a police probe over her council house sale in 2015. Greater Manchester Police have contacted her to arrange an interview regarding allegations of breaching electoral law and tax issues. Rayner denies any wrongdoing and has vowed to cooperate with the investigation.
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The most powerful solar storm in over two decades struck Earth, causing celestial light shows from Tasmania to Britain and posing threats to satellites and power grids.
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Laura Kuenssberg steps down as BBC's political editor after seven years, Skepta reveals Idris Elba's influence on his new film project, and Everton manager Sean Dyche reflects on a surreal week after avoiding relegation and appearing in a music video.
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Allegations of covert surveillance by the Police Service of Northern Ireland on journalists, including Vincent Kearney and Barry McCaffrey, have emerged. The journalists were reportedly targeted for their investigative work on sensitive topics such as the Loughinisland massacre. The BBC has initiated legal action over the alleged surveillance, raising concerns about press freedom and the protection of journalistic sources.
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Martin Freeman impresses in the return of The Responder, while controversy surrounds an interview by Piers Morgan. Jessica Gunning's performance in Baby Reindeer receives accolades, and filmmaker Kit Vincent's battle with a brain tumour is documented.
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Billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Eric Schmidt, and Patrick Gruhn make extravagant purchases, from luxury yachts to historic artifacts like a gold-plated pocket watch owned by a Titanic passenger.
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams visits Rome, meeting with Pope Francis and touring a migrant welcome center, seeking inspiration for similar initiatives in New York.
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Tory chaos deepens as Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen blames Rishi Sunak for party's woes. Labour surges ahead with a 30-point lead over the Conservatives in a new poll.
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Khloe Kardashian shares her struggle with naming her son, waiting eight months to legally name him Tatum. Gemma Collins reveals heartbreak after being advised to have a termination during her pregnancy.
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Rail passengers in England face significant disruption as Aslef union members stage a three-day strike over pay and conditions, affecting various rail companies. Services in the west of England, Midlands, and routes to Scotland and Wales are severely impacted, with LNER, Northern Trains, and TransPennine Express drivers also joining the strike.
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Andrey Rublev shows unwavering support for Jack Draper's tennis potential ahead of the Italian Open, highlighting Draper's promising future in the sport.
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Tech companies face legal challenges over the use of news articles for training AI chatbots, with eight U.S. newspapers suing OpenAI and Microsoft. Reddit also requires agreements for accessing public data for AI use, while Meta leverages Instagram and Facebook photos for AI training.
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The UK economy has grown by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2024, moving out of recession. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expresses confidence in the economy, but critics accuse him of being out of touch and performing a 'victory lap'. Bank of England boss Andrew Bailey also notes a positive turn in the economy amidst a cost of living crisis.
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The UK government has announced a new WorkWell programme to assist long-term sick individuals back into work, with a pilot scheme set to begin in 15 areas across England from October. The programme aims to provide tailored support services, such as physiotherapy and counselling, to help individuals with health conditions or disabilities stay in or return to work. The proposed changes include having specialist work and health professionals issue fit notes instead of GPs, sparking criticism from some who view the reforms as an assault on disabled people.
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Young athletes, Tom Lockyer and Ben Wells, face premature retirement due to heart conditions after suffering cardiac-related incidents during their respective sports matches.
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Kevin Sinfield, alongside over 14,000 participants, took part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Sinfield expressed his gratitude to all involved, including his former teammate Rob Burrow, who greeted him at the finish line. The event, which also included a half marathon, aimed to support various charities and initiatives, such as the construction of a Rob Burrow Centre for MND.
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Scotland's health secretary is reviewing the Cass report on gender healthcare, with a recommitment to banning conversion therapy. The Scottish Conservatives are urging the SNP to implement the recommendations fully, following criticism of the lack of evidence around medical interventions for trans children.
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Andrew Malkinson, wrongly jailed for 17 years, now relies on a foodbank as he awaits compensation after being released in July 2023. Despite public assumptions, he has not received any state compensation and is paying back overpayments from his universal credit. Malkinson, living in a one-bedroom council flat in southern England, highlights the challenges faced by those wrongfully convicted.
