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Bigmouth strums again: was Andy Burnham’s Smiths jam in Kyiv the perfect soundtrack to a Britain in freefall?
The article reflects on Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s longstanding enthusiasm for the Smiths, highlighted by his guitar performance of Rusholme Ruffians in Kyiv. It argues that the band’s bleak yet lively portrayal of national decline, injustice and alienation makes the moment symbolically resonant amid Britain’s current political and social difficulties. Burnham’s fandom is presented as…
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The chefs turning down the heat by switching from gas to electric
Chefs in the UK are increasingly replacing gas hobs with electric induction cookers as heatwaves make commercial kitchens dangerously hot. Supporters say induction can lower kitchen temperatures by up to 10C, while also reducing energy use, pollution and noise, although some chefs remain attached to the tradition and spectacle of cooking with flames. London chefs…
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Who’s Afraid of Film Festivals? After Politics Rattled Berlin and Shook Up Cannes, Venice Braces for Impact
Political controversy has already disrupted this year’s major European film festivals, with disputes over Israel and Palestine, Russia, right-wing media influence and artificial intelligence prompting withdrawals, petitions and public criticism. Venice is expected to face similar pressure as it presents a deliberately political programme amid ongoing wars and wider concerns about censorship, democracy and shrinking…
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Farage demands crackdown on non-English speaking Britons voting in elections
Reform UK has proposed an “Election Integrity Bill” that would limit who can vote and how election information is provided, including ending the voting rights of Commonwealth citizens and restricting materials to languages native to the British Isles or accessible formats. The party says the measures would protect elections from fraud, coercion and foreign influence,…
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Unsafe at any speed: AI optimists are turning cautious as safety concerns mount
The article argues that several prominent AI advocates are becoming more candid about the technology’s safety risks, despite continuing to promote its potential benefits. It says these concerns matter because increasingly capable AI systems, particularly autonomous agents, could amplify harms including fraud, misinformation, privacy breaches and biological threats. OpenAI’s Sam Altman said model capabilities were…
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Trump insists Putin WON’T attack a NATO territory and says he’s ‘had good talks with him’
Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin would not attack NATO territory, citing what he described as good talks with the Russian leader. His comments seek to reassure allies amid reports that the CIA had warned Moscow against testing the alliance, while Russia and an unnamed EU official also dismissed an imminent threat. The reports followed CIA…
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Asian Games hosts run out of rooms for athletes
Organisers of next month’s Asian Games in Japan have told additional athletes to arrange their own accommodation after planned capacity was exceeded. The problem highlights the financial and logistical strain caused by a late increase in competitors, as the event has no dedicated athletes’ village. About 17,000 athletes and officials are now expected, compared with…
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Birmingham council moves to ban British and St George’s flags ‘to protect public safety’
Birmingham City Council has applied for a court injunction to stop unauthorised British and St George’s flags being attached to lampposts and other highway infrastructure. It says the action is intended to protect public safety, staff and contractors, community cohesion and public funds, after workers removing flags reportedly faced harassment and intimidation. If granted, the…
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Nepal flood LIVE: Fears of second tsunami as lake breaks its banks and locals run for high ground as rescue efforts are halted
Nepalese authorities warned of renewed flooding after a dammed lake in Tibet reportedly broke its banks, prompting people and rescue workers to seek higher ground. Helicopter rescues were suspended as river levels rose, adding to the danger following Wednesday’s devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa area. Police said they had received information that a water…
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Supreme Court Appeal Looms as GTA 6 Police Get Smarter
US election-ad rules face a legal fight, while GTA 6 reportedly upgrades police tracking. Passengers leaves Netflix, Malcolm in the Middle climbs Disney Plus, and consumers are warned of Medicare and Social Security scams