Year: 2023
- World News
UK civil servants strike despite government’s improved pay offer
Strikes by civil servants across the United Kingdom are set to continue despite the government presenting an improved pay offer. Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will participate in industrial action on Tuesday in Northern Ireland and Wednesday in Wales. The PCS has stated that the stoppages will persist as they evaluate the “significant concessions” related to…
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Nurse recruitment crisis: Ghana’s health system suffers as UK beckons
A growing number of nurses are leaving countries like Ghana to work in high-income nations, leading to concerns about a “brain-drain” and its impact on healthcare systems in poorer countries. In 2022, over 1,200 Ghanaian nurses joined the UK’s nursing register, as the National Health Service (NHS) increasingly depends on staff from non-EU countries to fill vacancies. Howard Catton, from…
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UK paediatricians demand ban on disposable vapes amid youth vaping surge
Paediatricians are urging a total ban on disposable e-cigarettes due to the potential harm they pose to young lungs and the environment. However, an anti-smoking advocacy group argues that such a ban would make quitting smoking more difficult for some adults and increase the illegal vape trade. UK governments are considering measures to reduce vaping among under-18s, including stricter regulations…
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CBI faces crucial vote on reform package amid misconduct scandal
Rain Newton-Smith, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), is urging members to approve a series of reforms in a critical vote that could determine the future of the embattled business lobby group. The CBI, a 59-year-old organization that has traditionally represented big business, is facing a potentially existential referendum at an extraordinary general meeting in London. Members…
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Fatal Virginia plane crash probed amid hypoxia concerns
Investigators in the United States are examining the wreckage of a small plane that veered off course and crashed in rural Virginia, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and three passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet disclosed the identities of those involved. The wreckage, described as “highly fragmented,” is scattered across a mountainous area, and it…
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Jim Hines, first to break 10-second barrier in 100m, dies aged 76
The world of athletics mourns the loss of Jim Hines, the first man to complete the 100m race in under 10 seconds, who has passed away at the age of 76. Hines set the groundbreaking record in 1968, achieving a hand-timed 9.9 seconds at the US Championships. He then surpassed his own record at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City,…
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Canada faces worst wildfire season on record, burning area size of Belgium
Canada is preparing for what could be its most severe wildfire season to date, with 2,214 fires already recorded this year, burning an area roughly equivalent to the size of Belgium. Forecasters predict the risk of wildfires will escalate in June and remain unusually high throughout the summer. Jonathan Wilkinson, the federal natural resources minister, described the season’s projections as…
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Pence battles Trump for 2024 GOP nomination and evangelical vote
The prospect of a 2024 presidential campaign led by Mike Pence, with his background in Congress and experience as a state governor, would have been highly promising in a conventional political landscape. As a former vice-president, Pence has had numerous high-profile roles within the administration and four years to establish connections with his party’s grassroots. Additionally, he is a methodical…
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Prince Harry’s US visa under scrutiny amid drug use revelations
A US judge is set to hear an appeal from the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, demanding that Prince Harry’s visa application be made public due to his past drug use. The federal court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Washington DC and will be open to the media. In his memoir Spare, released in January, Prince Harry admitted…
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Landmark defamation trial reveals decorated soldier’s lies and murder cover-up
A recent ruling in a high-profile defamation case has found that Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living soldier, lied to hide his misconduct and threatened witnesses. The judgement also determined that Roberts-Smith was “complicit in and responsible for” the murder of three Afghans. The case involved a defamation suit against three Australian newspapers, which Roberts-Smith accused of ruining his life…
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Green Party secures first Northern Ireland mayoral role amid budget cuts
The Green Party in Northern Ireland has achieved a historic milestone by securing its first-ever mayoral position, with Áine Groogan being appointed as the deputy lord mayor of Belfast. This development comes after the party lost three seats in the recent Northern Ireland council elections, including the seat held by party leader Mal O’Hara in Belfast. Today, seven of Northern…
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Mass hack hits BBC, British Airways, Boots, and Aer Lingus, exposing staff data
A series of organisations, including the BBC, British Airways, Boots, and Aer Lingus, have been impacted by a large-scale cyber attack. Employees have been alerted that personal information, such as national insurance numbers and, in some cases, bank details, may have been compromised. The hackers infiltrated a widely-used software program, enabling them to access multiple companies simultaneously. No ransom demands…
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Princess Eugenie welcomes baby boy Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank
