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☆ Bank of England to raise Bank Rate to 5.50% in September, significant minority expect further hike: Reuters poll
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Shaloo Shrivastava | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Nearly all 65 economists in the Sept. 11-13 Reuters poll expected the BoE to hike its Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% this month, in line with interest rate futures pricing. Survey medians showed the Bank Rate was expected to peak at 5.50%, matching rate futures pricing, and stay there until mid-2024. While 28 economists expected the Bank Rate to peak at 5.75%, two said 6.00%. Nine of 16 gilt-edged Market Makers (GEMMs) that participated in the poll predicted a 5.50% peak rate and seven said 5.75%. A separate Reuters poll showed average house prices in Britain were predicted to fall 4% this year and flatline in 2024 before rising in 2025.

Persons: BoE, Maja Smiejkowska, Ellie Henderson, BoE Governor Andrew Bailey, Catherine Mann, Shaloo Shrivastava, Anitta Sunil, Purujit Arun, Maneesh Kumar, Pranoy, Ross Finley, Hari Kishan, Mark Potter Organizations: Bank of England, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, HSBC, MPC, Royal Institution, Chartered Surveyors, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Investec

☆ Bank of England tells UK to hold insurers to account on infrastructure
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Huw Jones | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A general view of the Bank of England (BoE) building, the BoE confirmed to raise interest rates to 1.75%, in London, Britain, August 4, 2022. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Bank Of England FollowLONDON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The government should check that insurers are spending up to 100 billion pounds ($125 billion) on Britain's economy after their capital rules were eased, Bank of England Deputy Governor Sam Woods said on Wednesday. "I think it may happen, but I can't guarantee it," Woods told a sub-committee of parliament's Treasury Select Committee. The finance ministry overrode the Bank of England to ease some capital rules more than Woods had wanted, which could make an insurance company failure more likely. This means insurers will have more money to invest, currently only a modest part of their portfolios is in infrastructure, Gerken said.

Persons: BoE, Maja Smiejkowska, Sam Woods, Woods, Charlotte Gerken, Gerken, Huw Jones, Alexander Smith Organizations: Bank of England, REUTERS, Bank, Association of, Thomson Locations: London, Britain

☆ Jazz quintet Ezra Collective wins Mercury Prize
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] The winner of 2023 Mercury Prize, Ezra Collective, pose for a photograph at the Mercury Music Prize awards in London, Britain, September 7, 2023. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Ezra Collective on Thursday won the Mercury Prize for "Where I'm Meant to Be", the first jazz album to ever take home the British music award. Open to all musical genres, the Mercury Prize shortlists 12 albums released by British and Irish acts in the United Kingdom in the past year. by singer Jessie Ware, "Heavy Heavy" by Scottish group Young Fathers and experimental pop duo Jockstrap's debut "I Love You Jennifer B". ($1 = 0.8019 pounds)Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian and Sarah Mills; editing by Diane CraftOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ezra, Maja Smiejkowska, Femi Koleoso, TJ Koleoso, Joe Armon, Jones, James Mollison, Ife Ogunjobi, Loyle Carner, Raye, Emeli Sande, Steve McQueen, Ezra Collective's, Little, PJ Harvey, DJ Fred, J Hus, Jessie Ware, Jennifer B, Olivia Dean's, Hugo, Marie, Louise Gumuchian, Sarah Mills, Diane Craft Organizations: Mercury, REUTERS, Thursday, British, Kojey, Ezra, Young, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, United Kingdom

☆ Harrowing migrant drama puts spotlight on Europe border cruelty
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( Crispian Balmer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] The 80th Venice Film Festival - Premiere for the film "Zielona Granica" (Green Border) in competition - Red Carpet - Venice, Italy, September 5, 2023. "Green Border", which premieres at the Venice Film Festival on Tuesday, tells the story of refugees, charity workers, activists and border guards, whose lives intersect in the cold, swampy forests between the two east European countries. Migrants started flocking to the border in 2021, after Belarus, a close Russian ally, opened travel agencies in the Middle East offering a new unofficial route into Europe - a move the European Union said was designed to create a crisis. "If we go further on this road ... the European Union, Europe, the continent of freedom, democracy (and) human rights will disappear. "Green Border" is one of 23 movies competing for the Golden Lion award at the Venice festival, which runs until Sept. 9.

