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Australia's government plans to introduce legislation banning social media access for children under 16, citing mental health concerns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the proposal, which will be tabled in Parliament on November 18, 2024, and take effect a year later, placing enforcement responsibility on social media platforms.
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Recent discoveries highlight the ongoing struggles for recognition and preservation of cultural heritage, including the identification of victims from the Tulsa Race Massacre and the return of remains from historical cases in Scotland. Additionally, the demolition of cemeteries in Cairo raises ethical concerns about urban development and respect for the deceased.
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Walmart reported strong third-quarter earnings, exceeding expectations with a 5% sales increase, while Target's results fell short, leading to a significant drop in its stock. Both retailers are navigating a cautious consumer landscape influenced by inflation and changing shopping behaviors ahead of the holiday season.
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Farmers are protesting in Westminster against Labour's new inheritance tax policy affecting agricultural land. The government plans to impose a 20% tax on farms valued over £1 million starting April 2026, leading to accusations of betrayal from rural communities who feel misled by pre-election promises.
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Recent government analysis reveals that cuts to the winter fuel allowance will push an estimated 100,000 pensioners in England and Wales into relative poverty. The decision to restrict payments to only those on pension credit has sparked significant criticism and protests, as many fear they will struggle to afford heating this winter.
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The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded that Google's investment in AI startup Anthropic does not warrant a full investigation under merger rules. The CMA found no evidence of Google gaining material influence over Anthropic, which develops AI models and chatbots.
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Five alleged members of the hacking group Scattered Spider face federal charges for conducting phishing attacks that stole millions in cryptocurrency and compromised numerous companies. The group has been linked to high-profile cyberattacks, including those on MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment.
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A proposed breakaway rugby league, backed by US and Middle Eastern investors, aims to attract top players with lucrative contracts and a reduced match schedule. The Rugby Football Union warns that players joining this league would sacrifice their international careers, raising concerns about the future of rugby's traditional structures.
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The UK Labour Party faces internal divisions ahead of a historic vote on assisted dying legislation scheduled for November 29. Key ministers publicly express opposing views, complicating the government's neutral stance on the issue. The debate centers on moral implications and potential impacts on NHS resources.
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Ford plans to cut 4,000 jobs in Europe by 2027 due to economic pressures and weak EV sales. Meanwhile, Jaguar halts new vehicle sales in the UK until 2026 as it transitions to an all-electric lineup. These moves reflect broader challenges in the automotive industry amid shifting consumer preferences and regulatory pressures.
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Kate Mulcahy, a 37-year-old mother of four, died in a house fire in Greater Manchester on November 10, 2024. Her children survived the blaze, prompting an outpouring of tributes from family and friends who remembered her kindness and warmth. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent budget has sparked significant criticism and market reactions, with rising gilt yields and concerns over Labour's fiscal policies. The budget's tax increases and spending reforms have raised fears of economic stagnation, impacting the housing market and investor confidence as job losses loom in various sectors.
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Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old Indian woman, was found dead in a car boot in London. Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, is the prime suspect and is believed to have fled the country. Brella had previously reported domestic abuse to the police, raising concerns about their response.
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With Republicans gaining control of Congress, they are strategizing to extend tax cuts from 2017 that are set to expire. This effort is part of a broader agenda to implement significant fiscal reforms and advance Trump's legislative priorities in early 2025.
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The Post Office is set to close or franchise 115 of its directly-owned branches, risking around 1,000 jobs. This restructuring aims to address financial losses and improve postmaster remuneration following the Horizon IT scandal. The changes are contingent on government funding and seek to enhance the operational model of the Post Office network.
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Recent advancements in cancer treatment include OneCell Diagnostics' blood-based biopsy technology and research on using genetically modified salmonella to combat bowel cancer. These innovations aim to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for cancer patients, addressing significant health challenges globally.
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As Remembrance Day approaches, the symbolism of the poppy is under scrutiny. Footballer James McClean continues to refuse wearing the poppy, citing disrespect to Irish soldiers. Meanwhile, discussions around alternative poppy colors highlight the politicization of remembrance in the UK and Ireland, reflecting broader cultural tensions.
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Scottish private schools are increasing fees significantly due to the Labour government's decision to impose a 20% VAT on school fees starting January 2025. Fettes College and George Watson's College announced fee hikes of 7% and 15%, respectively, while other institutions are also raising fees amid financial pressures.
