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Hungarian President Katalin Novak resigns over child-abuse pardon scandal

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The president of Hungary has stepped down on live television following backlash over a controversial decision to pardon a man involved in covering up a child sexual abuse case. President Novak’s resignation comes amidst growing protests demanding her departure after it was revealed she pardoned a man convicted of coercing children to retract abuse allegations against a state-run children’s home director.

Novak, who had granted clemency to the individual, apologized for her actions, acknowledging her mistake. This decision also led to the resignation of Judit Varga, the former minister of justice, who approved the pardon and was overseeing the European elections campaign for Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party.

The controversy erupted when the names of 25 individuals pardoned by Novak during a visit by Pope Francis were disclosed by Hungarian media. Among them was the deputy director of a children’s home near Budapest, convicted for pressuring children to withdraw abuse accusations against the home’s director, who himself was imprisoned for child abuse.

Novak’s sudden resignation, along with Varga’s departure, came as a surprise, considering Novak’s popularity within Fidesz and her significant role as the first female president of Hungary. The scandal has dealt a blow to Fidesz, known for its emphasis on traditional family values, and has caused embarrassment for the long-standing nationalist government.

In her televised address, Novak expressed regret for not standing up for the victims and acknowledged the doubts raised about the government’s commitment to combating pedophilia. The resignations of Novak and Varga, both prominent female figures in Fidesz, represent a significant setback for Orban’s party, especially with Varga slated to lead the party’s list in the upcoming European elections.

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‘Send back our husbands’ – Russian women in rare protest

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In a Moscow function room, a group of women, known as The Way Home, publicly criticizes the Russian authorities for keeping their husbands, part of the 300,000 reservists mobilized for the war in Ukraine, away from home. The women, who met through social media, have different views on the war but share the belief that their husbands have fulfilled their military duty and should return.

The women express frustration with the government and its lack of consideration for the soldiers’ well-being. They meet with local councillor Boris Nadezhdin, a rare government critic who has been allowed on national television. Nadezhdin, critical of the military operation, believes the war has damaged Putin’s domestic popularity.

Critics of the war blame the mobilized men, while Kremlin supporters label the women as Western puppets. Russian MP Andrei Kartapolov suggests that calls for demobilization are orchestrated by Russia’s enemies, linking it to World War Two. The women find such comparisons insulting, emphasizing that the current conflict is different.

Maria Andreeva, a member of The Way Home, not only advocates for her family’s return but also aims to prevent further call-ups. The group stages peaceful protests by laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Despite their efforts, the women feel a lack of support from society. Antonina, whose partner was drafted, shares her disappointment in the changing perception of her husband among friends. She emphasizes the desire for the return of husbands who did not volunteer for the front line, questioning Putin’s attitude towards citizens who once supported him. The women fear the possibility of a second wave of mobilization, despite Putin’s earlier assurances.

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The Crown: Netflix’s royal drama featuring Diana’s ghost savaged by critics

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The first four episodes of Netflix’s The Crown, marking the final season, have faced criticism from a majority of critics. This season delves into the events of the late 1990s, with a particular focus on Princess Diana’s relationship with Dodi Fayed and her tragic death. The portrayal of Diana’s character, including the use of her “ghost,” has garnered negative feedback from reviewers, with some describing it as a departure from the show’s earlier strengths.

Critics express dissatisfaction with the writing, with The Guardian giving the series a one-star review, stating that the “Diana-obsessed series is the very definition of bad writing.” The challenges of portraying events within living memory are noted, with some suggesting that the show has lost its balance and is now plummeting in quality.

Despite the negative feedback, there are acknowledgments of strong performances from the cast. Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal of Diana receives praise, with one review calling it “outstanding.” However, the use of Diana’s ghost and the handling of certain events, such as the car crash scene, have been criticized as desperate or self-defeating.

While The Times offers a four-star review, praising the emotional depth of the season, other critics point out what they perceive as historical inaccuracies and a reliance on speculative elements. The Financial Times suggests that the series takes emotive shortcuts, externalizing the complexity of the royals’ shock and grief, indicating a lack of inspiration.

The Crown has also faced criticism for its depiction of other characters, including Dodi Fayed and his father Mohamed Al-Fayed. Some critics argue that certain portrayals amount to a brutal hatchet job on these characters, deviating from the more nuanced versions presented in earlier seasons.

Despite the mixed reviews, Variety’s Aramide Tinubu believes that the new season has helped the show “reclaim its glittering throne.” The second half of the final season, set to be released in December, will cover additional significant events in the royal family, including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, Prince Charles and Camilla’s wedding, and the courtship of William and Kate.

