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The Gymnastics Academy changed my prepaid booking but said ‘no’ to a refund
A Guardian Money reader booked and paid for three summer holiday gymnastics sessions for her daughter in November, but The Gymnastics Academy later switched the venue to a harder-to-reach site and changed one of the dates without warning her in advance. When she requested a refund because the new arrangements were unsuitable, the company refused,…
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In the Shadows of Nuremberg review – trial-adjacent thriller aims to be Russian answer to Saving Private Ryan
The Guardian’s review of In the Shadows of Nuremberg criticises director Nikolay Lebedev’s attempt to dramatise the Soviet perspective on the Nuremberg trials, arguing that a clumsy personal subplot and an undercurrent of sentimental patriotism undermine what could have been a compelling companion piece to films such as last year’s Russell Crowe-led Nuremberg. The reviewer…
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At least 11 climbers are swept away to their death in avalanche as video shows wall of snow and ice crashing down mountain in Russia
At least 11 climbers were killed and six injured after an avalanche struck a group of 33 mountaineers on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s North Caucasus, with rescue teams still searching for six people unaccounted for. The disaster, which occurred on Sunday evening, has triggered a major emergency response involving over 50 personnel and helicopters, though…
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CCTV appeal after laptops stolen from school
South Yorkshire Police are appealing for the public’s help to identify two men suspected of stealing laptops and other items from a school in Sheffield. The men were caught on CCTV entering the grounds of Meadowhead School on Dyche Lane on 5 July, then returning the following night to carry out the theft, in what…
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America’s massive labor crisis started in the classroom, not the workplace
This opinion piece argues that America’s shortage of workers for nearly 7 million unfilled jobs stems not from automation or globalisation but from failures in how children are educated. The author, a former teacher and school administrator, contends that schools have spent years prioritising students’ self-esteem and comfort over discipline, resilience and accountability, leaving many…
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France TV Distribution Unveils Female-Led Actioners in Le Havre Lineup
France TV Distribution has revealed four new TV movies for this year’s Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre, running from 7 to 10 September, with the lineup notably featuring two female-led action thrillers alongside a crime drama and a dramedy. The showcase adds to the sales company’s existing slate, which includes historical drama “Swapped” and mystery…
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Plastics Companies Are Writing Lesson Plans. What Could Go Wrong?
A new report from the nonprofit Plastic Pollution Coalition reveals that plastics industry groups have been embedding pro-plastic messaging into US school curricula through free or cheap lesson plans, worksheets, science experiments and touring programmes such as “PlastiVan”. The materials, distributed as students return for the new school year, tend to stress the necessity and…
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Gary Oldman Claims James Bond Has Been Cast, As He Backs Jack Lowden To Play 007
Actor Gary Oldman has claimed that the next James Bond has already been decided, backing his Slow Horses co-star Jack Lowden for the role. Speaking to Canada’s Global while promoting Slow Horses’ new season, Oldman said producers “have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet,” adding his “fingers are crossed” for the…
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Labour’s new powers for water customers are a ‘stitch-up’, say campaigners
Labour’s plan to give water customers new powers to hold companies to account has been branded a “stitch-up” after it emerged that water firms themselves have been advising on how the scheme should work. The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) is setting up “Water Voice” panels allowing the public to question local water company executives…
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UK’s biggest private hospital firm Spire agrees £1bn takeover by hedge fund
Spire Healthcare, the UK’s largest private hospital operator, has agreed to a £1bn takeover by Toscafund Asset Management, an investor group led by hedge fund manager Martin Hughes, nicknamed “the Rottweiler” for his aggressive business style. The deal, offering 250p a share and valuing the firm at £1.03bn, ends a lengthy strategic review process and…