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Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have identified a new drug candidate that reduces appetite and increases calorie burning without causing nausea. This breakthrough could provide a more effective treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes, addressing limitations of current GLP-1-based therapies.
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After a bicycle accident revealed a brain tumour, a filmmaker shares his journey through treatment and recovery in the documentary 'My Brain Tumour And Me.' Despite a grim prognosis, he remains optimistic as he navigates the challenges of living with cancer.
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Brazil's federal police arrested four military personnel and a police agent for allegedly plotting to assassinate President Lula and Vice President Alckmin before their inauguration in December 2022. The arrests are part of a broader investigation into coup attempts following the 2022 election.
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On November 19, Ukraine launched ATACMS missiles into Russia's Bryansk region, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. This follows the U.S. decision to allow such strikes, coinciding with Russia's revised nuclear doctrine, which lowers the threshold for nuclear retaliation against conventional attacks supported by nuclear powers.
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On November 19, 2024, a Hong Kong court sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to prison terms of up to 10 years under the national security law. The activists were convicted for their roles in an unofficial primary election aimed at selecting opposition candidates, marking a significant blow to the city's democracy movement.
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A teenager in British Columbia is hospitalized in critical condition with Canada's first presumptive human case of H5N1 avian influenza. Health officials are investigating the source of the infection, which remains unclear as the teen had no known contact with infected animals. The case raises concerns about the virus's potential spread.
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The U.S. is intensifying efforts to bolster AI infrastructure amid rising electricity demands. OpenAI has proposed a North American Compact for AI, while Rolls-Royce develops microreactors for energy solutions. The U.S. government aims to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 to support AI and data centers.
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Two undersea internet cables connecting Finland to Germany and Lithuania to Sweden were severed, raising suspicions of sabotage. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the incidents are likely hybrid actions linked to Russia's ongoing threats in the region. Investigations are underway to determine the cause.
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Since Donald Trump's re-election, Elon Musk has emerged as a significant figure in his administration, frequently seen at Mar-a-Lago and involved in key discussions. Musk's role includes advising on government efficiency, raising concerns among some Trump insiders about his growing influence and the implications for federal spending.
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On November 19, 2024, SpaceX launched its sixth Starship test flight from Boca Chica, Texas, aiming to demonstrate advanced landing techniques. The event coincided with Donald Trump's attendance, highlighting the growing ties between the billionaire and the incoming administration. The launch faced challenges, including an unexpected splashdown of the Super Heavy booster.
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Hong Kong's government plans to phase out subdivided homes, affecting 220,000 residents. Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the Choi Hung Estate raises concerns about community displacement and the future of affordable housing. The situation reflects broader issues of urban renewal and housing inequality in the city.
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At a Sotheby's auction on November 20, 2024, a banana duct-taped to a wall, titled 'Comedian' by Maurizio Cattelan, sold for $6.2 million. The buyer, crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun, plans to eat the banana as part of the artwork's experience. The sale significantly exceeded its pre-auction estimate of $1 million.
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Recent developments highlight the growing use of AI in healthcare and business sectors. Companies like AT&T and Salesforce are integrating AI tools to enhance operations, while concerns about privacy and data security arise from initiatives like X's Grok, which interprets medical imagery. The implications for patient privacy and corporate strategy are significant.
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Following Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election, legal proceedings against him are facing significant delays. Prosecutors are considering how to proceed with his conviction for falsifying business records, while Trump's team pushes for dismissal based on presidential immunity. The outcome could reshape the legal landscape for the former president.
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President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Tom Homan as 'border czar' to oversee mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Homan aims to implement aggressive immigration policies starting January 2025, focusing on individuals with criminal records and existing deportation orders, amidst concerns about the economic and social impacts of such actions.
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Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens has permanently blocked two Wyoming abortion laws, citing violations of women's rights under the state constitution. This ruling follows a series of victories for abortion rights advocates across several states, reflecting a significant shift in the legal landscape post-Roe v. Wade.
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A small group of neo-Nazis marched in Columbus, Ohio, carrying swastikas and shouting racial slurs, prompting widespread condemnation from local and national leaders. The incident highlights a troubling rise in antisemitism and hate speech in the U.S., as noted by various officials and community leaders.