National Express in talks to buy transport rival Stagecoach

The move comes after both bus firms were hit hard by falling passenger numbers during the pandemic.

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Russia responsible for Litvinenko killing - European court

The court said Russia's failure to explain evidence pointing to its role in the spy's death led it to conclude it was responsible.

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Canada election: Trudeau stays in power but Liberals fall short of majority

The Canadian prime minister's Liberal Party is projected to form another minority government.

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Coup attempt fails in Sudan - state media

Intense military activity is reported in Khartoum and Omdurman and bridges across the River Nile close.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3zsXln9

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Mundra Port: Nearly three tonnes of heroin seized at Gujarat port

The seized drugs reportedly have a street value of more than $2.7bn.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3hUw4UG

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Government borrowing higher than expected in August

Borrowing was lower than a year earlier, but was still the second-highest on record for August.

from BBC News - Business https://ift.tt/3AuJhuH

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Can apps manage our chronic health conditions?

A Swedish tech firm has created an app to help alleviate people's joint pain.

from BBC News - Business https://ift.tt/3lDOev8

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Pimlico Plumbers sold to US firm Neighborly

The deal will see founder Charlie Mullins offload his 90% stake in the group.

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US stocks tumble amid fears of market correction

Wall Street follows Europe lower amid concerns about China's financial system and US growth.

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How to Improve Your House With the Right Contractor in 2022?

There are many DIY projects that homeowners can perform to update their homes, add rooms or replace worn-out materials. Home renovation can be a costly endeavor as materials must be purchased, tools rented, and workers paid. 

However, more homeowners than ever before are engaging in do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects to save money and increase their home's value. In order to make these types of home improvements, homeowners must have some DIY experience or use specific DIY tools that are not sold at a hardware store. For example, some carpentry tasks cannot be performed without a screwdriver.

For Homeowners

For homeowners with some DIY experience, but not a lifetime warranty on their tools, finding the right carpentry business can be tricky. Often, a homeowner will learn the hard way that it is better to purchase a low-priced product from a local vendor with a low lifetime warranty than to pay higher prices for a slightly used or refurbished product from a larger company or brand. 

When shopping around, there are several key questions that a potential customer should ask about the carpentry business he/she is considering. 

http://homesdecortricks.com/remodeling/how-to-decorate-your-home-with-carpentry-skills.html

http://www.dreamhomeimprovement.org/diy/all-you-need-to-know-about-carpentry-services.html

Questions such as: 

Does the carpentry homeowner provide lifetime warranties on all of their equipment? 

If the answer to this question is no, 

would the homeowner be better off purchasing used or refurbished tools from the same company?

Many homeowners find that it is best to hire a company that performs both small and large home improvement needs. For instance, a plumber may be able to fix a toilet and plumbing problem for a homeowner but not be able to work on a back fence. Similarly, a roofing contractor may be able to repair a shingled roof but not be able to work on a deck. Homeowners should ask about a company's repair and maintenance services.

Before hiring any contractor, homeowners should research their work history and education to ensure they are qualified to accomplish their home improvement needs. 

A great way to do this is by contacting local chambers of commerce and homeowner's associations in the area where the homeowner plans to move. These organizations will usually be happy to provide referrals to good contractors.

After identifying several potential contractors, it is important to interview them to ensure they are the right contractor for the job. During the interview, homeowners should inquire about their background and ask them to provide references. 

Solar needs:

http://generaladvice.net/technology/solar-installing-benefits-how-solar-energy-can-benefit-you.html

https://www.ideasabouttechnology.com/technology/solar-installers-tips-how-to-choose-the-best-solar-service.html

http://www.technologychanging.com/technology/solar-installers-is-your-ticket-to-a-greener-future.html

Before hiring any contractor, homeowners should also request proof of insurance and proof that the home improvement project is current and in good condition. It is important to be patient during these interviews as discussing one's home improvement needs at this early stage could save a homeowner hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs.

Once homeowners have gathered enough information to make a final decision on who they will hire for small and large projects, it is time to make a home improvement list of their home repairs needs. A home improvement list consists of two parts. 

