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King Charles laughs at get-well card with dog in head cone
An international outpouring of support has been directed towards the monarch following his recent cancer diagnosis, as evidenced by the messages delivered to Buckingham Palace. It has been filmed that the King enjoys receiving cards from well-wishers, one of which is a dog bearing the inscription, "At least you don't have to wear a cone!"
Sunak: Speaker’s changes to parliament ‘very concerning’
It appeared that Housing Secretary Michael Gove supported Sir Lindsay Hoyle while the prime minister criticised him. As of now, 65 Members of Parliament have endorsed an Early Day Motion which demands the departure of Sir Lindsay.
Ben Leonard: Scouts reported to police after teen killed wrongfully
Police may investigate whether the Scout Association attempted to obstruct justice after the death of a teenager on a hike. Ben Leonard, 16, from a group visiting Llandudno's Great Orme, fell from cliffs at a height of 200 feet (60 metres).
Starmer denies threatening Speaker over Gaza vote
In the midst of the Gaza ceasefire debate, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle faces challenges retaining his role after Labour's contentious amendment. Sir Keir Starmer denies threatening Hoyle, merely advocating for a comprehensive discussion. Accusations of political maneuvering and interference cloud Hoyle's decision-making, as SNP withdraws support and Conservatives express no confidence. Labour blames Tory boycott for disorder, while the government accuses Labour of undermining the Speaker. Despite the turmoil, some defend Hoyle's fairness and integrity.
Red states to teach 9-year-olds anti-abortion
Several Republican-led states are considering legislation to mandate schoolchildren watch 'Baby Olivia,' an anti-abortion video with disputed fetal development claims. Physicians challenge the accuracy of the video, suggesting developmental milestones are misrepresented. Critics argue it manipulates emotions without scientific backing. Approximately 2.3 million children could be affected if these proposals become law, starting at different grades depending on the state. The video is already in use in North Dakota schools following recent legislation.
Navalny’s mother alleges pressure for ‘secret’ burial
Lyudmila Navalnaya, mother of deceased Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, accuses the state of pressuring her for a secret burial and refusing to return his body. Despite a death certificate citing natural causes, Navalny's family believes he was assassinated by the Kremlin, a charge Russia denies. Amidst her grief, Yulia Navalnaya posts a heartfelt message about their daughter's strength, while the Kremlin continues investigating the death.
Valencia: Huge fire destroys flats in Spanish city
A massive fire in Valencia, Spain, has claimed four lives, injured thirteen, including six firefighters, and left nineteen persons unaccounted for. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed shock and promised full support to the city. The blaze spread rapidly through two buildings, potentially accelerated by strong winds. The cause remains undetermined.
Reddit users call share plans ‘beginning of the end’
Reddit's announcement of a public share sale has met with backlash from users fearing it may alter the site's ethos. Despite the site's successful "ask me anything" threads and significant daily visitor numbers, Redditors are worried about prioritizing revenue over user experience post-IPO. Reddit has faced similar user dissent in the past, and though it struggled to convert online appeal into profits, valuations reached $10 billion in 2021. The CEO sees growth potential in advertising, platform commerce, and AI content licensing. This IPO would be the first for a social media firm since Pinterest in 2019.
FBI, Homeland Security probe AT&T outage for hack
Federal and security agencies are investigating if a cyberattack, notably a DDOS attack, caused the recent widespread U.S. cellular disruption. While the downtime could owe to hackers targeting 911 services or extracting data, a severe solar flare coinciding with the outage raises alternate theories. Past incidents suggest cloud misconfiguration and cybersecurity lapses as potential culprits. The true cause remains undetermined.
EU, US support outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte as NATO chief
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been endorsed by key NATO allies—the US, UK, France, and Germany—for the role of NATO's secretary-general during a pivotal time related to the Ukraine conflict. Rutte, having previously ruled himself out, now considers the opportunity "very interesting" and enjoys broad support from 16 other NATO members, although he may face resistance from Turkey and Hungary. His candidacy aligns with the alliance's needs for unity and strength, as consensus is required for leadership appointments within the 31-member group.
Russian tourist trip to North Korea: unique, nostalgic experiences
During a four-day Russia-North Korea tour, around 100 Russians visited North Korea for the first time since the pandemic, experiencing cultural performances and a ski resort. Complaints arose regarding the outdated Air Koryo flight. Despite tourists' ethical concerns, relations between Russia and North Korea, including leader-to-leader ties, are strengthening, as evidenced by Putin gifting Kim Jong Un a limousine amid widening alliances and pledges of increased military cooperation.
Leave Russia, funding Putin’s war, MPs warn Mondelez
Members of the UK Parliament have criticized Mondelez International, owner of Cadbury, for its ongoing operations in Russia post-Ukraine invasion. MP Alex Sobel urged CEO Dirk Van de Put to align business ethics with human rights and social justice. Amidst global backlash and calls for boycotts, the company maintains a difficult position, citing potential Kremlin takeover and local dependency on their business. Critics claim continued sales support Russia's military funding, challenging Mondelez's ethical stance.
