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Kylian Mbappe notifies PSG that he will not be extending his contract: Media

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According to reports, Paris Saint-Germain was hoping Mbappe would trigger a contract extension.

According to French sports weekly L’Equipe and foreign media outlets, French football sensation Kylian Mbappe has informed Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) that he will leave the Ligue 1 winners when his contract expires next year.

According to reports, Mbappe stunned the PSG hierarchy by declining the option of a 12-month contract extension, which he presented in a formal letter, and follows Lionel Messi’s recent announcement of his departure from PSG to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami in the United States.

According to press sources, PSG will have to decide whether to sell the 24-year-old attacker, who scored a hat-trick for France against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, or let him depart for nothing when his current contract expires in June 2024.

According to reports in France, PSG is hoping to extend Mbappe’s contract.

Mbappe’s departure would be the most significant for PSG, as he is a national symbol in France and largely regarded as one of the few players capable of dethroning Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as football’s biggest stars.

Mbappe wanted to help PSG win its first Champions League trophy, but the club experienced yet another setback in Europe’s premier competition, which Manchester City won by defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in the final on Saturday.

Mbappe has five French league titles with PSG and was France’s World Cup winner in 2018.

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News Trending War

Radio New Zealand apologises for broadcasting “pro-Kremlin garbage.”

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The leader of Radio New Zealand has apologised for airing “pro-Kremlin garbage.”

A journalist has been placed on leave after it was revealed that many web pieces regarding the Ukrainian war had been changed to benefit Russia.

Since personnel were notified on Friday, roughly 250 stories have been forensically investigated, according to CEO Paul Thompson.

Sixteen articles have been edited, with hundreds more to be reviewed.

“It’s quite frustrating. I’m devastated. It’s excruciating. “It’s shocking,” he said on RNZ’s Nine to Noon. “We need to figure out how this happened.”

Mr Thompson indicated that the organization’s editing practises will be subjected to an external examination.

The journalist in issue claims to have spent years editing news agency text for the RNZ website.

According to a statement by the state-owned RNZ, the 16 pieces had been reprinted with corrections and editor’s comments when flaws were discovered.

Mr Thompson apologised to the audience, readers, workers, and the Ukrainian community.

“It’s very disappointing that this pro-Kremlin garbage has ended up in our stories,” Mr Thompson said on Nine to Noon. “It’s inexcusable.”

The edited articles claimed that Russia unlawfully acquired Crimea following a vote, while Ukraine and the international community do not acknowledge Russia’s possession of Ukraine’s southern peninsula.

The United Nations has endorsed a resolution highlighting the referendum’s illegitimacy.

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News Politics Trending Uncategorized

More than 600 persons cross the channel in a single day. 

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The Home Office reported that on Sunday, more than 600 migrants made it across the English Channel, the most in a single day thus far this year.

Twelve small boats carrying approximately 616 people from France were spotted making the journey. The previous record for this year’s daily high was 497 people on April 22. This year, more than 8,000 migrants have made the journey, which is about 2,000 fewer than at the same time last year. Last week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a speech in Dover that his plan to reduce the number of migrant boats crossing the Channel was working, and that for the first time, numbers were down.

According to Chris Mason, a political editor at the BBC, crossings into the UK had decreased by a fifth, and the number of Albanians travelling to Britain had decreased by ninety per cent. As of now last year, the total figure had recently passed 10,000. This past year, there were 45,755 crossings all together. Mr Sunak has made lessening the quantity of Channel intersections a vital piece of his prevalence, including by means of the Unlawful Relocation Bill.

Those who attempted to enter the UK without permission would be detained and promptly deported, either to their home country or to a third nation like Rwanda, according to the plans.

Migrants would be prohibited from claiming asylum, and the bill would establish extensive new powers for detention and search. It would still apply to someone who claims to have been a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking.

Campaigners have criticized it severely, and earlier this week, the Joint Committee on Human Rights, made up of MPs and peers, stated that it would violate “a number of the UK’s human rights obligations.”

Despite the fact that the bill has already been approved by the Commons, it was harshly criticized on Monday during a debate in the House of Lords that lasted into the early hours of Tuesday morning. Liberal Leftist Aristocrat Ludford said peers had been “abused, bullied and intimidated” by the public authority over the plans.

But Mr. Sunak and ministers from the government say that tough measures are needed to stop people-smuggling networks from making money off of the risky Channel route. Stephen Kinnock, the shadow immigration minister for Labour, stated that the PM “needs to roll up his sleeves and start doing the hard graft, rather than ploughing on with the headline-chasing, government-by-gimmick approach.” Kinnock was referring to the PM’s strategy.