Persons: Jalal Altawil, Dalia Naous, Mohamad Al Rashi, Maja Ostaszewska, Agnieszka Holland, Behi Djanati Atai, Tomasz Wlosok, Marcin Wierzchoslawski, Fred, Holland, Crispian Balmer, Nick Macfie Organizations: Migrants, European Union, Nazi Holocaust, Golden, Thomson Locations: Venice, Italy, VENICE, Polish, Belarus, Russian, Europe, Poland, Syria, Afghanistan, Holland, East, Africa, Ukraine

☆ Finland's government agrees anti-racism policy to save coalition
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo attends a summit between European Union leaders and leaders of the CELAC group of Latin American and Caribbean states, in Brussels, Belgium July 18, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsHELSINKI, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Finland's government, beset by racism controversies since taking office in June, has agreed on a common policy to combat intolerance, party leaders said late on Wednesday, preventing a collapse of the four-party, right-wing coalition. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, whose conservative National Coalition Party (NCP) narrowly won Finland's April election, said the government on Thursday will present its unified policy on how to tackle racism, following a cabinet meeting. SPP leader Anna-Maja Henriksson said she and her party had endorsed the new policy. Reporting by Anne Kauranen, editing by Terje Solsvik, Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Petteri Orpo, Johanna Geron, Vilhelm Junnila, Riikka Purra, Anna, Maja Henriksson, Henriksson, Anne Kauranen, Terje Solsvik, Robert Birsel Organizations: Finland's, Union, REUTERS, Rights, Finns Party, Finns, National Coalition Party, NCP, Swedish People's Party, Swedish, Twitter, Thomson Locations: Caribbean, Brussels, Belgium

☆ Analysis: With Gabon, Africa's coup wave shows little sign of stopping
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Edward Mcallister | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

If successful, Wednesday's coup in Gabon would be the eighth in West and Central Africa in three years. Widespread condemnation, or the threat of military intervention, have done little to unseat coup leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger and Chad since 2020. Minutes before the coup announcement, Gabon's election authority declared him the emphatic victor of Saturday's election. I am calling on you to make noise, to make noise, to make noise. The triggers for the Gabon coup were different to those in the Sahel countries further north, where insecurity caused by Islamist militants has done much to sway public opinion.

Persons: Ali Bongo, Bongo, Gabon's, Maja Bovcon, Verisk, Omar, Mohamed Bazoum, Paul Biya, Denis Sassou Nguesso, Ryan Cummings, Edward McAllister, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: REUTERS, REUTERS Acquire, London, African Union, Thomson Locations: Gabon, DAKAR, West, Central Africa, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger, Chad, Africa, United States, France, Cameroon, Congo Republic, South Africa

☆ Maui wildfire: Hawaiian Electric says power lines started morning fire on August 8, but not afternoon Lahaina Fire
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Natasha Chen Anna-Maja Rappard Cheri Mossburg | Natasha Chen | Anna-Maja Rappard | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Hawaiian Electric Company said that power lines falling in high winds seem to have caused a fire during the early morning of August 8, but power lines in West Maui had been de-energized for more than six hours by the time a second afternoon fire began in the Lahaina area. The company made the comments in a new response Sunday to a lawsuit filed by the County of Maui. In a press release, HECO mentioned videos showing that power lines had fallen to the ground in high winds near the intersection of Lahainaluna Road and Hookahua Street at approximately 6:30am. But that morning fire was declared 100% contained by the Maui County Fire Department by 9am, they said. By the time the Maui County Fire Department arrived back on the scene, it was not able to contain that fire, and it spread out of control toward Lahaina, the release says.

Persons: “ inexcusably, HECO, ”, John Fiske, “, Fiske, Shelee Kimura, ” Kimura Organizations: CNN, Hawaiian Electric Company, National Weather Service, Watch, Maui County Fire Department, Hawaiian Electric, Intermediate, ” CNN Locations: West Maui, Lahaina, County, Maui, Maui County

☆ Maui wildfires: Nearly 400 remain unaccounted for in Maui after deadly wildfires, FBI-curated list shows -- a big decline from prior estimates
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Michelle Watson Kelly Mccleary Cheri Mossburg Anna-Maja Rappard Natasha Chen | Michelle Watson | Kelly Mccleary | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Search crews and cadaver dogs have searched 100% of single-story homes in the disaster area, Maui County officials said Tuesday. Sarah Salmonese sits where her apartment once stood in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday, August 11. “Our primary focus in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy has been to do everything we can to support not just the people of Maui, but also Maui County. Hawaiian Electric Company serves 95% of the state’s customer base. CNN has reached out to Maui County and the Maui Police Department for comment on Krau’s claims.

