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In a thrilling stage of the Giro d'Italia, Juan Ayuso of UAE-Team Emirates surged to victory on a challenging climb, while Primoz Roglic reclaimed the overall lead. Mads Pedersen, who previously held the pink jersey, now sits second overall. The race continues to unfold with intense competition among top cyclists.
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The 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has been marked by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 102°F, and significant traffic delays. Despite these challenges, standout performances from artists like Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, and Green Day have captivated audiences, while some attendees express dissatisfaction with the festival's organization and atmosphere.
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Blue Shield of California disclosed on April 23, 2025, that it shared sensitive patient data with Google from 2021 until January 2024. The breach affects approximately 4.7 million individuals, with personal health information exposed due to a misconfiguration in Google Analytics. The insurer is notifying affected members as required by law.
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In the latest Super Rugby round, the Chiefs topped the Highlanders 46-10, while the Waratahs lost to the Fijian Drua 28-14. The Blues and Crusaders also had notable performances, with the Blues struggling against the Crusaders. Women's rugby saw the Waratahs and Blues secure titles in their respective competitions despite challenging weather conditions.
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Nintendo has confirmed the pricing for the Switch 2, set to launch on June 5, 2025, at $449.99. Pre-orders began on April 24, 2025. While game prices remain stable, accessory prices are increasing due to market conditions. The company is monitoring potential future price adjustments amid tariff impacts.
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On May 1, 2025, New Zealand faced unprecedented severe weather, including a historic red wind warning in Wellington with gusts up to 150 kph. Heavy snow and large waves affected other regions, prompting local states of emergency, particularly in Christchurch. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors as damage assessments began.
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New Zealand's sheep population has dropped to 4.5 sheep per person, down from 22 in 1982, according to new government data. This decline reflects changing agricultural practices as farmers shift from sheep farming to more lucrative options like dairy and forestry, driven by falling wool prices and global market changes.
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The Trump administration has transformed the COVID.gov website to promote the lab leak theory regarding the origins of COVID-19. This change redirects users away from public health resources and criticizes previous administrations and health officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci. The shift reflects ongoing political agendas amidst debates about the virus's origins as of April 24, 2025.
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Following Labor's election victory, Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasized managing global economic risks, particularly from US-China tensions. With a projected $42 billion budget deficit, Australia is bracing for potential impacts on its economy, while gold prices remain volatile amid market fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties.
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Recent studies reveal alarming findings about microplastics in human health, including their presence in ovarian follicular fluid and brain tissue. Research indicates potential links to reproductive dysfunction and cognitive decline, raising concerns about the impact of these contaminants on fertility and overall health. Ongoing studies aim to quantify these effects.
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Lorde's latest single, 'What Was That?', marks her return after nearly four years, showcasing a raw exploration of heartbreak. Co-written with Jim-E Stack, the song contrasts her previous work with its fraught emotional depth, reflecting on her recent breakup and personal struggles. The release has garnered significant attention from fans and critics alike.
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On April 25, 2025, Anzac Day was marked by ceremonies in Turkey and protests in Australia. Rugby matches saw New Zealand teams perform well, with the Hurricanes breaking a losing streak in Australia. The day highlighted ongoing tensions regarding Indigenous rights amid national commemorations.
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On April 29, 2025, the EU Court of Justice ruled that Malta's citizenship-by-investment program violates EU law, marking a significant shift in the scrutiny of such schemes across Europe. This ruling affects Malta's ability to grant citizenship in exchange for investment, a practice that has drawn criticism for potential security risks.
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On May 11, 2025, the Chiefs defeated the Crusaders 27-19, moving to the top of the Super Rugby standings. The ACT Brumbies and Queensland Reds also secured wins, impacting playoff positions. Notably, injuries to Wallabies players Noah Lolesio and Joseph-Aukuso Sua'alii raised concerns ahead of upcoming matches.
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Recent developments highlight the precarious status of endangered species in the U.S. and New Zealand. In the U.S., the lesser prairie chicken faces potential loss of protections, while New Zealand's Powelliphanta augusta snail has been observed laying eggs for the first time in captivity. Both cases underscore ongoing conservation challenges.
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President Trump announced a 100% tariff on films produced outside the U.S., claiming the American movie industry is facing a national security threat. The move aims to counteract incentives offered by other countries that attract filmmakers away from Hollywood. The implementation details remain unclear, raising questions about its impact on the industry.
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The 2025 State of the World’s Nursing Report highlights a projected global shortage of 4.1 million nurses by 2030, with significant disparities in nurse distribution. As International Nurses Day is observed, the WHO warns that 42% of African nurses intend to emigrate, exacerbating existing health system challenges.
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Wellington Airport will remove its iconic eagle sculptures, which have been a fixture since 2013, by the end of this week. The decision reflects a shift away from the airport's Lord of the Rings theme, despite the sculptures' popularity among travelers. They will be put into storage, with hopes for a future museum display.
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New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has proposed a bill to ban children under 16 from social media, requiring platforms to verify users' ages. The legislation aims to protect youth from harmful content and cyberbullying, modeled after Australia's recent laws. The bill needs support from coalition partners to pass.
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During a recent cycling stage in Albania, Australian cyclist Caleb Ewan narrowly avoided a collision with a mountain goat. The incident occurred on a 160-km stage in Vlore, where Ewan managed to stay upright while the goat broke from a herd. Ewan reflected positively on his experience in Albania despite the close call.
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For the first time, footage has captured a Powelliphanta augusta snail laying an egg from its neck at a conservation facility in New Zealand. This event highlights the unique reproductive behavior of this threatened species, which has been under conservation efforts for nearly two decades.
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Nissan has canceled its plan to invest £153 billion ($1 billion) in a new battery factory in Kitakyushu, Japan, citing the need for investment efficiency amid ongoing financial struggles. The company is restructuring under new CEO Ivan Espinosa, who aims to revitalize its electric vehicle lineup and operations in China.
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As of May 13, 2025, Ticketmaster has implemented changes to comply with the Biden administration's ban on junk fees. The new rules require transparency in ticket pricing, addressing past frustrations from fans, particularly during high-demand events like Taylor Swift's Eras tour. Ticketmaster will now provide real-time updates and all-in pricing.
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Governments across the Asia-Pacific are implementing new laws to protect children from online harms, challenging major social media platforms. Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and others are enacting age verification and access restrictions, raising compliance concerns for tech giants in a region with a significant youth user base.
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Sir William Young, a retired New Zealand Supreme Court judge, is set to join Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal as a non-permanent judge. His appointment follows a series of resignations from the court amid geopolitical tensions, aiming to bolster confidence in Hong Kong's judiciary. The official appointment awaits legislative approval.
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Three Māori Party MPs, including co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, face significant suspensions for performing a haka protest in Parliament. The Privileges Committee recommended 21-day suspensions for the co-leaders and a 7-day suspension for Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, New Zealand's youngest MP, following their actions during a controversial vote on the Treaty Principles Bill.