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Russian Television Hints at Upcoming Tucker Carlson Show

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Russian state TV channel Rossiya 24 has released a trailer for an upcoming weekend program featuring former Fox News journalist Tucker Carlson. The state-run broadcaster did not specify whether the show would feature original content or be a translation of Carlson’s regular English-language videos on X.

In the trailer, Carlson is seen repeatedly mentioning “Russia,” with clips spliced together from previous broadcasts. The advertisement concludes with the word “24” on screen, accompanied by text stating, “The high-profile American presenter is moving to another level. Here.”

Tucker Carlson, known for his populist conservative views, was the highest-rated cable TV host during his time at Fox News. His show frequently set the agenda for conservatives and had a significant influence on the Republican party. The show covered various topics, including immigration, crime, race, gender, and sexuality, often critiquing “woke” ideology.

Carlson’s show was mentioned in a lawsuit by voting machine company Dominion over Fox News’ reporting of the 2020 presidential election, which claimed false allegations of rigging. Fox News settled the case with Dominion for $787.5 million, and Carlson left the network shortly thereafter.

Russian state TV has previously cited Carlson’s shows, mainly due to his tendency to repeat questionable Kremlin claims about Ukraine.

After leaving Fox News, Carlson started a new show on Twitter called “Tucker on Twitter,” later rebranded as “Tucker on X” following the social media platform’s rebranding.

If Rossiya 24 airs translated versions of these broadcasts, it won’t be the first Russian company to do so. The YouTube channel KarlsonTV has been translating and publishing Carlson’s shows in Russian for the past five years, amassing over one million subscribers. The channel has also been translating and publishing clips from Carlson’s new shows.

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Queen Letizia of Spain to be present at World Cup final against England

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Queen Letizia of Spain is set to travel to Australia to witness the World Cup final between England and Spain in Sydney on Sunday. Notably, no British royals will be present at the event.

The match marks the first-ever final appearance for both England’s Lionesses and the Spanish team in the women’s tournament. Although Prince William, the President of the Football Association, will support the England team from the UK, he has opted out of making the long-distance journey to Australia due to his focus on climate change concerns.

In contrast, Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, will be attending the final, while King Felipe will be engaged in official obligations and won’t accompany them. The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed the queen’s participation, mentioning her prior visit to the team during training where she delivered a speech to the players and coaching staff.

Similarly, Prince William interacted with the Lionesses during training and awarded manager Sarina Wiegman an honorary CBE. Despite his absence from the event, Prince William is expected to watch the final on television. Both Prince William and King Charles conveyed their congratulations to the teams on their achievements and extended their best wishes for the upcoming final match.

Notably, England’s women had previously been awarded their medals by Prince William after winning the European championship, while Queen Elizabeth II had attended England’s men’s team’s World Cup final victory in 1966.

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Greek Wildfires: Summer Camp Evacuates 1,200 Children as Fire Approaches

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A summer camp in Greece has been forced to evacuate over a thousand children due to raging wildfires that have erupted in the country. As Greece endures a scorching Mediterranean heatwave, two separate blazes are spreading rapidly.

In the town of Loutraki, situated west of Athens, flames advanced towards the camp, prompting the evacuation of 1,200 children. In another incident, a man suspected of starting a fire in Kouvaras, southeast of the capital, was arrested by the police. Emergency service crews have assisted numerous individuals in evacuating their homes in the affected areas.

Several animals, including horses housed in stables, were also evacuated. The Greek government has stated that affected homeowners are eligible for temporary accommodation in local hotels and will be compensated later. Despite the efforts of hundreds of firefighters contending with strong winds, the fires continue to spread.

The situation has led to transportation disruptions, with sections of the Athens-Corinth national highway closed by the police and some train services affected. While it is suspected that at least one fire was intentionally started, scientists emphasize that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming.

The intense regional heatwave shows no signs of abating, according to weather reports, and the risk of further fires remains high, as warned by the Greek meteorological service. Thick smoke, damaged houses, and cars were depicted on Greek television, reflecting the destruction caused by the wildfires. Greece has experienced temperatures surpassing 40°C (104°F) in recent days, leading to precautions such as the temporary closure of the Acropolis.

Neighboring countries like Italy and Spain are also facing unusually high temperatures, and further heat records are expected to be broken in the coming days throughout the region.

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Silvio Berlusconi: Former Italian PM’s eldest children get majority stake

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After much speculation, Silvio Berlusconi’s will has been revealed, showing that he has bequeathed a majority stake in the family’s holding company Fininvest to his two eldest children, Marina and Pier Silvio. They will jointly own 53% of the family firm. Berlusconi, who passed away on June 12, was one of Italy’s wealthiest individuals, with a vast empire spanning real estate, television, cinema, and sports. His will also revealed that Marina and Pier Silvio, his children from his first marriage, will receive larger shares compared to his three other children from his second wife. The two eldest children have been involved in managing the family business since the early 1990s and have stated that no single shareholder will have overall individual indirect control of Fininvest.