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England's leading wicket-taker, James Anderson, will retire from Test cricket after the first Test against West Indies in July. The decision follows talks with coach Brendon McCullum to shape England's bowling attack for the future.
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Comedian Joe Lycett attended the Bafta TV Awards dressed as Queen Elizabeth I after a promise to his aunties. The event took place on the hottest day of the year in London, with Lycett's outfit drawing attention and laughter from attendees.
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Burnley's relegation after a defeat at Tottenham, Yokohama's victory over Al Ain in the AFC Champions League, and the upcoming clash between Harry Kewell and Hernan Crespo in the Asian Champions League final have dominated recent sports headlines.
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British farmers are facing a crisis as record wet weather, exacerbated by the climate crisis and post-Brexit changes, has led to a collapse in confidence. The NFU survey reveals that over 80% of farmers have been negatively impacted, with many considering reducing food production. Extreme weather conditions have caused widespread flooding, leading to financial, mental, and ecological strain on farm owners.
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Top Boy, Happy Valley, and The Sixth Commandment were the big winners at the Bafta TV Awards, with Timothy Spall and Sarah Lancashire taking home Best Actor and Best Actress awards respectively. Lorraine Kelly also received a Bafta Special Award at the ceremony.
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Kings of Leon and Dua Lipa have both released new albums, with Kings of Leon's 'Can We Please Have Fun' showcasing a return to their original sound, while Dua Lipa's 'Radical Optimism' explores retro-inspired dance pop.
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Gareth Southgate, the England boss, remains focused on leading the national team at Euro 2024 despite being linked to the Manchester United managerial position. Southgate's contract with the Football Association expires in December, and he is reportedly a candidate for the United job. However, Southgate emphasized his commitment to England and the upcoming tournament.
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The UK is on alert for thunderstorms following the hottest day of the year, with heavy rain and lightning expected in various regions. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for thunderstorms, cautioning about possible flooding and power cuts. Temperatures soared to record levels, but are now set to give way to stormy weather.
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England's women's cricket team overcame a top-order collapse to secure a 53-run victory against Pakistan in the T20 series opener. Captain Heather Knight's stability and Danielle Gibson's late flourish propelled England to 163-6. Pakistan started well but faltered, losing their last seven wickets for just 31 runs, finishing at 110 all out.
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Manchester United's women's team secures their first Women's FA Cup title with a dominant 4-0 victory over Tottenham at Wembley. Ella Toone, Rachel Williams, and Lucia Garcia were the goal scorers in a historic win for the club.
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Director Wes Ball's 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' introduces a new chapter in the franchise, set in a future where apes and humans coexist in a changed world. The film follows the journey of a young chimp, Noa, and a human, Mae, as they navigate a society where legends are twisted and alliances are tested.
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Ncuti Gatwa impresses as the new Doctor in Doctor Who, with critics praising his performance and chemistry with co-star Millie Gibson. The latest season, overseen by Russell T Davies, showcases Gatwa's charm and eccentricity, drawing comparisons to past Time Lords. The opening episodes, though uneven, highlight Gatwa's talent and the potential for a fresh, exciting era of the long-running sci-fi series.
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The UK government is contemplating weakening its carbon-cutting plans by potentially carrying over unused carbon budget, going against the Climate Change Committee's advice. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has released guidelines for tax breaks to enhance sustainable aviation fuel production.
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The Championship and League One play-off semi-finals saw Norwich and Leeds draw 0-0, Crewe win a penalty shootout to reach the League Two playoff final, Oxford draw with Peterborough to progress to the League One playoff final, and Bolton edge Barnsley 5-4 on aggregate to secure a place in the League One playoff final.
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Actors Jonathan Bailey, an unnamed actor, Josh O'Connor, and Ben Schwartz share insights into their careers and experiences in the entertainment industry.
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Real estate investor Joel Miller shares his success story in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the used car market sees a drop in demand and value as the new-car market rebounds. Home sellers are experiencing changing fortunes as prices rise modestly in the real estate market.
