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Private equity owns 11 of England’s 20 biggest children’s care providers, research finds
Private equity firms now own or partly own 11 of the 20 largest providers of fostering and children’s homes in England, according to new research from the thinktank Common Wealth, fuelling calls for a ban on “obscene” profit-making in children’s social care. The investigation found the “big four” independent fostering agencies, which supply almost a…
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The Builders Stage brings practical strategies for scaling startups to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
TechCrunch has revealed the initial agenda for the Builders Stage at Disrupt 2026, one of six industry-focused tracks at the conference. The stage is aimed at founders looking to move beyond the early stages of building a startup and towards scaling it, covering topics such as fundraising, hiring, go-to-market strategy and AI. It matters because…
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Uber beats Waymo as first to launch robotaxis in London
Uber has launched a robotaxi service in London, becoming the first company to offer paid autonomous rides in the city ahead of rival Waymo. The vehicles, powered by autonomous driving technology from UK startup Wayve, initially carry safety drivers who monitor but do not control the cars, and will operate without a geofence, meaning they…
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Cold wallets keep cryptocurrency private keys offline for security
Cold wallets offer a more secure way to store cryptocurrency by keeping private keys completely offline, protecting them from hackers who target internet-connected devices. As trading platforms continue to suffer security breaches, more crypto holders are turning to self-custody methods, and cold wallets are considered the most secure option because they physically isolate the cryptographic…
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Andy Burnham grilled at first PMQs as royals brace for Sussex circus and Falklands row reignites
At his debut PMQs, PM Andy Burnham faced Badenoch and pressure to hike defence spending as borrowing costs rise; Cramlington vigil turns violent; Harry and Meghan weigh a UK return; Milei revives Falklands claim; hackers leak nine million Manchester Airports Group records.
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Warning mortgage rates could soar after cost of UK borrowing hit a 28-year high
Renewed turbulence in bond markets has pushed UK borrowing costs to their highest levels in decades, sparking warnings that mortgage rates could rise again after a recent period of easing. Higher gilt yields make government debt more expensive to service and threaten to wipe out much of the Chancellor’s fiscal headroom, increasing the likelihood of…
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Developer fences off long-used Newquay coastal path
A long-running Cornish coastal path near Newquay has been fenced off by Bluechip Hotels Ltd after the developer bought land near the Glendorgal Headland and built houses and holiday homes on the site, replacing an old hotel. Local residents Clare and Matt Kennedy-Smith, who had walked the route for over 20 years to mark family…
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Roger Howard Dies; Glaser Weil Lawyer Steered Jason Reitman-Led Directors Coalition’s Purchase Of Iconic Westwood Village Theater
Roger Howard, a senior partner at entertainment law firm Glaser Weil, has died aged 81 after a battle with cancer. Over 35 years at the firm, Howard built a career as a corporate, real estate and mergers and acquisitions lawyer, representing studios, producers, filmmakers and Los Angeles County, and his legal work is credited with…
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How to drink Vrakhir blood in The Blood of Dawnwalker
PC Gamer’s guide explains how players of The Blood of Dawnwalker can obtain and drink Vrakhir blood to unlock vampiric abilities. It matters because these powers are not gained through the game’s standard skill-point system, allowing players to strengthen their character more directly. The main route is to defeat the three Vrakhir bosses—Ambrus, Bakir and…
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How to complete Blasphemy in The Blood of Dawnwalker
PC Gamer’s guide explains how to complete the Blasphemy quest in The Blood of Dawnwalker, a prologue mission whose outcome affects the evening’s Blood Mass. Players help Gremla recover a tapestry depicting a vampiric scene before nightfall, then decide whether to return it or protect the thief’s secret. After inspecting Gremla’s loom, following footprints and…