Princess Eugenie has shared the joyful news of the arrival of her second child, a baby boy, on Instagram. Born on May 30, the young royal has been named Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank. Eugenie, 32, and her husband Jack Brooksbank welcomed the 7lb 1oz baby, whose names pay tribute to his great-great-great grandfather George, his grandpa George, and Eugenie’s grandpa…
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Riptide suspected in Bournemouth beach drowning of girl and teenage boy
A riptide is believed to have caused the tragic drowning of a 17-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl off Bournemouth beach, according to an inquest. Joe Abbess from Southampton and Sunnah Khan from Buckinghamshire both passed away in hospital following the incident. The inquest held at Dorset Coroner’s Court suggested that a riptide may have led to the pair’s drowning.…
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Tory MP Bob Stewart charged with racial abuse in Bahrain row
Conservative MP Bob Stewart is facing charges of racially abusing a man he allegedly told to “return to Bahrain.” The incident took place outside an event hosted by the Bahraini embassy in December last year, where the Beckenham MP was confronted by a human rights activist regarding his connections to the country. Stewart, 73 years old, is set to appear…
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Last Wilson cabinet member Lord Morris of Aberavon dies at 91
Lord Morris of Aberavon, the final remaining member of Harold Wilson’s cabinet and the last Labour MP elected in the 1950s, has passed away at the age of 91. Previously known as John Morris, he held the position of Welsh secretary under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, and served as attorney general during Tony Blair’s tenure. Lord Morris was one…
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COVID inquiry chair may resign if WhatsApp battle lost to government
The chair of the COVID inquiry, Baroness Hallett, has been cautioned that resigning may be the “only logical response” if she loses the battle with the government over access to unredacted WhatsApp messages. Solicitor Elkan Abrahamson, representing the COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group, expressed his concerns after the government decided to launch a judicial review into Baroness Hallett’s…
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Lewis Capaldi cancels commitments for rest before Glastonbury performance
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi has announced the cancellation of all his upcoming commitments until his performance at Glastonbury later this month. The 26-year-old artist cited the need for rest and recovery after an intense period both mentally and physically. Capaldi is set to perform on Glastonbury’s renowned Pyramid stage on Saturday, June 24, before Lizzo and headliner Guns N’ Roses.…
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Nurse on trial accused of poisoning two babies with insulin
The murder trial of Lucy Letby, a 33-year-old nurse, has revealed that she was one of only two nurses on duty when two baby boys were poisoned with insulin eight months apart. The prosecution alleges that Letby added unprescribed insulin to a bag or bags containing nutrients that were intravenously given to Child F in August 2015 at the Countess…
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Harry’s High Court battle: Duke fights Mirror’s alleged illegal info use
Prince Harry is set to appear at the High Court as he seeks to prove that Mirror Group Newspapers published articles about him using illegally obtained information spanning over two decades. The Duke of Sussex was not present in court when his case against the newspaper group opened, but his lawyer, David Sherborne, shared some of the articles that will…
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Prince Harry accuses Daily Mirror of hacking Diana’s voicemails
The trial involving Prince Harry has commenced with intense revelations and claims about phone hacking, dating back to his childhood years. The prince has accused the Daily Mirror of hacking into his mother, Princess Diana’s voicemail messages, expressing that she was left “devastated” when private conversations she had with entertainer Michael Barrymore were published in the paper under Piers Morgan’s…
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Manchester hospital baby death investigated for possible gross negligence
The death of an infant girl in Manchester is being investigated by police for possible gross negligence manslaughter. The baby, Polly Lindop, passed away at St Mary’s Hospital within 24 hours of her birth on March 13. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) announced their investigation after concerns were raised to the force and the coroner. Polly’s family expressed their gratitude to…
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British Airways staff’s personal data exposed in cyber attack on payroll provider
British Airways (BA) has confirmed that its entire UK-based workforce has been affected by a cyberattack that exposed personal data, including bank and contact details. The incident is linked to a zero-day vulnerability in Progress Software’s MOVEit file transfer system, which was exploited by hackers to access information from various global companies using the platform. Thousands of firms are believed…
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Pardon granted to Australian mum after 20 years for infant deaths
After spending 20 years in prison, Kathleen Folbigg, once labelled “Australia’s worst female serial killer,” has been pardoned following new evidence suggesting she did not kill her four infant children. In 2003, Folbigg was jailed for 25 years for the murders of three of her children and the manslaughter of her first son. The children died suddenly between 1989 and…
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Russian officer detained by Wagner group after firing on vehicle in Ukraine
Tensions between the Wagner mercenary group and the Russian army have escalated following an incident in which a regular Russian army officer allegedly fired at a Wagner vehicle in Ukraine. The officer claimed in a video that he was intoxicated at the time and acted out of personal animosity towards the group. This comes after Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, accused…
