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Retired UK civil servants failed by pension outsourcing, government says
The UK government has admitted that retired civil servants have been failed by the outsourcing of their pension scheme to Capita, with maladministration leaving some claimants waiting up to a year for payments. The Cabinet Office is now looking to bring the scheme back in-house after “unacceptable” service levels left pensioners and bereaved relatives in…
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Trump told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to ‘pay some damages’ for wildfire smoke coming across border: ‘Our air has been poisoned’
US President Donald Trump has said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney should “pay some damages” over wildfire smoke drifting across the border into the United States, claiming that American air had been “poisoned” as a result. The remarks add another point of friction to the already strained relationship between Washington and Ottawa, which has recently…
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Donald Trump ignores FIFA president’s call to leave the stage as he joins Spain’s World Cup final trophy lift in awkward moment
Donald Trump joined Spain’s players on stage for their World Cup trophy lift despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly asking him to step aside, creating an awkward scene during the celebrations. The moment added to a chaotic finale to the tournament, which was already overshadowed by other controversies on the night. Spain beat Argentina 1-0…
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That’s a wrap
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NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani sparks outrage after calling Netanyahu a ‘war criminal’ who ‘belongs in the Hague’
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has provoked a backlash after describing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war criminal” who “belongs in the Hague,” according to reports. The remarks, attributed to Mamdani in his capacity as the city’s mayor, have drawn strong criticism from those who view the comments as inflammatory and inappropriate…
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Will the 2034 cup be in 2035?
Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup may be staged partly or entirely in 2035 because the country’s summer heat makes the usual June–July window impractical. The issue matters because moving the tournament would disrupt football’s established calendar and could create conflicts with domestic leagues, international competitions and other major events. Saudi Arabia was formally selected as…
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Vice President JD Vance’s wife Usha gives birth to baby boy
US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha have welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Alec Neel Vance. The couple announced the birth on X, saying mother and baby were “happy and healthy” and thanking staff at Walter Reed Medical Center and the White House Medical Unit for their care. Usha, 40,…
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Moroccan and Saudi World Cups draw human rights concerns
The article highlights human rights concerns linked to World Cup tournaments involving Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Critics argue that hosting such major events can draw attention to countries’ treatment of LGBT+ people, political dissent and other civil-liberties issues, raising questions for football authorities and participating teams. Morocco is associated with the 2030 World Cup, while…
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Regional divide emerges as Andy Burnham’s leadership faces early scrutiny
Andy Burnham’s premiership faced early scrutiny and pressure in the period following his rise to power, with critics questioning the legitimacy of his ascent and the direction of his policy agenda. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch publicly called on the new administration to cut welfare spending, rule out further tax rises and speed up domestic oil…