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Brittany: Girl from British family shot dead in France named

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Solaine Thornton, an 11-year-old British girl, was tragically shot and killed while playing on a swing in her family’s garden in the village of Saint-Herbot, north of Quimper in Brittany, France. The incident occurred during a barbecue that the family was hosting on a Saturday evening. Solaine’s parents, Adrian and Rachel Thornton, were also injured in the shooting and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Adrian Thornton sustained serious injuries as reported by local media.

The mayor of the commune where the family resided, Marguerite Bleuzen, identified the family. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that they are offering support and assistance to the affected British family.

According to reports, Solaine and her eight-year-old sister were playing on a swing while their parents were tending to the barbecue. It was during this time that a neighbor, described as a 71-year-old Dutch national, began shooting at them with a shotgun through a hedge. The younger sister, in a state of shock, ran to a neighbor’s house to seek help and raise the alarm, shouting that her sister was dead.

The suspect barricaded himself in his house following the incident, but he eventually surrendered to the police and was arrested along with his wife. Local residents mentioned that the man had a reclusive nature and was involved in a dispute with the British family regarding a piece of land adjacent to their properties.

The motive behind the shooting is still unclear, and Prosecutor Carine Halley stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident are currently being investigated. The mayor and other local residents expressed shock and disbelief over the tragic event, emphasizing that the family was well-known and regularly participated in village events.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that they are in contact with the local authorities and are providing consular assistance to the British family affected by the shooting.

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Silvio Berlusconi’s death leaves ‘huge void’, allies say

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Silvio Berlusconi, the former Prime Minister of Italy, has passed away at the age of 86. He died at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan after being treated for a lung infection related to chronic leukemia. Berlusconi, a flamboyant billionaire media tycoon, served as Prime Minister from 1994 to 2011 and led four governments during his time in office.

His death has been met with sorrow and tributes from various political figures in Italy. Giorgia Meloni, the current Prime Minister, described him as a “fighter” and one of the most influential men in Italy’s history. Matteo Salvini, the deputy Prime Minister, expressed his grief and gratitude for Berlusconi’s friendship, advice, and generosity. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated that his passing marked the end of an era and left a significant void.

Berlusconi had been battling a rare form of blood cancer, chronic myelomonocyte leukemia, and had faced health issues since contracting COVID-19 in 2020. He began his career as a businessman, eventually building a vast empire that included television networks, publishing companies, and advertising agencies. He also owned the renowned football club AC Milan.

Berlusconi was a polarizing figure in Italian politics, admired by supporters for his business acumen and charismatic style, but criticized by opponents for his disregard for the rule of law. He faced numerous legal challenges throughout his career, including charges of bribery, tax fraud, and involvement with an underage prostitute. Although convicted on multiple occasions, he avoided serving jail time due to his age and the expiration of statutes of limitations.

Berlusconi’s death marks the end of an era in Italian politics and media. His complex and controversial legacy is expected to be a subject of ongoing debate and discussion in the years to come.

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News Trending War

Ukraine counter-offensive actions have begun, Zelensky says

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that the country’s long-awaited counter-offensive against Russia has begun. He acknowledged the occurrence of counter-offensive and defensive actions but refrained from providing specific details about the stage or state of the operation. Recent escalation of fighting in Ukraine’s south and east, along with speculation about the anticipated push, has contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Reports suggest that Ukrainian troops have made advancements in the east near Bakhmut and in the south near Zaporizhzhia. They have also conducted long-range strikes on Russian targets. However, assessing the actual developments on the front lines is challenging as both sides present contrasting narratives. While Ukraine claims progress, Russia asserts that it is repelling attacks.

In Russia’s Kaluga region, which borders the southern districts around Moscow, the governor, Vladislav Shapsha, reported a drone crash near the village of Strelkovk. The accuracy of this report has not been independently verified by the BBC.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a video interview that Ukrainian forces have indeed initiated their offensive, but their attempts to advance have been unsuccessful and resulted in heavy casualties.

Following discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Kyiv, President Zelensky described Putin’s remarks as “interesting.” He shrugged his shoulders, raised his eyebrows, and pretended not to know who Putin was, emphasizing the importance of conveying to Russia that their time is running out. Zelensky also mentioned that Ukraine’s military commanders are in a positive mood and urged Trudeau to relay this message to Putin. During Trudeau’s visit, Canada announced a new military aid package of 500 million Canadian dollars (£297m) for Ukraine.

A joint statement issued after the talks affirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations, stating that it should be pursued as soon as conditions permit. The matter is expected to be discussed at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July.

Fighting has intensified in the strategic southern Zaporizhzhia region, with Ukrainian forces aiming to push south and divide Russian forces, thus disrupting the occupied territory that links Russia to Crimea. However, Ukraine’s progress in the region may be impeded by significant flooding caused by the destruction of the Nova Khakovka dam. The flooding has affected approximately 230 square miles (596 sq km) on both sides of the Dnipro River.

