Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to host a summit with the first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in October. The meeting, to be held at the National Economic Council, aims to foster collaboration on "good jobs in every community" across the UK. Burnham, who recently took office, is undertaking a listening tour to understand the challenges faced by different regions. The Welsh government expressed anticipation for discussions on shared challenges, including economic growth, investment, and support for families amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. They also plan to advocate for Wales's fair share of UK government funds and energy policies.

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Qantas Airways experienced a 4% surge in its share price following the release of its full-year earnings report and the unveiling of new business-class suites. The Australian airline noted robust demand for international travel, with both its main brand and Jetstar increasing capacity and unit revenue, despite higher fuel costs impacting international earnings. The company reported an underlying profit before tax of A$2.06 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30. Qantas anticipates continued growth in unit revenue for the first half of fiscal 2027, even with projected increases in fuel expenses.

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Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, celebrated globally for her distinctive polka-dot motifs and immersive installations, has passed away at the age of 97. Her company confirmed her death on August 14 in Tokyo. Kusama, who voluntarily resided in a psychiatric hospital for decades, achieved international fame later in her career. Known for her bright persona and prolific output, she pursued art relentlessly until her final days, exploring themes of love and the soul. Her work, which gained significant recognition in her 80s and 90s, included iconic "Infinity Mirror Rooms" and polka-dot designs, collaborating with luxury brands and achieving high auction prices.

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Karolína Muchová and Jakub Menšík secured the $1 million US Open mixed doubles title in a late-night thriller, defeating Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 1-6, 10-6. The final capped a tournament that saw singles players dominate the mixed doubles field. The Czech duo advanced through competitive semi-finals, showcasing a blend of aggressive play and strong returns. The revamped mixed doubles format, designed to attract top singles players, included a larger prize pool and a more compact field, though it initially drew criticism from doubles specialists.

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Japan's Ministry of Defense has fast-tracked the acquisition of an anti-drone system, signing a contract with Terra Drone for its Terra B1 system following successful trials. This marks the first time the ministry has utilized its rapid-acquisition process for drones, with the procurement completed in an unprecedented three-month timeframe. Mass production of the system is set to begin, with the Maritime Self-Defense Force slated to receive it first, indicating Japan's response to China's expanding military capabilities.

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Yayoi Kusama, the celebrated Japanese artist famous for her iconic polka-dot patterns and immersive installations, has died at the age of 97. Her studio confirmed her passing on August 14 in Tokyo. Kusama's career, spanning decades, saw her become a global cultural figure, with her art exhibited worldwide. Despite facing early struggles in the male-dominated art scene, she persevered, eventually achieving widespread acclaim for her unique vision. Her work, characterized by repetitive motifs and vibrant psychedelic elements, also extended into collaborations with fashion brands.

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Japan's startup and initial public offering (IPO) landscape is set to receive a boost with the introduction of a new trading platform for unlisted companies. The Financial Services Agency has registered Smartround Securities to facilitate secondary market trading of private shares, aiming to broaden private markets and attract investment. This initiative is expected to provide investors with more liquidity and make it easier for capital to reach growing businesses, ultimately improving the quality of Japan's IPO pipeline and enhancing corporate governance for unlisted companies.

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Chinese artificial intelligence company Z.ai announced the release of its new AI model, GLM-5.3-Flash, which it claims operates entirely on homegrown semiconductors. The company's shares saw an 8% increase in trading following the announcement. Z.ai stated that 100,000 China-made chips were used to handle online requests for the model. This development comes as China intensifies efforts to achieve technological self-sufficiency in semiconductors and AI amidst U.S. restrictions on advanced chip sales.

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The U.S. Army plans to award $2.2 billion in contracts to five companies for the development and operation of small nuclear reactors on military bases, with the goal of deploying the first by September 2028. These microreactors are designed to be transportable and generate up to 20 megawatts of power, enhancing energy resilience for installations. While regulated by the Army, they will adhere to commercial reactor safety standards. Critics raise concerns about the cost and safety risks associated with microreactors, though the Army aims to reduce prices through the program.

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Tim Curry, the celebrated British actor known for his iconic roles in cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the original "It" miniseries, has passed away at the age of 80. Curry, who received multiple Emmy, Grammy, and Tony nominations throughout his career, died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles. His performances, often flamboyant and genre-defying, left a significant mark on theatre and film, earning him a devoted following across generations.