Persons: who’s, “, John Pelletier, Josh Green, geolocating, Steven Merrill, Sarah Salmonese, Go Nakamura, Ken Alba, Jae C, Yuki Iwamura, Patrick T, Fallon, Bryan Anselm, Mike Blake, Matthew A, Foster, Rick Bowmer, Lauren Haley, Makalea Ahhee, Justin Sullivan, Max Whittaker, Zoltan Balogh, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, Evelio Contreras, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Matthew Thayer, John Moore, it’s, Jim Kelly, ”, Darren Pai, “ inexcusably, John Fiske, ‘, Nicholas Krau, ” Krau, Krau Organizations: CNN, FBI, ” Police, ”, Analysis, New York Times, Getty, Reuters, Staff, US Army National Guard, Maui Police, Facility, AP Volunteers, Grace Baptist, Volunteers, Los Angeles Times, AP, Washington Post, Kahului Airport, Technologies, Kahului, AP Helicopters, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Maui News, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Electric Company, ATF, Electric, National Weather Service, Watch, State of Hawaii Organization of Police, Maui Police Department Locations: Maui, Maui County, ” Hawaii, Lahaina –, Hawaii, Lahaina , Hawaii, Lahaina, AFP, Wahikuli, Wailuku, Kula , Hawaii, Kula, Kihei, West Maui, Grace, Napili, Honokowai, Honolulu, Maalaea, Kahului, California, Las Vegas, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, Olinda

☆ Maui government files lawsuit, accuses Hawaiian electric company of causing Lahaina wildfires
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Maui County is seeking damages from HECO that may total tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, according to John Fiske, an attorney representing the county in the lawsuit. “Our primary focus in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy has been to do everything we can to support not just the people of Maui, but also Maui County. We are very disappointed that Maui County chose this litigious path while the investigation is still unfolding,” a spokesperson from Hawaiian Electric told CNN in a statement. Hawaiian Electric Company is a for-profit company that serves 95% of Hawaii’s customer base and trades on the New York Stock Exchange. This isn’t the first time a utility company has been blamed for its alleged role in a powerful wildfire in recent years.

Persons: “ inexcusably, John Fiske, “, ” Jim Kelly, Fiske, ”, CNN’s Anna, Maja Rappard, Natasha Chen, Afshar Organizations: CNN, Hawaiian Electric Company, National Weather Service, Watch, Hawaiian Electric, New York Stock Exchange, Pacific Gas Locations: Maui County, HECO, Maui, Hawaiian, California, Lahaina, Kula, Olinda

And as Spain’s players lifted the World Cup trophy, fireworks exploding behind them, they too seemed lost in the elation of reaching the pinnacle of the sport. Jennifer Hermoso kisses the Women's World Cup trophy. Gerard Pique, a men’s World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, wrote: “Congratulations! World Champions. Olga Carmona, who scored the winning goal of the game, celebrates Spain's World Cup success.

Persons: ”, Jennifer Hermoso, “ We’ve, ” Hermoso, Maja Hitij, I’ve, Teresa Abelleira, “, ” Abelleira, Spain’s, Gerard Pique, Pique, Olga Carmona, Mark Metcalfe, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Salma Paralluelo, Aitana Bonmatí –, Jorge Vilda, Vilda, we’ve Organizations: CNN, Spain, Australia, Spanish, RTVE, FIFA, WORLD, Go Locations: Spain, La, Germany, Spanish

☆ Algeria bans 'Barbie' movie, media and official source say
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Margot Robbie attends the European premiere of "Barbie" in London, Britain July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File PhotoALGIERS, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Algeria has banned the movie "Barbie," which had been showing at some cinemas in the country for several weeks, an official source and the local 24H Algerie news site said on Monday. The official source said the film "promotes homosexuality and other Western deviances" and that it "does not comply with Algeria's religious and cultural beliefs." Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, the movie sends Mattel Inc's (MAT.O) doll on an adventure into the real world. Reporting by Lamine Chikhi, writing by Angus McDowall, editing by Sandra MalerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Margot Robbie, Maja Smiejkowska, Ryan Gosling, Barbie, Ken, Mattel, Lamine Chikhi, Angus McDowall, Sandra Maler Organizations: REUTERS, Ministry, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, ALGIERS, Algeria, Algerie, Lebanon, Kuwait