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Debut novelist Kaliane Bradley's 'The Ministry of Time' and Colm TóibÃn's sequel 'Long Island' are making waves in the literary world, with Oprah Winfrey selecting TóibÃn's book for her book club.
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British boxer Conor Benn has been provisionally suspended from fighting following successful appeals by BBBofC and UKAD. The appeals were made after Benn twice tested positive for the banned drug clomifene in 2022, leading to his initial suspension. Despite the suspension being lifted in July 2023, it has now been reinstated, preventing Benn from participating in any boxing events.
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Russian President Putin announces a significant cabinet reshuffle, replacing longtime ally Sergei Shoigu as defense minister with economist Andrei Belousov. Shoigu will move to the Security Council. The move comes amid heightened military activity in Ukraine.
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Switzerland emerges victorious in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with the song 'The Code' by singer Nemo, amidst controversy surrounding Israel's participation and protests. Ireland's contestant, Bambie Thug, speaks out against restrictions on pro-Palestinian messages.
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Georgia witnesses massive protests in Tbilisi against a 'foreign influence' bill, with critics fearing it mirrors repressive Russian laws. The demonstrations mark the largest public action since the Rose Revolution of 2003. A Russian man attending the protests has been arrested, adding to the tensions.
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Target faces backlash and lower sales over its decision to limit the availability of Pride Month merchandise in stores, opting for select locations and online sales. Last year's outrage over LGBTQ+ displays has led to a more cautious approach this year.
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Egypt has decided to formally join South Africa in accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention during the war in Gaza. This move comes amidst escalating Israeli attacks against Palestinian civilians, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Israel's control of the Rafah border crossing has halted humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, further exacerbating the situation. South Africa has requested the UN's top court to issue constraints on Israel, demanding its withdrawal from Rafah to prevent further harm to civilians.
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Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified their attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, targeting vessels in response to the conflict in Gaza. The attacks have led to disruptions in global trade routes and raised concerns about the safety of maritime navigation in the region.
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A fourth Indian national, Amandeep Singh, 22, has been arrested and charged in Canada for the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Singh was already in custody for unrelated firearms charges before being charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. This case has strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India, with allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing.
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Spain's Socialist party emerges victorious in Catalonia's regional elections, a test for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's amnesty measure for separatists. Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont campaigns from France for the elections.
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Russian forces have launched a renewed attack on Ukraine's Kharkiv region, capturing villages and causing civilian evacuations. Thousands have been evacuated as Russia claims advances in both the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, with casualties reported in missile and drone attacks.
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China's auto show highlights the dominance of electric and hybrid vehicles, with EVs taking precedence over petrol cars. Tesla faces tough competition in China, with local rival BYD outselling it. The EV market in China is booming, with 117 new cars debuting at the Beijing auto show. Tesla sues an Indian battery maker over brand name infringement, while also struggling with falling sales, competition, and internal challenges. The global EV market is facing a slowdown, with major automakers scaling back EV goals. Tesla's sales are down, and the company is making significant layoffs, including its Supercharger team.
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Canadian rapper Drake's Toronto mansion has been targeted in a series of incidents, including a drive-by shooting where a security guard was shot in the chest, an attempted break-in by an intruder who was later apprehended under the Mental Health Act, and a second intruder who had an altercation with security guards.
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Two months before the Paris Olympics, WADA is embroiled in a crisis over allegations of covering up positive tests of Chinese swimmers at the last Summer Games, raising doubts about the agency's credibility and the fairness of the upcoming competition.
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The US is set to announce a $400 million military aid package for Ukraine, while the EU has agreed to use frozen Russian assets to buy weapons for Ukraine, aiming to support the country in its defense against Russia's invasion.
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Thailand's Prime Minister has announced plans to re-list cannabis as a narcotic by the end of 2024, reversing the country's decriminalization of the drug for recreational use. The move aims to restrict cannabis use to medical and health purposes only.
