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‘Tidal wave’ of Pfas being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn
The chemicals watchdog ChemSec has warned that leading manufacturers of Pfas, or “forever chemicals,” are planning to significantly ramp up production to meet booming demand from the AI industry, despite well-documented health risks including links to cancer. The chemicals are prized for their role in semiconductor manufacturing and in advanced datacentre cooling systems, but campaigners…
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The Daily Debate: Should Piddington have independence?
The Oxfordshire village of Piddington is set to hold a symbolic vote on independence from the United Kingdom, in protest at plans to house more than 1,250 asylum seekers at a former Ministry of Defence site on its outskirts. The proposal has sparked local anger, with a group calling itself the “Women of Piddington” writing…
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Oscars: Philippines Picks Rafael Manuel’s ‘Filipiñana’ as Best International Feature Selection
The Philippines has selected Rafael Manuel’s *Filipiñana* as its official submission for best international feature at the 99th Academy Awards, marking Manuel’s feature directorial debut after a strong run on the festival circuit. The film, a class satire set at an exclusive Manila-area golf club, has already won recognition at Sundance and the Berlinale, though…
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Turmoil at home and abroad as economy warning, submarine delay and Trump-Zelensky rift dominate
Business chiefs warn Britain’s economy faces “five giants” holding it back, while Streeting delays UK submarine numbers; Trump rounds on Zelensky over Russian fuel strikes as Powell warns Europe to brace for a hard winter.
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New AP Poll Top 25 punishes Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas jumps to No 1 after big comeback
The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll underwent significant reshuffling after a chaotic second week of the season, with the Texas Longhorns rising to No. 1 following a dramatic comeback win over Ohio State, while Ohio State and Oklahoma both suffered steep falls despite losing narrowly to strong opponents. The shake-up highlights an ongoing…
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Only one in seven think Labour care about the countryside, poll reveals
A new poll for the Countryside Alliance has found that just 15% of rural residents believe the Labour Party cares about people who live and work in the countryside, while 43% feel the Government has “waged war on the countryside.” The findings come ahead of the launch of the Alliance’s Campaign for the Countryside in…
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Fans Choose Dove Cameron’s ‘When in Rome’ as This Week’s Favorite New Music
Dove Cameron’s new single “When in Rome” has been voted the top pick in Billboard’s weekly new music poll, taking more than 71% of the vote ahead of releases from Jhené Aiko, Slayyyter and Bleachers. The track, released with a music video on Friday, marks the first taste of Cameron’s long-awaited debut studio album, following…
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More than half of local election candidates suffered abuse in 2026
More than half of candidates in this year’s local elections in England experienced abuse or intimidation while campaigning, according to a new Electoral Commission report, prompting fresh concern about the safety of those seeking public office. The watchdog warned that rising hostility could deter people from standing in future elections and urged social media platforms…
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Piddington women fighting to stop 1,250-person asylum centre in village of 350 prepare for ‘independence referendum’ on leaving the UK
Residents of Piddington, a small Oxfordshire village of around 350 people, are holding an unofficial “independence referendum” on Tuesday as part of their campaign against government plans to convert a former Ministry of Defence site on the village’s edge into accommodation for 1,250 male asylum seekers for up to a decade. The non-binding vote follows…
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‘Sweat the asset’: new development minister plots path to make UK aid count
The UK’s development minister, Kirsty McNeill, has reaffirmed Labour’s manifesto commitment to eventually restore aid spending to 0.7% of national income, while stressing there is no timetable and the increase depends on fiscal conditions allowing it. Her remarks matter because they come after the government cut aid spending to 0.3% of national income, drawing criticism…