☆ 8 New Songs You Should Hear Now
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

“A Vivir en Desacuerdo.” (translation: “To Live in Disagreement.”) is a welcoming introduction to her alluringly off-kilter sound. (Listen on YouTube)4. (Actually, I listened to it as an audiobook, which I would recommend because there are times when Tweedy actually sings to explain a point he’s making.) “Evicted” is stomping, twangy and rife with bruised emotions, as Tweedy sings, “I’d laugh until I died if it wasn’t my life, if it wasn’t me in the mirror.” (Listen on YouTube)7. (Listen on YouTube)

Persons: maJa, Jon Pareles, she’s, Billie Eilish, —, Lou, Ama, ”, Margaret Glaspy, Margaret Glaspy’s, “, Wilco, Jeff Tweedy, Tweedy, John Darnielle, Thebes Organizations: YouTube, Hail, Panasonic Locations: Dominican, Hail West Texas

☆ Dua Lipa must face lawsuit claiming she copied 'Levitating'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Jonathan Stempel | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File PhotoNEW YORK, Aug 8 (Reuters) - A federal judge in Manhattan said the British pop star Dua Lipa must face a lawsuit accusing her of copying her 2021 megahit "Levitating" from a 1979 disco song. The lawsuit, filed in March 2022, claimed that "Levitating" shared "compositional elements" with "Wiggle," most significantly by duplicating its opening melody. Defense lawyers argued that it was implausible to believe that Lipa, 27, heard "Wiggle" before writing "Levitating." Failla's opinion does not cover the plaintiffs' claim that "Levitating" copied another song, "Don Diablo," to which they owned a copyright. The case is Larball Publishing Co et al v Lipa et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No.

Persons: Dua Lipa, Maja Smiejkowska, Katherine Polk Failla, L, Russell Brown, Sandy Linzer, Failla, Jason Brown, Don Diablo, Lipa, Bosko Kante, Jonathan Stempel, Leslie Adler Organizations: Dua, REUTERS, U.S, Warner Records, Larball, Court, Southern District of, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Manhattan, British, Lipa, Los Angeles, Florida, U.S, Southern District, Southern District of New York, New York

☆ Dutch master Van der Poel wins world road title
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The Classics specialist and five-time cyclocross world champion is the first Dutchman to win the rainbow jersey in the road race since Joop Zoetemelk in 1985. "Maybe this completes my career in my opinion, it's maybe my biggest victory on the road and I cannot imagine riding in the rainbows for a year," Van der Poel said. Heavy rain provided another twist and Van der Poel might have paid for his late spill but, with a rainbow arced over the city, he closed in on the rainbow jersey. I was pretty pissed at myself," Van der Poel said. When Van der Poel powered up the steep Montrose Road climb for the final time he could finally enjoy ending the long Dutch wait for a road world champion.

Persons: Mathieu van der, Maja, Van der Poel, Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej, Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, slithered, Joop Zoetemelk, Belgium's Van Aert, Pogacar outsprinting Pedersen, Raymond Poulidor, Alberto Bettiol, Van der, Van Aert, Pedersen, Martyn Herman, Ed Osmond, Clare Fallon Organizations: Cycling, UCI, Sunday, de, Police, Glasgow, Thomson Locations: Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, Netherlands, GLASGOW, Square, Espana, Edinburgh, Glasgow's, Montrose

☆ Against the odds, Dygert back in old routine
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

But nearly three years after suffering an horrific career-threatening leg injury at the world road championships time trial in Italy, the 26-year-old proved on Thursday she is back. Dygert, the golden girl of American cycling, reduced the individual time trial field to also-rans on the opening day of the UCI World Championships in Glasgow. Dygert, whose marriage to cyclist Logan Owen ended in divorce in 2020, has had three surgeries on her leg. Dygert has further opportunities to grow her medal collection in Glasgow, in the track team pursuit and then in the women's road time race and time trial. Next up for me is the team pursuit where the girls and I are focused on bringing home another medal for the U.S.