President Zelensky reported that 3,000 individuals have been evacuated from the flooded Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. While water levels have receded by 27cm, over 30 settlements on the right bank of the river, within Ukrainian-held territory, remain flooded, with nearly 4,000 residential buildings still submerged.

NATO and Ukraine’s military have accused Russia of detonating the dam, while Russia has placed the blame on Ukraine. However, it is highly likely that Russian forces, who controlled the dam, deliberately destroyed it to impede Ukrainian forces from crossing the river as part of their ongoing counter-offensive, according to the BBC’s Paul Adams.

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Entertainment News Trending

Katie Waissel says her mental health was ‘ridiculed’ by X Factor staff

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Former X Factor contestant Katie Waissel has claimed that the show’s staff mocked her mental health during her time on the series.

She revealed that she was ridiculed and referred to as a “drama queen” in internal emails. Waissel read out other emails she obtained through a GDPR request, which showed the lack of support she received. She called on MPs to revive an inquiry into reality TV shows and questioned why ITV’s safeguarding policies were only being addressed now.

Fellow contestant Rebecca Ferguson also shared her experiences, alleging mental manipulation and abuse. ITV and Ofcom responded, emphasizing their commitment to contestant welfare. Fremantle Television, the show’s producer, stated that participants were provided with legal advisors and aftercare support. Both Waissel and Ferguson expressed the need for acknowledgment and apology for their experiences on the show.

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France knife attack: ‘Backpack hero’ praised for facing attacker

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Henri, a 24-year-old Catholic pilgrim, has been hailed as a hero by French media for his courageous attempt to stop a knife attack in Annecy, which resulted in serious injuries to four children. Henri, who had been touring France’s cathedrals, instinctively pursued the attacker and used his backpack as a weapon to defend against the assailant.

President Emmanuel Macron personally commended Henri for his bravery during their meeting in the town. Macron praised Henri’s actions as a “source of hope” while acknowledging that he had also experienced a traumatic event. The French leader visited the victims of the stabbing and expressed his gratitude to the first responders.

Video footage captured Henri swinging his backpack at the attacker and chasing him across a grassy area. The hashtag #MerciHenri began trending online, and Henri himself posted on Instagram, urging people to pray for the children and assuring them that he was fine.

In an interview with CNews the following morning, Henri explained that he believed it was unthinkable to do nothing in such a situation. He acted on his instincts and did what he could to protect those who were vulnerable. While Henri modestly stated that he was not the only civilian who intervened, he emphasized that he felt compelled to act and defended the weak, just as any French person would.

Henri’s father expressed his belief that his son’s actions prevented further harm, crediting him with scaring off the assailant and preventing carnage. Prior to the incident, Henri had been interviewed about his nine-month tour of France’s cathedrals, where he relied on walking and hitchhiking. He mentioned his habit of knocking on random doors near cathedrals to find accommodation, explaining that it helped him open up to people.

Regarding the attacker’s claim of identifying as a Christian, Henri rejected the notion, stating that it was profoundly unchristian to target the vulnerable. Instead, he believed that something deeply negative possessed the assailant.

Henri’s courageous response to the knife attack has garnered widespread admiration in France, with many praising his selflessness and humility.

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News Trending War

Ukraine army attacks Russian forces in southern Zaporizhzhia region

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According to Russian officials and military bloggers, Ukraine’s military has launched attacks on occupying Russian forces in the strategically important southern Zaporizhzhia region.

Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks, artillery, and drones, are reportedly attempting to advance south of the town of Orikhiv for the second consecutive night. The counter-offensive is believed to be focused on regaining access to the Sea of Azov, which would weaken Russia’s combat capability and eliminate a land bridge to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Ukraine has been planning this counter-offensive for months and has been training troops while seeking advanced military equipment from Western allies.

The government has not revealed many details about its plans, but Ukrainian forces are reportedly testing Russian positions along the front line to identify weaknesses.

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France stabbing: Children attacked in Annecy park in stable condition

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Four young children who were stabbed in a park in Annecy, France, are now in stable condition, according to officials. The children, aged between one and three, are receiving treatment in the hospital.

The attacker, a 31-year-old Syrian man with refugee status in Sweden, was apprehended by the police after entering a children’s playground to carry out the attack. Two adults were also injured, with one in critical condition.

The incident, described as “abominable” by regional deputy Antoine Armand, is currently under investigation, although authorities have limited information. The attack appears to lack any terrorist motivation, according to Annecy prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis. The assailant invoked the name of Jesus Christ during the attack, but his motive remains unclear.

France has experienced knife attacks in recent years, often carried out by young men with criminal backgrounds and potential ties to Islamist extremism, but this incident seems to differ in nature. The attack is expected to contribute to the ongoing immigration debate in the country.

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