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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 discoveries of mass graves in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the demolition of historic cemeteries in Cairo highlight ongoing struggles for recognition and preservation of cultural heritage. The U.S. government is investigating the Tulsa massacre, while families in Cairo face the painful exhumation of their ancestors due to urban development.
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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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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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Labour Party leaders are divided over the upcoming vote on assisted dying legislation, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting facing criticism for his comments on NHS funding implications. Key figures like Harriet Harman and Liz Kendall have voiced strong opinions, intensifying the debate ahead of the November 29 vote.
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In the wake of Donald Trump's election victory, young people express fear and disillusionment. A preteen reflects on the implications for women's rights, while a mother recounts her traumatic experiences of homophobia in Kenya. The contrasting reactions highlight generational divides and the impact of political climates on personal lives.
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On November 19, 2024, thousands of farmers protested in London against proposed inheritance tax changes by the Labour government. The new rules, effective April 2026, will impose a 20% tax on agricultural assets over £1 million, threatening the viability of family farms. Jeremy Clarkson joined the protests, highlighting the issue's significance.
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As of November 18, 2024, UK mortgage rates are increasing, with the average five-year fixed-rate mortgage now at 5.23%. This rise follows recent inflation concerns and changes in the economic landscape, including the autumn budget and the US election results, which have led lenders to adjust their rates upward.
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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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As of November 19, 2024, cold weather payments have been activated in several UK areas due to prolonged sub-zero temperatures. Eligible households in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can receive £25 for each qualifying seven-day period. The scheme aims to assist with rising fuel costs during winter months.
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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced significant reforms to UK policing, including a new Police Performance Unit and increased funding of £500 million. The reforms aim to address issues like violence against women and girls and knife crime, while modernizing outdated systems and improving police oversight.
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Scotland's dramatic 2-1 victory over Poland in Warsaw has secured a playoff berth in the Nations League. John McGinn and Andy Robertson scored crucial goals, lifting Scotland above Poland in the standings. This win follows a previous victory against Croatia, marking a significant turnaround for Steve Clarke's team.
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Kate Mulcahy, 37, died in a house fire in Greater Manchester on November 10, 2024. Her four children survived the blaze. Tributes have poured in from family and friends, highlighting her kindness and the impact she had on their lives.
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Five individuals, including four teenagers, have been convicted of the murders of Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, in Bristol. The attack, stemming from a case of mistaken identity, occurred on January 27, 2024, as part of a revenge mission linked to local gang rivalries. Sentencing is scheduled for December.
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A 92-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the 1967 murder of Louisa Dunne in Bristol. The arrest follows a renewed investigation by Avon and Somerset Police, which has remained unsolved for nearly six decades. The suspect is currently in custody for questioning.
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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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Parents at major Scottish private schools face a 16.2% fee increase starting January 2025 due to the Labour government's decision to impose VAT on school fees. This change follows a trend of rising costs and financial pressures on private institutions, raising concerns about the future of independent education in Scotland.
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Imperial Brands has reported a 26% increase in e-cigarette sales for the year ending September 2024, driven by rising consumer acceptance of vaping. Despite this growth, the company continues to face challenges from regulatory changes and a decline in traditional cigarette sales.
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On November 19, 2024, the EU and UK imposed sanctions on Iran's national shipping company and its director for allegedly aiding Russia's military efforts. The sanctions include asset freezes and restrictions on transactions, coinciding with the 1,000th day of the Ukraine war.
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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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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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Merlin Entertainments has announced a partnership with Mojang Studios to invest over £85 million in Minecraft-themed attractions at existing parks in the UK and US, set to open between 2026 and 2027. This marks a significant expansion of the Minecraft brand into physical experiences.
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Research shows fat cells are affected by obesity in a way that alters how they respond to food, potentially for years
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The CRUK Glasgow RadNet team at the University of Glasgow has secured funding to advance radiotherapy technologies over the next five years. This initiative aims to improve treatment outcomes for hard-to-treat cancers, including lung cancer and glioblastoma, addressing a significant health challenge in Scotland.
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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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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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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, 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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On November 19, 2024, Russia updated its nuclear doctrine, allowing for potential nuclear retaliation against conventional attacks supported by nuclear powers. This change follows Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles in a strike on Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
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The recent U.S. election of Donald Trump, who plans to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, raises concerns about global climate negotiations. Argentina's President Javier Milei is also contemplating leaving the accord, further complicating international climate efforts at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
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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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Donald Trump has nominated Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, as Secretary of Energy. Wright, a proponent of fossil fuels and fracking, aligns with Trump's energy agenda, emphasizing increased oil and gas production while opposing climate change initiatives. His nomination reflects a shift towards prioritizing fossil fuel development in U.S. energy policy.
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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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US envoy Amos Hochstein visited Lebanon amid escalating violence, including recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut that killed five. Hochstein's discussions with Lebanese officials follow Hezbollah's positive response to a US ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon.
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Since Donald Trump's re-election, Elon Musk has become a prominent 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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Dominique Pelicot has confessed to drugging and raping his wife, Gisèle, while inviting others to do the same. The trial, involving 51 men, has sparked outrage and highlighted issues of sexual violence and consent in France. Gisèle's children have publicly confronted their father, revealing the family's devastation.
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Aslan Bzhania has resigned as President of Abkhazia following intense protests against a controversial investment agreement with Russia. His resignation is part of a deal with opposition leaders, who demanded his departure after storming government buildings. Vice President Badre Gunba will lead the interim government until new elections are scheduled.
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As of November 19, 2024, major tech companies like Meta and Microsoft are increasingly integrating their AI models into U.S. defense and national security operations. This shift raises ethical concerns about military applications and the implications for AI safety, as critics question the tech industry's growing ties with the military.
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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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A 51-year-old man was arrested in New York City after a stabbing spree that left two dead and one critically injured. The attacks occurred within two and a half hours on November 18, 2024, with victims chosen at random. Mayor Eric Adams condemned the violence as a failure of the criminal justice system.
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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.