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a blister on his right middle finger. Sasaki exited Wednesday's game against the Braves in the fourth inning after experiencing the injury, which manager Dave Roberts stated was too severe to pitch through. Sasaki had been performing well in the second half of the season, but the blister affected his slider and overall effectiveness. Left-hander Eric Lauer is expected to return to the rotation as a corresponding move.

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Salesforce shares surged 12% in extended trading after the cloud software vendor reported second-quarter results and issued guidance that exceeded Wall Street expectations. The company's revenue increased 11% year-over-year, and net income saw a significant jump, partly due to a $2.6 billion gain from its investment in AI startup Anthropic. Salesforce also announced a new plugin for Anthropic's Claude model, aimed at enhancing sales productivity. The company raised its full-year revenue outlook, signaling continued growth driven by AI integration.

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China has launched the world's first 100-kilowatt floating solar farm constructed with bamboo frames, named Jilin-2, off the coast of Shandong province. This experimental platform utilizes composite bamboo tubes and pipes, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional steel or plastic structures. The solar farm will supply power to an integrated hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol production project, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable offshore energy solutions.

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Following the passing of country music legend Dolly Parton, numerous projects are planned to honor her legacy, including a docuseries, biopic, and scripted and animated series. Her manager stated that Parton worked on these projects until her final days, ensuring her dreams would be realized for decades to come. New product lines, a travel stop, and a Nashville hotel named after her are also in development, with many set to launch in the coming months and years, promising continued engagement with her fans.

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Tributes are being paid to British actor Tim Curry, who passed away at the age of 80. Co-stars and colleagues, including Susan Sarandon, praised Curry's talent and heart, highlighting his memorable performances in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and other films. Nell Campbell, who starred with Curry in "Rocky Horror," described him as the "head of our family." His distinctive voice and versatile acting, from comedic to villainous roles, left a lasting impact on audiences and inspired many in the entertainment industry.

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CrowdStrike's shares rose significantly after the cybersecurity firm reported a beat-and-raise quarter, demonstrating that artificial intelligence is proving to be a growth driver rather than a threat. Revenue increased 26% year-over-year, exceeding expectations, with strong growth in net new annual recurring revenue. The company highlighted that the widespread adoption of AI has increased the demand for cybersecurity solutions. CrowdStrike's AI-native Falcon platform is performing well, securing AI agents and cloud security for enterprises, including major tech labs and automotive companies.

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The Food and Drug Administration has granted expedited approval to daraxonrasib, a novel pill for advanced pancreatic cancer that targets a mutated protein fueling tumor growth. In clinical trials, patients receiving the drug nearly doubled their survival time compared to those on chemotherapy, with a median of 13.2 months versus 6.7 months. This marks a significant advancement against one of the deadliest cancers, offering hope for improved patient outcomes. The drug, sold as Rasonque, will cost approximately $39,800 per month.

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Squishy toys, such as NeeDoh, have become the latest craze in the toy industry, with U.S. sales quadrupling to $297 million by June. The trend's explosion is largely attributed to its viral popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, driven by colorful designs, stress-relief benefits, and affordability. Market analysts note that in an era of economic uncertainty and digital fatigue, consumers are drawn to simple, tactile items offering comfort. While the current hype may fade, the appeal of sensory play is expected to persist.

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Prince Harry and Meghan have returned to the United Kingdom, arriving in Birmingham from California with their two children. The couple, who stepped away from royal duties six years ago, are not expected to resume official roles. They are reportedly planning to reside in the Cotswolds region. This return comes after Prince Harry's recent legal challenge regarding his security arrangements during visits to the UK.

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The article reflects on the career of actor Tim Curry, who passed away at 80, celebrating his ability to captivate audiences across diverse roles. From his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" to his chilling performance as Pennywise in "It," Curry's charisma and talent shone through, even in limited screen time. The piece highlights his distinctive voice, knack for accents, and liberated abandon in performance, making even lesser scripts memorable. Curry's private nature contrasted with his extroverted stage persona, yet his dedication to entertaining left a lasting, guilt-free pleasure for fans.

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