The first part is the list of house repairs and home improvements that need to be done and the second part is a list of recommended companies for each repair or improvement. To compile a home improvement list, homeowners should start with the most important items on their list and then go from there.

The first step in compiling a home improvement list is to make a rough estimation of the total costs for each repair or improvement. By making an estimate of how much a house requires to be repaired or improved, homeowners will be able to effectively prioritize home improvements.

List of Home improvements

 When starting to make a list of possible home improvements, homeowners should choose ones that require the least amount of money. For example, replacing worn-out window screens can be cheaper than a complete carpet replacement. In addition to costing less, replacing worn window screens will also contribute to the overall appeal of the house.

Ref: http://homesdecortricks.com/home-improvement/window-tinting-uses-and-advantages.html

After completing a home improvement list based on the cost of major repairs or improvements, homeowners should then begin looking for local contractors with the experience and skill to handle any home renovations. 

Finding good local contractors is important because the homeowners should be able to get the work done quickly and professionally without having to spend too much time or money on the project. Finding a good roofing service or a reputable brothers aluminum home renovation company is also a great way to save money and time because they are sure to give the best results every single time.

Home improvement list links:

http://www.homesyard.org/landscaping/landscaping-your-yard-essential-steps-in-landscaping-success.html

http://betterhomesgardens.net/landscaping-outdoor-decorating/landscaping-guide-importance-of-landscaping.html

http://classichomeimprovements.net/home-improvement/handyman-in-parramatta-what-can-they-do-for-you.html

http://homesconstruction.net/remodeling/what-is-scaffolding-in-construction.html

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Electricity energy costs damaging sector, says UK Steel

Some firms are being forced to temporarily pause production when the price goes "through the roof".

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Christmas toy price rises and stock shortages warning

One toy firm says rising shipping costs and HGV driver shortages are making for "a perfect storm".

from BBC News - Business https://ift.tt/3AvRq23

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Gabby Petito: What do we know about the case so far?

A body matching Gabby Petito's description was found on Sunday, while her fiancé remains missing.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3tVKusw

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Guinness World Records: Japanese sisters certified world's oldest twins

Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama from Japan are presented with their awards by Guinness World Records.

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Timber shortage: Port of King's Lynn sees imports double in a year

A port sees timber imports double in the past year as people take on construction and home projects.

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France's Emmanuel Macron heckled asking Algerian veterans for forgiveness

The French president is heckled as he promises reparations for Algerians who fought for France.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3hP99KK

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Gabby Petito: FBI searches fiancé Brian Laundrie's home

Police consider Brian Laundrie a person of interest, but have not charged him with a crime.

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Afghanistan: Fighting off hunger under the Taliban

For most Afghans staving off starvation is the biggest challenge since the Taliban returned to power.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3hS2uzo

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Covid: Melbourne construction sites shut after violent vaccine protest

Construction sites in the Australian city are shut for two weeks after staff protest against jabs.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3hRGLr7

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Gas crisis: Pig farmers fear they may have to cull animals

A shortage of carbon dioxide used to stun pigs at abattoirs means a backlog of animals is growing.

from BBC News - Business https://ift.tt/3CyY6ND

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Covid: US opens up to fully vaccinated EU and UK passengers

The move answers a major demand from European allies at a time of strained relations.

from BBC News - Business https://ift.tt/3hKMyPl

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Covid: US opens up to fully vaccinated EU and UK passengers

The move answers a major demand from European allies at a time of strained relations.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3hKMyPl

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China: Children given daily time limit on Douyin - its version of TikTok

Douyin users aged under 14 will be limited to 40 minutes a day on the platform.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/39qzB8w

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Fauci looks to boost vaccines as US infections rise

The US daily death toll from Covid-19 has risen above 2,000 for the first time since February.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3nTWgmf

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Gas prices: 'I'm just watching the meter go up'

Customers caught in the middle of the energy price crisis face higher bills but are told not to panic.

from BBC News - Business https://ift.tt/3nLyFUR

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Paul Rusesabagina: From Hotel Rwanda hero to convicted terrorist