Persons: Chloe Dygert, Germany's Franziska Brausse, Maja Smiejkowska GLASGOW, Chris Hoy, It's, Dygert, Logan Owen, Epstein, Barr, Martyn Herman, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: Cycling, UCI, Emirates, USA, Tokyo, Games, U.S, Thomson Locations: Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, treacle, Italy, Tokyo, Harrogate, Yorkshire, Dygert

☆ UK university marking strike leaves thousands of students stuck in limbo
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Kylie Maclellan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

A spokesperson for Britain's Home Office said international students without results can request a letter of confirmation from their sponsor or return to their home country and apply for another student visa. The University of Edinburgh said 27% of final year students had not received their degree at the time of graduation. International students pay much more, providing a vital source of income. Research published by Universities UK International in May found the 2021/22 intake of international students contributed 41.9 billion pounds to the UK economy. "Every year, universities in the UK are depending more and more on the finances of international students," said Hendricks.

Persons: Maja Smiejkowska, Amelia Dias, Dias, Anna Hendricks, Ailsa Watt, Watt, Gillian Keegan, Hendricks, Kylie MacLellan, Jan Harvey Organizations: London College of Communication, University of the Arts London, REUTERS, University of Edinburgh, Colleges Employers Association, University and College Union, National Union of Students, University of Cambridge, University, Scottish, International, British Council, Times Higher, Higher Education Statistics Agency, Universities UK International, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Edinburgh, British, Florida, Spanish, Shanghai

☆ Mattel bets on Barbie revival, posts surprise quarterly profit
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Savyata Mishra | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The California-based company also posted a surprise profit in the second quarter and its sales exceeded market expectations. The "Barbie" movie made a record-breaking debut in cinemas over the weekend, with $162 million in ticket sales in the United States and Canada. Mattel is slated to release a Disney Princess film later this year and another one in early 2024, with a Hot Wheels movie set for 2025. Kreiz said the "Barbie" movie's success will "serve as a template" for collaborations on other Mattel-owned intellectual property. Mattel maintained its full-year sales forecast, which it expects to be flat from last year, and adjusted profit per share between $1.10 and $1.20 per share.

Persons: America Ferrera, Margot Robbie, Maja Smiejkowska, Ynon Kreiz, Kreiz, Richard Dickson, Savyata Mishra, Pooja Desai Organizations: America, REUTERS, Mattel, Reuters, Disney, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, California, United States, Canada, billings, Bengaluru

☆ How to watch Canada, Spain and Japan in 2023 Women’s World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Women’s World Cup 2023: Live scores, fixtures, results, tables and top scorersCNN —The 2023 Women’s World Cup is now in full swing with teams entering the second round of fixtures from the group stage phase. Hinata Miyazawa scored a brace for the 2011 World Cup winner with Jun Endō, Mina Tanaka and Riko Ueki also kickstarting their Women’s World Cup goal tally. Spain vs. ZambiaOne of the early favorites for the 2023 Women’s World Cup is Spain, particularly after its strong showing against Costa Rica. The Iberian nation was totally in control of its World Cup opener and, despite winning 3-0, the result could have been even better. Canada vs. Republic of IrelandBoth Canada and the Republic of Ireland made disappointing starts to their 2023 Women’s World Cup campaigns.

Persons: Hinata Miyazawa, Jun Endō, Mina Tanaka, Riko Ueki, Maja Hitij, Roja, Spain's Esther González, Amanda Perobelli, Christine Sinclair, Steph Catley Organizations: CNN, Fox, Fox Sports, Telemundo, Peacock, Seven Network, Optus Sport, BBC, ITV, FIFA, Japan, Costa Rica Japan, Zambia, Costa, Reuters, Zambia –, Spain, Canada, Republic of Ireland, Sinclair Locations: Japan, Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, Australia, United Kingdom, Costa, Nigeria, Republic of

☆ 'Barbie' movie debut shines even brighter as final tally rises
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The final Friday to Sunday tally for the "Barbie" movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling was slightly higher than the $155 million the studio estimated on Sunday. "Barbie" is the No.1 movie of the year based on domestic opening weekend sales, beating the $146.4 million haul for April release "The Super Mario Bros. The story of the making of the atomic bomb brought in $82.4 million in the United States and Canada from Friday through Sunday, up from the earlier estimate of $80.5 million. In 78 international markets, "Oppenheimer" collected nearly $98.0 million for a global total of $180.4 million. Both movies beat expectations and helped the U.S. and Canadian box office surpass $300 million for just the fourth time in history.

