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Next and Kingfisher have released their half-year results, revealing contrasting performances. Next reported a 7.1% rise in pre-tax profits, driven by strong overseas sales, while Kingfisher's profits fell slightly amid weak demand for kitchens and bathrooms. Both companies are adjusting their forecasts amid changing consumer trends.
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Aldi UK has announced plans for significant expansion, including 23 new stores and a £800 million investment, despite a slowdown in sales growth to 0.5% in 2024. The budget retailer faces stiff competition from rivals like Tesco and Sainsbury's, which have implemented price-matching strategies to regain customers.
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Oasis has confirmed a reunion tour for 2025, marking 15 years since the band split due to a feud between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher. The tour will feature 14 shows across the UK and Ireland, coinciding with the anniversaries of their iconic albums. Tickets go on sale August 31, 2024.
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As Prime Minister Keir Starmer navigates a challenging economic landscape, he warns of painful decisions ahead due to a financial deficit inherited from the Conservatives. The government is preparing for tax increases and spending cuts, with a budget announcement scheduled for October 30, 2024.
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The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Ticketmaster's handling of Oasis concert ticket sales, focusing on the controversial dynamic pricing model that led to significant price increases. Fans reported prices soaring from £148.50 to £355.20, prompting widespread complaints and calls for regulatory action.
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The European Court of Justice has upheld a 2016 ruling requiring Apple to repay €13 billion in illegal tax benefits received from Ireland. This decision marks a significant victory for EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager, reinforcing the EU's stance against preferential tax arrangements for multinationals. The ruling concludes a lengthy legal battle that began in 2014.
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In a thrilling match on September 15, 2024, Ireland's women's cricket team achieved a historic victory over England in a T20I, marking their first win against England in this format. Orla Prendergast's standout performance with 80 runs led Ireland to chase down England's total of 169 with one ball to spare.
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Oasis's reunion tour ticket sales have faced backlash due to Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing, which inflated ticket costs significantly. Following widespread complaints, investigations by consumer watchdogs in the UK and Ireland are underway, with calls for refunds for fans who paid excessive prices. The band has announced additional shows to address the demand.
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The European Court of Justice upheld a ruling that Ireland granted Apple illegal tax benefits, ordering the company to repay €13 billion. This decision has significant implications for Ireland's economy and its relationship with multinational corporations, as the funds are now in an escrow account pending distribution.
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Ireland's Data Protection Commission has launched an inquiry into Google's Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2) to assess compliance with GDPR. The investigation focuses on whether Google evaluated the risks to individuals' rights from processing personal data for AI development. This scrutiny reflects a broader trend of regulatory oversight on AI systems in Europe.
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Authorities worldwide have infiltrated the encrypted messaging platform Ghost, leading to the arrest of 51 individuals, including 38 in Australia. The operation, which involved multiple countries, aimed to dismantle organized crime networks using the app for drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Jay Je Yoon Jung, the app's alleged creator, faces serious charges.