Paul Rusesabagina, who was portrayed in Hotel Rwanda, has gone from national hero to enemy of the state.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/39iXzTg

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La Palma volcano: Lava destroys homes in the Canary Islands

A volcanic eruption on the Spanish island of La Palma has demolished homes and caused evacuations.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2XBGrFW

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Hotel Rwanda hero Paul Rusesabagina convicted on terror charges

A Rwandan court finds Paul Rusesabagina guilty of supporting a terrorist group.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2XyZa5n

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Endangered South African penguins killed by swarm of bees near Cape Town

More than 60 protected birds were found on the beach with multiple bee-stings but no other injuries.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EzJkI7

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Russia shooting: Gunman kills several at Perm University

The attacker is said to have walked on to the university campus on Monday morning and started shooting

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Emmy Awards return with in-person ceremony in Los Angeles

Ted Lasso, The Crown and The Queen's Gambit are among the big nominees this year.

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Giving birth under the Taliban

Pregnant women, new mothers and infants are bearing the brunt of a worsening healthcare crisis.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Ew3YsB

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Can apps manage our chronic health conditions?

A Swedish tech firm has created an app to help alleviate people's joint pain.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lDOev8

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Gabby Petito: Body matching missing blogger found in Wyoming

Crews searching for missing Florida woman Gabby Petito have found a body, the FBI says.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3tVTwpj

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Emmy Awards 2021: The red carpet looks in pictures

Kaley Cuoco, Olivia Colman and Gillian Anderson are among the stars attending the ceremony.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3tRI9ip

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Gas price rise: Government considering loans for energy firms

Boris Johnson says market forces should be "very swift" in resolving issues caused by recent gas price increases.

from BBC News - Business https://ift.tt/3EvTNEp

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Migrants in Texas: US flies Haitian migrants back home from border

Hundreds of would-be immigrants camped under a bridge on the US-Mexico border are returned to Haiti.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EBi4c8

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Street dreams of Nairobi dance crew hoping to beat the odds

A group of street dancers in Nairobi, Kenya, struggle against the odds to become celebrities.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3CrDyq3

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My dad, held hostage in Iran

London-based baker Elika Ashoori is campaigning to bring her father home from jail in Iran.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3nIGDy2

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My husband and son fought in Afghanistan - it changed all of us

America's two decades in Afghanistan impacted those who served - and the families waiting at home.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lxSE6w

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UK energy company seeks funds to stay afloat

Bulb, the UK's sixth largest energy provider, is seeking funds due to price rises in wholesale gas.

from BBC News - Business https://ift.tt/3tUWvi7

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SpaceX: Inspiration4 amateur astronaut capsule splashes back to Earth

The quartet of civilian astronauts lands safely in the Atlantic off the coast of Florida.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3klBIRl

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Volcano on Canary Island La Palma erupts, spewing ash and lava into national park

Video shows the volcano, on La Palma, spewing ash and lava in its first major eruption since 1971.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3zt4gg1

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US-UK-Australia pact delivers France some hard truths

The BBC's Hugh Schofield assesses the harsh realities for France after Australia's US-UK deal.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3hMFvFG

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ICYMI: Surfing dogs and Spain's 'ugliest tomato' contest

Dogs are making a splash in our round-up of the stories you may have missed this week.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lKhFfc

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Afghanistan: Stay home, female Kabul government workers told

It is the latest restriction imposed on Afghanistan's women by the country's new Taliban rulers.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3tWUFwX

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Aukus: Australia defends role in security pact amid French condemnation

The PM defends ending the multi-billion dollar agreement in favour of a new pact with the US and UK.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/39lP9uy

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Gas price rise: Food firms warn increase will hit supplies

Meat producers and supermarkets fear a shortage of CO2 will hit the availability of fresh produce.

from BBC News - Business https://ift.tt/3AosVE7

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Russia election: Opposition complaints on final day of voting

Political opponents complain of being silenced amid reports of fraud in the parliamentary vote.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3tWocXQ

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Gas prices: Are energy bills going up and what can I do?

Gas prices have soared by 250% since January but what does that mean for household bills?

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