Russia Making 'Rapid Advances' In Ukraine As Volodymyr Zelenskyy Hints At Peace Deal

Steve Carell initially wavered as Michael Scott in The Office USNBC, despite competition from actors like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti. Eventually, Carell's availability led to his casting, with James Gandolfini reportedly being paid not to replace him after his departure from the show. The Office's casting process involved considering various actors for the iconic role, but ultimately, Carell's portrayal became synonymous with the character of Michael Scott. Full Article

The Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar issued an apology at a sitting of Dublin District Coroner’s Court for “missed opportunities” in preventing the death of Ceire Foran's unusually large baby due to a ruptured uterus during labour five years ago. The coroner concluded that there were deficiencies in the care provided to the baby girl and her mother, Ceire Foran, leading to the hospital's acknowledgment of their shortcomings in the case. Full Article

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the challenging situation in Kursk as Ukrainian troops advanced further into Russian territory, expanding their incursion by three miles according to the Institute for the Study of War. Putin described the situation as "very difficult" during a meeting with the acting governor of Kursk, Alexander Khinshtein, attributing the struggles to infrastructure damage caused by the enemy. Despite losing support from North Korean forces, Moscow continues to advance steadily into Ukraine,...

Michelin Star chef Niall Keating has launched a new 'gastronomic' afternoon tea experience at his restaurant Tender in the Stock Exchange Hotel, offering sweet and savory treats inspired by Manchester's history. Priced at £35 per person, the menu includes quality dishes like pork and Bury black pudding sausage rolls and artisan sandwiches. The venue also offers a special Stock Exchange Blend tea and live music on Saturdays, creating a unique and affordable dining experience in...

Energy minister Michael Shanks faced scrutiny from Fiona Bruce on BBC Question Time for refusing to comment on the approval of oil and gasfields, despite his department being responsible for the decision-making process. The government's conflicting goals of addressing climate change while supporting economic growth have put pressure on their stance. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's promise not to obstruct licenses granted by the previous government has sparked controversy, with the audience applauding Bruce's insistence on...

Teaching unions rejected a 5.5% pay offer for teachers, with speculation that misinformation on social media influenced the decision. The offer did not prevent future strikes, but unions were unable to clarify this due to late communication. One union accepted the offer, while others plan to resume action short of a strike on Monday. Full Article