In addition to his children, Berlusconi allocated €100 million to Marta Fascina, his partner at the time of his death. Although they were not married, Berlusconi referred to her as his wife on his deathbed. He left €100 million to his brother Paolo and €30 million to his close aide Marcello Dell’Utri. The distribution of Berlusconi’s other valuable assets, such as luxurious villas, has not been clarified yet and may present challenges in dividing them equally among his offspring. These properties include Villa San Martino in Arcore, a historic mansion covering 3,500 square meters, as well as homes in various locations such as Lake Maggiore, Rome, Cannes, and the Caribbean.

Among his properties, Villa Certosa in Sardinia stands out as a prestigious asset. Berlusconi purchased the mansion in the 1970s and hosted world leaders there, including Vladimir Putin and George W. Bush. The mansion, with 126 rooms and elaborate features like a fake erupting volcano, is estimated to be worth €259 million.

Silvio Berlusconi was a highly influential figure in Italy’s history, leaving a lasting impact on politics, media, football, and society. His will included a handwritten letter expressing his gratitude and love for his children. However, the question remains whether the family unity he maintained during his lifetime will persist after his passing and how that might affect the future of his business empire.

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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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Demon Headmaster actor Terrence Hardiman dies aged 86

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Terrence Hardiman, the actor who played the titular character in the CBBC series The Demon Headmaster, has passed away at the age of 86. His agent confirmed the news and paid tribute to him as a much-loved stage and screen actor. Hardiman’s portrayal of the sinister character terrified a generation of children during the show’s original run from 1996 to 1998.

He made a brief appearance in the reboot of the series in 2019. The Demon Headmaster was based on a series of children’s books by Gillian Cross, and Hardiman’s performance as the hypnotic character, who would say “Look into my eyes,” while removing his dark glasses, left a lasting impression on viewers.

Terrence Hardiman was born in 1937 in east London and studied English at the University of Cambridge, where he developed a passion for acting. He performed with the university’s amateur dramatic club, alongside future stars such as Derek Jacobi.

Hardiman had a successful career in both film and stage, including a touring production of Doctor Faustus with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 1968, where he played Mephistophilis. He gained his first major television role in Granada’s Crown Court from 1972 onwards and went on to appear in other popular TV shows such as The Crown, Doctor Who, and Prime Suspect.

Hardiman often played characters of authority, and his other credits include Bergerac, Colditz, Minder, and Secret Army. In Richard Attenborough’s 1982 film, Gandhi, he portrayed former UK Prime Minister Ramsay McDonald. Hardiman is survived by his wife Rowena and two children.

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Jeremy Renner describes snowplough accident: ‘My mistake and I paid for it’

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Jeremy Renner, star of the Avengers, claimed that his January accident in which he was crushed by a snowplough was “my mistake, and I paid for it.” On New Year’s Day, Renner attempted to stop the car from running over his nephew and broke more than 30 bones in the process.

On Thursday, the American network ABC aired his first in-depth interview since that time.

“You shouldn’t be outside the vehicle when you’re operating it, you know what I mean? It’s like driving a car with one foot out of the car,” he said.

“But it is what it was. And it’s my mistake, and I paid for it.” Renner, 52, is best known for playing Marvel’s Hawkeye and has been nominated for two Oscars.

He told ABC’s Diane Sawyer that he and his nephew Alex, 27, had been removing one of the family’s trucks from the snow with the help of the 6.5-tonne vehicle.

Renner claimed that without applying the parking brake, he stepped out of the cab to see if Alex was in the way of the snowplough when it began to slide on the ice. But, he slipped and fell out.

“I just happened to be the dummy standing on the dang track a little bit, seeing if my nephew was there.”

Renner attempted to re-enter the vehicle out of concern that it might “sandwich” Alex against the truck. But, he stepped across the moving wheel tracks of the plough, which propelled him ahead and caused the vehicle to run over him.

Asked if he remembered the pain, he replied: “Oh yeah, I was awake through every moment.

“It’s hard to imagine what that feels like… It felt like someone took the wind out of you.

“Pain is everything – it’s like if your soul could feel pain.”

Recalling his thoughts at the time, he continued: “I said, ‘Oh, that [leg], that one’s really messed up… that leg’s [going to] be a problem.

“[I’m thinking], what’s my body [going to] look like? Am I just gonna be like a spine and a brain like a science experiment?”

However, after three months of intensive treatment, Renner was seen in the ABC programme being able to walk with the aid of a frame.

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