Persons: Margot Robbie, Maja Smiejkowska, Warner Bros, Ryan Gosling, Mario, Greta Gerwig's, Barbie, Christopher Nolan's, Oppenheimer, Lisa Richwine, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: REUTERS, Warner, Mario Bros, Mattel Inc, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, United States, Canada, U.S

☆ 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' set UK-Ireland box office double debut record
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File PhotoLONDON, July 24 (Reuters) - "Barbie" grossed an estimated 18.5 million pounds ($23.7 million) and "Oppenheimer" 10.9 million pounds at the UK-Ireland box office at the weekend, Screen International said on Monday - the first time two films opened to over 10 million pounds each. Greta Gerwig, who helmed "Barbie", beat the record for the biggest opening for a film directed by a woman. "Oppenheimer", starring Irish actor Cillian Murphy as the American scientist who developed the atomic bomb, also secured director Christopher Nolan's second-biggest UK opening weekend. Cinema operator Vue International said it had enjoyed its biggest weekend since "Avengers: Endgame" opened in 2019, with "Barbie" on track to become the biggest film of 2023. "Barbie", which stars Margot Robbie, also ruled in U.S. and Canadian theatres, taking an estimated $155 million to set the record for the biggest domestic opening of 2023.

Persons: Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, Maja Smiejkowska, Oppenheimer, Barbie, Cillian Murphy, Christopher Nolan's, Farouq Suleiman, Paul Sandle Organizations: REUTERS, Vue, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Ireland, U.S

☆ Women's World Cup: How to watch as Brazil great Marta is set to make tournament bow
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-23 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —As the Women’s World Cup reaches day five, fans are set to finally get a chance to see the great Marta feature for Brazil in what will be her sixth World Cup. Only former Brazil legend Formiga, who has played in seven, has starred in more Women’s World Cups than Brazil’s talismanic No. Sebastian Widmann/Getty ImagesItaly vs. ArgentinaArgentina will be hoping for a first Women’s World Cup win. In nine previous World Cup games, Argentina has lost seven and drawn two. Like Argentina, Italy has qualified for a fourth World Cup but has fared better than its opponents in previous editions.

Persons: Marta, Alexandra Popp, Maja Hitij, Formiga, Cristiano Ronaldo, Christine Sinclair, – Sinclair, ” Brazil’s Kerolin, “, Christopher Hanewinckel, agonizingly, Popp, Lena Oberdorf, Sebastian Widmann Organizations: CNN, Morocco, FOX Sports, Telemundo, Seven Network, Optus Sport, BBC, ITV, FIFA, Argentina, Getty, USA, Sports, Reuters, England, Panama, Wolfsburg Locations: Brazil, Panama, Italy, Argentina, Germany, Australia, United Kingdom, Morocco, France, Jamaica, Reuters Germany, Morocco Germany, Qatar, Argentina Argentina

Economic output fell 0.1% in May from April, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, after growth of 0.2% in the previous month. All sectors of the economy contracted with the exception of services, which showed no growth. Finance minister Jeremy Hunt said high inflation continued to hamper the economy and he called for patience in bringing it down. Some companies in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector said they had benefited from the extra bank holiday, as well as hotels and restaurants, the ONS said. Britain's economy often shows some rebound in subsequent months when output is temporarily dented by extra bank holidays.

Persons: Maja Smiejkowska, King Charles, Paul Dales, Dales, BoE, Jeremy Hunt, Andy Bruce, William Schomberg, Kate Holton, Peter Graff, Toby Chopra Organizations: Charing Cross, REUTERS, National Statistics, Bank of England, Capital Economics, Reuters, ONS, European Union, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Germany

☆ UK's BMA union willing to cancel strikes for suitable pay offer
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Junior doctors hold placards during a strike, amid a dispute with the government over pay, in London, Britain April 11, 2023. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File PhotoJuly 3 (Reuters) - The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents about 45,000 junior doctors in England, said on Monday its members were willing to cancel strikes if the government presented them with a suitable pay offer. Separately, BMA's consultants committee also called on the government last month asking for a credible pay offer, to avoid strikes on July 20 and 21. The consultants committee said it is willing to cancel strikes if a suitable offer is presented. The BMA has said the latest pay offer of a 5% increase for 2023/24 was not credible since it was "nowhere near addressing pay erosion over the last 15 years."

