The Independent
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Judge rules Alexa counts as disability aid in disputed Pip case
A senior judge has ruled that a university lecturer with autism and ADHD was wrongly denied the Personal Independence Payment after a tribunal refused to recognise everyday technology as disability aids. Upper Tribunal Judge Ann Humphrey said that tools such as Amazon Alexa devices and phone alarms can count as aids if they help overcome func
What you need to know about the latest wave of bomb threats sweeping Europe
A new wave of bomb threats targeted airlines across Europe on Thursday, forcing flights into unplanned landings and prompting fighter jet escorts, though none of the warnings has proven genuine.No group has claimed responsibility for the alerts, and authorities have not attributed blame.Bomb threats are not new to airlines, but security exper
UK can rejoin EU without adopting euro — but only on one condition, Barnier says
The UK could rejoin the European Union without adopting the Euro but must accept freedom of movement, the bloc’s former chief Brexit negotiator has said. Michel Barnier said it was “perfectly possible to begin such a negotiation [on membership] without any kind of obligation to take part in” the EU’s single currency. But what remains “unnegot
It’s the economy, stupid: Gas prices, tariffs, the Iran war... Trump ignored Americans’ real pain. Now he’s paid the price
A blue tsunami swept the country Tuesday night with Democratic candidates toppling Republicans up and down the ballot even in once-reliable, deep-red states.The midterm elections wipeout was being placed squarely at the feet of President Donald Trump who had asked voters to “pretend” like he was on the ballot.The reasons why Democrats took co
Wendy's rejects $1.4 billion buyout offer and turns to 'poison pill' plan
Wendy's has adopted a “poison pill” plan designed to fend off a hostile takeover after turning down a $1.4 billion buyout bid from activist investor Nelson Peltz.The chain, which has been struggling with high beef prices and aging stores, said Thursday that the offer was too low.Peltz, a noted investor, offered to buy the chain last week. He
Russell Brand investigated for raping schoolgirl as police warn there could be more victims
Russell Brand is under investigation for two more alleged rapes, including a 16-year-old schoolgirl, and further victims could still come forward, police have warned following his conviction.The actor and comedian, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women following a four-week trial at So
Star Wars actor Adam Driver says standalone Kylo Ren film isn’t happening: ‘It’s over, he's dead’
Adam Driver has confirmed that there will be “no more Star Wars” for him, as his idea for a standalone Kylo Ren film is dead in the water.The 42-year-old actor previously revealed he and Steven Soderbergh had pitched the idea of a standalone movie about his character titled The Hunt for Ben Solo, only for it to be rejected by Disney.He origin
Russell Brand’s dramatic fall from grace – from Hollywood star to disgraced rapist
Once a celebrated comedian who starred in Hollywood films, Russell Brand has now been convicted of a string of sex offences.The 51-year-old, who soared to fame when he fronted Big Brother’s Big Mouth, was found guilty on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a high-profile four-week trial at Southwark Crow