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Australia's government has introduced legislation to ban social media access for children under 16, citing mental health concerns. The bill, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, holds platforms accountable for enforcing the age limit and is expected to pass by the end of the year. The legislation aims to protect children from harmful online content.
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Rod Stewart announced he will conclude large-scale world tours, expressing a desire to focus on smaller, more intimate performances. Despite this change, he affirmed his passion for music and plans for future projects, including a potential tour featuring his Great American Songbook.
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European airlines are grappling with declining profits amid rising operational costs and delivery delays from Boeing. Ryanair reported an 18% drop in profits, while Air France-KLM's earnings fell short of expectations due to reduced travel during the Paris Olympics. British Airways' parent company, IAG, posted strong profits, contrasting with its competitors' struggles.
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Nikita Hand has initiated civil proceedings against Conor McGregor, alleging sexual assault in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. McGregor denies the allegations, claiming extortion. The case follows a previous decision by Irish authorities not to pursue criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.
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As Halloween approaches, various traditions surrounding Samhain and All Saints' Day are highlighted. Kilmarnock's unique 'Killieween' celebration occurs earlier than Halloween, while many cultures reflect on the dead during this time, showcasing a blend of pagan and Christian customs.
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Recent financial updates from major UK retailers reveal a mixed performance. Sainsbury's reported a revenue increase, while Primark faced challenges due to weather. Domino's showed growth in sales and store openings, indicating resilience in the fast-food sector. Overall, the retail landscape remains dynamic as companies adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
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On October 31, 2024, thousands gathered in Dublin for a Halloween parade that never occurred, misled by an AI-generated listing on MySpiritHalloween.com. The local police had to disperse the crowd after confirming no event was scheduled. The website's owner claimed it was an unintentional mistake.
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Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary condemned the UK government's planned increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD), set to take effect in April 2026. He argues this will hinder UK tourism and make air travel more expensive, potentially reducing passenger numbers by five million. The Chancellor defends the increase as necessary to address inflation.
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Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party following a significant loss in the recent general election. She is the first Black woman to lead a major UK party and aims to reposition the Conservatives in opposition.
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New research indicates that unmarried individuals face an 80% higher risk of depression compared to those who are married. The study, involving over 100,000 participants across seven countries, highlights the importance of social support and economic resources in mental health outcomes.
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Barry Keoghan, the Irish actor known for his roles in 'The Banshees of Inisherin' and 'Saltburn', has addressed online trolling regarding his parenting. Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, he criticized assumptions about his relationship with his son, Brando, and shared insights from his challenging upbringing in foster care.
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Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has announced a general election for November 29, 2024. His party, Fine Gael, is currently leading in polls, while opposition party Sinn Féin faces declining support due to recent scandals. The election comes amid ongoing economic challenges, including a housing crisis.
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As the 2024 U.S. presidential election unfolds, betting markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are gaining prominence, often predicting outcomes more accurately than traditional polls. This surge reflects a growing interest in alternative data sources amid significant campaign financing and voter engagement strategies.
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Ireland's national football team heads into a crucial Nations League match against England after a 1-0 victory over Finland. Evan Ferguson's goal and Caoimhin Kelleher's penalty save have boosted team morale, despite ongoing criticism of Irish football. The match at Wembley on Sunday is highly anticipated.
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A wave of celebrity lookalike competitions has emerged worldwide, inspired by a recent event featuring Timothée Chalamet in New York. Dublin and London followed suit with contests for Paul Mescal and Harry Styles, respectively, showcasing a growing cultural trend that has captivated audiences and participants alike.
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Recent personal essays highlight unexpected romantic connections formed in various settings, from vegan festivals to travel encounters. These stories illustrate how chance meetings can lead to meaningful relationships, despite initial hesitations or life circumstances. The narratives emphasize the importance of openness and vulnerability in forging connections.
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Ofgem has approved the Eastern Green Link 1 project, a £2 billion subsea and underground cable connecting Scotland and England. This initiative aims to enhance energy security, reduce consumer bills, and support the UK's green energy targets by transporting wind-generated electricity.
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Homebase has appointed administrators amid financial struggles, with The Range poised to acquire some stores. The move puts over 100 locations and thousands of jobs at risk, as the DIY retailer grapples with declining consumer confidence and significant losses in recent years.
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England's national football team, under interim coach Lee Carsley, faces significant challenges ahead of crucial Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. Eight players have withdrawn, raising concerns about commitment and team culture, as captain Harry Kane expresses frustration over the situation.
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The European Commission has fined Meta €798 million for abusing its market dominance by linking Facebook Marketplace to its social network, creating unfair competition for rival classified ad services. Meta plans to appeal the decision, claiming it ignores market realities.
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Recent Russian military maneuvers, including a spy ship's incursion into Irish waters and multiple aircraft interceptions over the North Sea, have heightened security concerns in Europe. The incidents involve close monitoring by UK and Irish defense forces, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region.
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Sinead O'Connor's past experiences with Prince have resurfaced, revealing her discomfort with performing his song 'Nothing Compares 2 U' due to a disturbing incident in 1991. O'Connor's reflections highlight the complexities of artist relationships and the impact of personal experiences on creative expression.
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On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict. This unprecedented move marks a significant moment in international law.
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Ireland's rugby team secured a decisive victory over Fiji at the Aviva Stadium, winning 42-17. Despite a yellow card for rookie Sam Prendergast, Ireland showcased strong performances from debutants Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu, with multiple players scoring tries. The win sets the stage for their upcoming match against Australia.
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A jury in Dublin has found Conor McGregor liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in December 2018, awarding her €248,603.60 in damages. McGregor denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual. Hand expressed feeling vindicated by the verdict, which comes after a lengthy civil trial.