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Manchester United has dismissed manager Erik Ten Hag following a disappointing start to the season, leaving the club 14th in the Premier League. Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed interim manager as the search for a permanent replacement begins. Ten Hag's tenure included two trophies but ultimately ended due to poor performance.
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Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), dubbed the 'comet of the century,' is currently visible in the Northern Hemisphere after its closest approach to Earth on October 12, 2024. Discovered in January 2023, it last passed Earth 80,000 years ago. Stargazers can expect optimal viewing conditions until October 30, with sightings possible using binoculars or even the naked eye.
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HSBC's new CEO, Georges Elhedery, has announced a significant restructuring plan, dividing the bank into four key units and establishing geographical divisions to enhance efficiency and navigate geopolitical tensions. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2025, and include the appointment of Pam Kaur as the first female CFO.
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McDonald's reported a 1.5% drop in global comparable sales for Q3 2024, with a slight increase in the US offset by declines in international markets. The company is also dealing with the aftermath of an E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounder burgers, which has raised safety concerns.
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Kemi Badenoch is emerging as the frontrunner to succeed Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservative Party, with a recent poll showing 55% support among party members. Her rival, Robert Jenrick, faces criticism for a narrow focus on immigration and is struggling to gain traction ahead of the vote conclusion on October 31.
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Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond was honored at a private funeral in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, following his sudden death from a heart attack in North Macedonia. Eulogies highlighted his political legacy and contributions to Scottish independence, with calls for justice regarding his controversial allegations against senior SNP figures.
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At the UN COP16 biodiversity summit in Colombia, experts emphasize the urgent need for $700 billion annually to restore nature. Frustration grows over wealthy nations' slow financial commitments, with only $163 million pledged recently. The summit aims to address biodiversity loss and implement the 2022 Montreal agreement, but significant funding gaps remain.
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The Skipinnish Oak, a 400-year-old tree in Lochaber, Scotland, has been named the UK's Tree of the Year. Discovered by the band Skipinnish, it won 21% of the public vote and will compete in the European Tree of the Year contest in 2025.
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England's Lionesses face Germany at Wembley, rekindling memories of their Euro 2022 victory. With a new coach for Germany and key players missing for England, both teams aim to build momentum ahead of Euro 2025. Meanwhile, rugby's international focus shifts as the Autumn Nations Series approaches, with player welfare concerns rising.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that England's bus fare cap will increase from £2 to £3 starting January 2025. This decision comes as part of the upcoming budget aimed at addressing a £22 billion funding shortfall, despite concerns from local leaders about the impact on rural communities reliant on affordable transport.
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On October 28, 2024, Apple released iOS 18.1, introducing its generative AI suite, Apple Intelligence. The update enhances Siri, adds writing tools, and improves photo editing capabilities. However, access is limited to newer devices, primarily the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models, with broader availability expected in December.
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HSBC's pre-tax profits rose to $8.5 billion in Q3 2024, exceeding expectations. This comes as new CEO Georges Elhedery announced a major restructuring, reducing geographical units and potentially cutting senior roles to streamline operations. The bank also plans a $3 billion stock buyback, reflecting confidence in its strategy.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present Labour's first Budget on October 30, addressing a £40 billion fiscal shortfall. The Budget is expected to include tax hikes and spending cuts, with significant speculation surrounding potential changes to pension tax relief and National Insurance contributions amidst internal party tensions over austerity measures.
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Starting January 2025, Labour will impose a 20% VAT on private school fees, aiming to fund state education. This policy has sparked concerns over potential school closures and increased fees for parents, particularly affecting smaller and specialist institutions. The government argues it will generate significant revenue for public education.
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As the US presidential election approaches, Donald Trump's environmental policies are under intense scrutiny. Experts warn that a second Trump term could severely undermine climate action, with plans to roll back regulations and expand fossil fuel production, contradicting the urgent need for emissions reductions to combat climate change.
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Katie Amess, daughter of murdered MP David Amess, demands a full investigation into her father's death, criticizing police and Home Office failures. She highlights a threatening call received before the murder and questions the effectiveness of the Prevent program in monitoring his killer, Ali Harbi Ali.
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Axel Rudakubana, 18, faces new charges including producing ricin and possessing an Al-Qaeda training manual. These charges follow the murder of three girls in Southport during a July attack. Authorities clarify that the incident is not classified as terrorism, pending evidence of motive. Rudakubana will appear in court on October 30, 2024.
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England's Lionesses secured a narrow 2-1 victory over South Africa in an international friendly on October 29, 2024. Despite a strong start, defensive lapses allowed South Africa to score, highlighting ongoing challenges for the team as they prepare for Euro 2025.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing for a challenging budget amid a £22 billion fiscal shortfall. With commitments to avoid raising income tax, national insurance, or VAT, she may resort to other tax increases and spending cuts to stabilize public finances. Experts predict significant tax hikes could reach £40 billion.
