Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Moody’s downgrades US credit rating citing rising debt
The US has lost its last perfect credit rating, as influential ratings firm Moody’s expressed concern over the government’s ability to pay back its debt. In lowering the US rating from ‘AAA’ to ‘Aa1’, Moody’s noted that successive US administrations had failed to reverse ballooning deficits and interest costs. A triple-A rating signifies a country’s…
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Freak-offs not worth $20m settlement
Watch: The BBC’s Nada Tawfik on how Diddy’s lawyers used freak-off texts against Cassie Cassie Ventura has wrapped up four consecutive days of explosive testimony in the criminal trial of her ex-boyfriend Sean “Diddy” Combs. Breaking down in sobs, the singer told a New York court on Tuesday that she would give back a $20…
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We catch up with the top five favourites
Mark Savage Music Correspondent Sarah Louise Bennett / Alma Bengtsson / Getty Images Bookmakers have tipped them for success (L-R): Erika Vikman, Kaj, Louane, JJ and Claude The Eurovision Song Contest reaches its grand final on Saturday night in Basel, with 27 countries fighting for the coveted glass microphone trophy. This year’s contestants are the…
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Mexico accuses Youtuber MrBeast of exploiting Mayan pyramids permit
Mexico is seeking compensation from US YouTuber MrBeast and a production company, accusing them of exploiting the nation’s ancient pyramids for commercial gain. The video “I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples” shows the influencer and his team exploring ancient Mayan cities, with a permit from local authorities. But in one part of the video,…
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Melania Trump statue missing from her hometown in Slovenia
“Melania” appeared on the banks of the River Sava in July 2020, four months before her human inspiration left the White House. Now, four months after the erstwhile Melanija Knavs resumed residence at Washington’s most famous address, her larger-than-life-size avatar has apparently made an undignified exit from her Slovenian hometown, Sevnica. All that remains of…
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Five House Republicans stall Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ tax bill
A budget bill, long touted by Donald Trump as the “big, beautiful bill” hit a roadblock on Friday when lawmakers from the president’s own party voted against it in congress. Five Republicans joined all Democrats in delivering a stunning setback to President Trump’s domestic agenda, demanding deeper budget cuts. Trump, who has muscled through close…
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Shock in Sweden at death of diplomat questioned for spying
Sweden’s foreign minister has spoken of grief among her colleagues after it emerged that a diplomat who was questioned this week on suspicion of spying has been found dead. The man, described as a high-ranking diplomat, was arrested by Sweden’s Säpo intelligence service on Sunday and released on Wednesday. He had denied wrongdoing, although prosecutors…
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‘My children go to sleep hungry,’ Gazans tell the BBC
“Give me some,” 6-year-old Ismail said while waiting for food in Gaza As crowds gathered at a food distribution point in northern Gaza, six-year-old Ismail Abu Odeh fought his way to the front. “Give me some,” he called out. His bowl was filled with lentils, but as he made his way back, it was knocked…
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Ukraine and Russia far apart in first direct talks, but prisoner swap agreed
More than three years into Europe’s deadliest war since 1945, there was a small step forward for democracy on Friday. Delegations from Ukraine and Russia came face to face for talks for the first time since March 2022 – one month after Moscow invaded its neighbour. The setting was an Ottoman- era palace on the…
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Salman Rushdie attacker sentenced to 25 years in prison
A New Jersey man who stabbed and partially blinded novelist Sir Salman Rushdie on a New York lecture stage was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Friday. Hadi Matar, 27, was convicted of attempted murder and assault earlier this year. Sir Salman was on stage speaking before an audience in August 2022, when he…
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