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Flash floods in northern Afghanistan have killed hundreds and injured over 1,600 people. The floods, caused by heavy seasonal rains, have destroyed thousands of homes and livestock in provinces like Baghlan, Takhar, and Badakhshan.
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The 2024 Pulitzer Prizes were awarded for coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with outlets like The New York Times, ProPublica, and Reuters receiving recognition for their reporting. ProPublica exposed financial entanglements involving Justice Clarence Thomas, while The New York Times won for international reporting on the conflict. The Invisible Institute and Reuters also received awards for their coverage.
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Duke University graduates walked out during Jerry Seinfeld's commencement speech, with some students protesting his support for Israel by chanting 'Free Palestine.' Seinfeld, who has been vocal about his backing of Israel, received an honorary degree amidst mixed reactions from the audience.
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TikTok is taking steps to enhance transparency by automatically labeling AI-generated content from other platforms using digital watermarks. This move aims to combat misinformation and provide users with clear context about the origin of content.
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Warren Buffett has been selling off stocks, including a significant portion of his Apple stake, amassing a record cash pile of $189 billion. He warned of AI scams at Berkshire's annual meeting and disclosed a sharp drop in first-quarter profits.
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Derby trials see Los Angeles and Ambiente Friendly secure victories, while City Of Troy disappoints at Newmarket. In the 150th Kentucky Derby, Mystik Dan emerges victorious in a thrilling finish, beating Sierra Leone and Forever Young.
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Tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft are pouring billions into Southeast Asia, with Amazon announcing a $9 billion investment in Singapore for cloud infrastructure expansion and Microsoft committing $1.7 billion in Indonesia for cloud and AI infrastructure over four years.
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Former President Trump accuses President Biden of running a 'Gestapo administration' and makes false claims about the 2020 election results.
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The high costs of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are under scrutiny, with concerns raised by Tricia Neuman from KFF and an investigation launched by Senator Bernie Sanders. The head of Congress' budget scorekeeper has emphasized the necessity for a significant reduction in costs to avoid increasing the national deficit.
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Recent incidents on flights include a passenger allegedly caressing another's groin on a BA flight, two men engaging in a physical fight on a Spirit Airlines plane, and disruptive passengers being escorted off an EasyJet flight.
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Britney Spears faces concerns over her well-being after paramedics were called to the Chateau Marmont hotel in LA. Paparazzi photos show Spears leaving the hotel barefoot, clutching a blanket and pillow. Spears later addressed the incident on social media, downplaying the situation and attributing it to a twisted ankle.
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New Marine One helicopters, part of a $5 billion program, can't carry President Biden due to a risk of scorching the White House lawn. The issue of grass scorching was first identified in 2018, leading to restrictions on the new VH-92 Patriot helicopters. Biden continues to be transported by older VH-3D Sea King helicopters.
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AI security innovations are reshaping the cybersecurity sector, with new products and investment opportunities emerging. Thoma Bravo discusses the potential of overvalued cybersecurity startups, while AI security companies unveil cutting-edge products at the RSA Conference. CISA chief highlights the risks of AI in the hands of cybercriminals.
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California's government is set to deploy generative artificial intelligence tools to enhance public services, partnering with tech giants like Microsoft-backed OpenAI and Google-backed Anthropic. The state aims to reduce traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and provide improved tax guidance through these innovative tools.
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Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava have both resigned from their titles, citing mental health concerns and misalignment of personal values with the organization. The resignations have brought attention to workplace culture and treatment of pageant winners.
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Renowned mathematician and pioneering investor Jim Simons, who co-founded Renaissance Technologies, passed away at 86 in New York City. Simons transitioned from academia to Wall Street in 1978, using mathematical modeling to revolutionize investment strategies and amass a net worth exceeding $30 billion.
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Former President Donald Trump rallies in New Jersey with potential running mate Doug Burgum, while dismissing speculation of Nikki Haley as his running mate.
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Former President Donald Trump solicited a $1bn donation from oil executives at Mar-a-Lago, promising to reverse President Biden's environmental policies if re-elected. Oil giants are reportedly drafting executive orders for Trump to sign if he returns to the White House.