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Four members of a self-styled cult, the Federal Postal Court, have been sentenced for their failed attempt to kidnap Essex senior coroner Lincoln Brookes. Mark Christopher, the group's leader, received seven years in prison, while his co-conspirators were sentenced to 30 months each. The incident occurred in April 2023.
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Recent discussions in the UK highlight contrasting views on public order and NHS reforms. Conservative MP Neil O'Brien advocates for a more orderly society, while Labour's Wes Streeting seeks public input on NHS improvements. Both approaches reflect broader societal concerns about governance and public services.
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The tragic death of three-year-old Xander Irvine, struck by a car driven by a 91-year-old with undiagnosed dementia, has prompted renewed calls for reform in the UK's driver licensing system. Sheriff Nigel Ross has recommended mandatory cognitive assessments for drivers over 80, highlighting flaws in the current self-certification process.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil a budget focusing on education, with significant funding increases for childcare and school rebuilding. Amid a £40 billion funding gap, the government aims to address delays in the School Rebuilding Programme and enhance support for vulnerable children. The full budget will be revealed on Wednesday.
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Oasis will cancel approximately 50,000 tickets for their UK and Ireland reunion tour due to violations of Ticketmaster's terms. The tickets were found on unauthorized resale sites, prompting the promoters to take action against ticket touting. Affected tickets will be resold at face value through Ticketmaster.
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As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver her first budget, speculation and leaks have caused significant financial anxiety among voters. Reports suggest potential tax increases, prompting many to take preemptive financial actions. The historical context of budget secrecy raises questions about current practices and their implications for economic stability.
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Stacey Smith, a 46-year-old ambulance worker, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempting to murder her boss, Michala Morton, during a hammer attack in Tameside. The incident stemmed from a dispute over work shift patterns and left Morton with serious injuries.
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The death of Peter Lynch, a man jailed for violent disorder during anti-immigration riots, has sparked a debate on perceived two-tier justice in the UK. Critics argue that far-right extremists receive leniency compared to other offenders, raising questions about systemic racism and policing standards.
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Daniel Khalife, 23, faces multiple charges including escaping from HMP Wandsworth and alleged terrorism links. Meanwhile, Chad Lambert, 35, was sentenced for aggravated burglary in Bristol, receiving 26 weeks in prison and a compensation order.
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C&C Group reported a 2% decline in net revenues for the half-year ending August 31, attributed to poor summer weather and lower cider sales. Despite this, profits improved, and the company remains optimistic about upcoming holiday trading. Tennent's lager, however, showed strong market share growth amid challenging conditions.
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A new snake species, Anguiculus dicaprioi, discovered in India, has been named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio for his environmental advocacy. The snake, found in Himachal Pradesh, is copper-colored and grows up to 22 inches. This discovery highlights ongoing biodiversity research in the region.
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Kilmarnock, Scotland, celebrates Halloween on the last Friday of October, a tradition known as 'Killieween.' This year, festivities occurred on October 25, nearly a week before the rest of the country. The origins of this unique celebration remain unclear, with theories ranging from Gaelic customs to the town's industrial past.
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Starting January, the UK government will impose VAT on private school fees, affecting nursery classes with children of compulsory school age. This policy, dubbed the 'Toddler Tax,' has raised concerns among parents and educators about its impact on enrollment and educational quality, particularly for children with special needs.
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Recent investigations into Edinburgh's historic venues reveal intriguing tales of hauntings and ghostly encounters. From the Strathpeffer Pavilion to JD Wetherspoons' locations, these sites are steeped in history and mystery, attracting both tourists and paranormal enthusiasts alike. The stories highlight the city's rich cultural heritage and its connection to the supernatural.
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Lidl plans to open 10 new stores across the UK before Christmas, creating approximately 400 jobs. Locations include Bristol, Devon, Birmingham, and three in London. This expansion follows a £70 million leaseback deal for 12 additional stores, aiming to increase Lidl's presence in the UK market.
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Liverpool will be without key players Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker for their upcoming matches, including the Carabao Cup clash against Brighton. Jota is sidelined for at least four more games due to a rib injury, while Alisson's return remains uncertain. Manager Arne Slot is concerned about squad depth amid these injuries.