Persons: Maja Smiejkowska, Vivek Trivedi, Rishi Sunak, Vishal Sharma, Steve Barclay, Barclay, Lavanya Ahire, Robert Birsel, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: REUTERS, British Medical Association, BMA, BMA Junior, British Health, Times, of Health, Social, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, England, Bengaluru

☆ Summer transfer window: The biggest moves so far as Saudi Arabia becomes major factor
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —European soccer’s summer transfer window is in full swing, with several household names already moving to pastures new. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid to Al-IttihadIn the first major coup of the summer for the Saudi Pro League, Karim Benzema has agreed to join Al-Ittihad once his contract expires with Real Madrid. After a disappointing season, Real Madrid will be hopeful that Bellingham will be a star midfielder for years to come once the ageing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos depart. The 32-year-old midfielder has signed a contract worth around £86 million ($109.8 million) a year, according to UK media. Rice, who was in the youth ranks at Chelsea and then West Ham, was voted Conference League player of the season.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo’s, Al Nassr, Karim Benzema –, Karim Benzema, Ittihad, Benzema, Frenchman, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid Jude Bellingham, Florencia Tan Jun, Bellingham, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, N’Golo Kanté, Ittihad N'Golo Kanté, Justin Tallis, Kanté, Christopher Nkunku –, Chelsea Christopher Nkunku, Annegret Hilse, Germain, Chrisopher Nkunku, Nkunku, Todd Boehly, Kai Havertz, Germany's, Maja Hitij, Kai Kavertz, Mikel Arteta, Havertz, Boehly, Declan Rice –, Declan Rice, Richard Heathcote, Rice, West Ham’s, Mateo Kovačić –, Mateo Kovačić, Pep Guardiola’s, İlkay Gündoğan, Bernardo Silva, Alexis Mac Allister, Alex Pantling, Lionel Messi, Mac Allister, Jurgen Klopp, Mac, Roberto Firmino’s, Rúben Neves, Al Hilal Rúben Neves, Naomi Baker, Al Hilal, Neves Organizations: CNN, Super League, CNN Sport, Saudi Pro League, Al, Real Madrid, League, La Liga, Real, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Birmingham City, English, Ittihad N'Golo, France, Getty, Benzema, Chelsea, Premier League, FA, Europa League, UEFA Super, Leicester, Leipzig, RB Leipzig, Bundesliga, Reuters, Paris Saint, Arsenal, Ukraine, Gunners, Manchester City, football’s, Europa Conference League, Gent, Manchester United, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Manchester, Argentina, Brighton, Liverpool, Anfield, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wolves, Everton, Molineux, Portugal Locations: England, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Portuguese, Saudi Arabian, Karim Benzema – Real Madrid, Al, Ittihad, Bellingham, Dortmund, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Leicester, Paris, Leipzig, Bremen, Germany, Declan Rice – West Ham, West Ham, Mateo Kovačić – Chelsea, Madrid, Spain, Croatian, Brighton, Argentina, Qatar, Barcelona

☆ 'Transformers': Rise of the Beasts' brings new characters to franchise
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Huge statues of the film's characters, Autobot leader Optimus Prime and Maximal leader Optimus Primal, towered over the red carpet where cast members Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback and Tobe Nwigwe premiered "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts". It brings in a new faction of Transformers, the Maximals, who join forces with the Autobots to fight off planet-eating villain Unicron. “When you're on movie number seven, you're like, what can we bring fresh and what can we bring new to the table?" How do we do that?’ And so we did our best to bring that home,” Fishback said on Noah and Elena's key roles in the movie. Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by David GregorioOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Mark Vahradian, Steven Caple Jr, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, Dominique Fishback, Anthony Ramos, Tobe Nwigwe, Maja Smiejkowska, Optimus, Ramos, Fishback, Noah, Elena, Anthony, Steven, ” Fishback, Marie, Louise Gumuchian, David Gregorio Our Organizations: REUTERS, Maja Smiejkowska LONDON, Leicester, Paramount Pictures, Hasbro, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Leicester Square, London, Britain

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