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Holly Willoughby addresses Schofield exit on emotional This Morning return
Holly Willoughby expressed her feelings of being “shaken, troubled and let down” as she returned to ITV’s This Morning following the departure of her co-host Phillip Schofield. The presenter’s first appearance since Schofield’s exit was met with mixed reactions from viewers on social media, with some questioning her sincerity. Schofield left his role on This Morning last month amid reports…
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Scotland stabbing: Man dies in Fraserburgh as police investigate incident
A man’s death in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, is being investigated by authorities following what is believed to be a stabbing incident. Police Scotland reported that officers responded to a call about an injured individual on Watermill Road around 6pm on Sunday. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Additionally, a 19-year-old man was discovered…
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Blood test for zombie cells may boost heart transplant availability
A groundbreaking blood test capable of identifying “zombie cells” may significantly increase the number of hearts available for transplant, according to new research. At present, donor hearts from individuals over 65 years old are typically not used due to concerns about potential negative outcomes. However, experts argue that age alone does not necessarily determine heart health, as hearts age at…
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Third complaint against suspended ex-Labour MP over inappropriate behaviour
A third formal complaint has surfaced against former Labour MP Geraint Davies, who was recently suspended due to allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Davies, who has represented Swansea West since 1997, was suspended by the Labour Party after several accusations emerged in the media. While he denies the claims, two women have already lodged formal complaints, and it is now understood…
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England’s first universal basic income trial to pay 30 participants £1,600 monthly
England is set to conduct its first trial of universal basic income (UBI), with 30 individuals receiving £1,600 per month without any conditions. The trial aims to explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing UBI as a means to simplify the welfare system and address poverty. Universal basic income is a guaranteed income provided to all individuals in society,…
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Ofcom dismisses complaints over Bridgerton star’s ‘terribly white’ balcony remark
The broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, has decided not to take action over a comment made by Bridgerton actress Adjoa Andoh during ITV’s live coverage of the King’s coronation celebrations on May 6. The 60-year-old actress remarked on the “terribly white” appearance of the Buckingham Palace balcony as the royal family waved to the crowds. Ofcom received 8,371 complaints from viewers about…
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Sunak announces 2 more barges to house asylum seekers, claims plan working
In an effort to reduce Channel crossings, Rishi Sunak has announced the acquisition of two additional barges to accommodate asylum seekers. The prime minister did not disclose the location of the barges, but confirmed they would have the capacity to house an extra one thousand migrants who enter the UK illegally. The government has already secured the Bibby Stockholm, a…
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Holly Willoughby addresses Schofield’s exit on emotional This Morning return
Holly Willoughby expressed her feelings of disappointment and concern during her first appearance on This Morning since the resignation of her former co-host, Phillip Schofield, over a relationship with a younger man. The 42-year-old presenter delivered an emotional statement addressing the situation, stating that she and the show’s team had given their love and support to someone who wasn’t being…
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US Navy condemns ‘unsafe interaction’ as Chinese warship crosses destroyer’s path
The US Navy has shared a video highlighting an “unsafe interaction” in the Taiwan Strait, as a Chinese warship crossed dangerously close to a US destroyer, raising concerns amid strained Sino-US relations. The incident occurred during a routine transit of the strait by the USS Chung-Hoon and Canada’s HSMC Montreal, with the Chinese vessel coming within 137 metres of the…
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UN alarmed by Hong Kong detentions on Tiananmen Square anniversary
The United Nations expressed alarm over detentions in Hong Kong connected to the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. Meanwhile, China stated that the financial hub was progressing from “chaos” to prosperity. Hong Kong police detained 23 individuals yesterday for “breaching public peace” and arrested a 53 year old woman for “obstructing police officers” on the anniversary of the…
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Newly engaged teen dies in tragic car accident, grief-stricken family mourns
A 19 year old man tragically died in a car accident after crashing into a tree just days after his engagement. The victim was driving back home from his fiancée’s house when he lost his life in the early hours of the incident. At around 3.30am, police officer Sirichai Charoen Siri, from the Prakhon Chai Police Station in Buriram province,…
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Khao Yai National Park holiday weekend visitor surge generates almost 800,000 baht
Khao Yai National Park experienced an influx of visitors during this weekend’s holiday from June 3-5, with almost 800,000 baht generated in revenue from entrance fees alone, according to park chief Chaiya Huayhongthong. Over the holiday period, 13,370 Thai and foreign tourists visited the park, entering through two main entry points – the Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine in Pak…
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