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JPMorgan Chase has filed lawsuits against customers who exploited a technical glitch to withdraw funds from ATMs before checks cleared. The bank claims these actions amount to fraud, seeking over $660,000 in damages across multiple federal courts as it aims to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
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As England prepares for its Autumn Nations Series opener against New Zealand on November 2, head coach Steve Borthwick has announced significant changes to the squad due to injuries. Key players Ollie Chessum and Alex Mitchell are ruled out, while Henry Slade returns from shoulder surgery, and Tom Curry is set to start for the first time in a year.
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Israel's parliament has passed legislation banning the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israeli territory, threatening vital humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The move has drawn widespread international condemnation, with fears it will exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
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Starbucks has reported a 7% drop in global same-store sales for Q4, with significant declines in both the US and China. New CEO Brian Niccol aims to simplify the menu and adjust pricing strategies to regain customer loyalty amid rising living costs and increased competition. The company has suspended its financial forecasts for the upcoming year.
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Scout Motors has introduced pre-production models of the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV, set for production in 2027. Both vehicles will offer fully electric and extended-range options, targeting affordability in the U.S. EV market. Reservations are now open with starting prices below $60,000.
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As of October 2024, Sudan's humanitarian crisis has intensified, with over 11 million people displaced and 26 million facing acute hunger. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has led to widespread violence, including mass killings and sexual violence, prompting urgent calls for international intervention.
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Recent reports reveal significant shifts in labor markets in the US and Russia. In the US, job openings have decreased, and the quit rate has hit a low, impacting wage growth and career advancement. Meanwhile, Russia faces a labor deficit, leading to rising wages amid changing workforce dynamics. The gender wage gap in the US has also widened for the first time in 20 years.
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Germany has recalled its ambassador to Iran following the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-Iranian dual national accused of terrorism. The German government condemned the execution as a scandal, while Sharmahd's family expressed disappointment over the lack of support from both Germany and the U.S. in securing his release.
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On October 29, 2024, President Vladimir Putin announced unscheduled nuclear training drills across Russia, emphasizing the need for modern strategic forces amid rising geopolitical tensions. The exercises involved launches of ballistic and cruise missiles, showcasing Russia's nuclear capabilities as a deterrent against perceived threats from the West.
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Tensions between Canada and India escalate following allegations of Indian government involvement in the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian officials claim Indian diplomats are linked to a broader campaign of violence against Sikh dissidents in Canada, leading to mutual expulsions of diplomats and heightened diplomatic strife.
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Japan's Mount Fuji has not yet received its first snowfall of the season, marking the latest date on record since 1894. This delay is attributed to unusually warm temperatures, which have persisted since the summer, raising concerns about climate change's impact on seasonal weather patterns.
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Steve Bannon has been released from federal prison after serving four months for contempt of Congress. He plans to leverage his newfound freedom to support Donald Trump's campaign in the final week before the election, claiming his time in prison has empowered him.
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Haiti faces a severe escalation in gang violence, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where the gang coalition Viv Ansanm has attacked neighborhoods like Solino, displacing over 10,000 residents. The situation has prompted urgent calls for government action and raised concerns about the effectiveness of the U.N.-backed multinational security mission.
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Vice President Kamala Harris is set to deliver a pivotal speech at the Ellipse on October 30, 2024, contrasting her vision for America with that of Donald Trump. This event serves as her closing argument ahead of the election, emphasizing unity and progress over division and chaos, while polling shows a tight race.
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An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders has resulted in one death and 75 illnesses across 13 states. The CDC is investigating the source, with slivered onions from a single supplier suspected. McDonald's has removed the affected burgers from menus in several states as a precaution.
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Recent advancements in AI agents, particularly from Anthropic and Microsoft, are reshaping workplace productivity. Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet can autonomously perform tasks on computers, while Microsoft introduces customizable agents through its Copilot Studio. These developments signal a significant shift towards integrated AI applications in business environments as of October 30, 2024.
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Two ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, were set on fire on October 28, 2024, damaging hundreds of ballots. Local officials condemned the incidents as attacks on democracy, urging voters to seek replacements for their ballots. The FBI is investigating the connection between the fires and previous incidents.
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Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a federal judge to transfer his Manhattan apartment and various personal assets to Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, following a $148 million defamation judgment against him. The transfer must occur within seven days as the women seek compensation for the harm caused by Giuliani's false claims regarding the 2020 election.
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A recent report reveals that climate change has led to record levels of heat-related deaths, food insecurity, and the spread of infectious diseases. In 2023, nearly half of the Earth's land experienced extreme drought, exacerbating health risks globally. The findings underscore the urgent need for climate action and adaptation funding.
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Michael Bloomberg and Bill Gates have made significant donations to Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, contributing $50 million each to Future Forward USA Action. This marks a notable shift in their political engagement as they respond to concerns over a potential second Trump presidency, with both billionaires historically cautious about political donations.