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Man drives nearly 200 miles before realising he left his WIFE at petrol station during holiday trip

Illuminated gas station at night with a red car.
Getty

A MAN on holiday drove almost 200 miles before remembering he had left his wife at a petrol station.

The 62-year-old, from Paris, was driving through France en route to Morocco when he stopped to fill up.

But his wife got out to use the toilet without him realising — and the hapless hubby drove off.

His daughter was in the car but she spent the next leg of the journey asleep and did not realise her mum was missing either.

The dad pulled over in a panic several hours later as he approached the Landes region, about 200 miles away from the petrol station near Orléans.

The man had to call the police as he could not remember where they had stopped.

A police spokesman said: “We contacted our colleagues in the area who took care of the woman.

“She had already contacted them to say her husband had forgotten her.”

The man’s bemused wife, 60, had been waiting for hours when they were reunited.

Following a brief investigation into what they called a “highly unusual” incident, police agreed the man had genuinely forgotten his wife and let the family continue their journey to Morocco.

A similar incident in 2012 saw then-PM David Cameron leave his daughter, eight, in a pub after she wandered off to the loo at lunch.

Illuminated gas station at night with a red car.
Getty
A man on holiday drove almost 200 miles before remembering he had left his wife at a petrol station[/caption]

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Prolific car thief who led police on wild chases finally captured after being exposed by his McDonald’s order

A PROLIFIC car thief who led police on wild chases was finally snared after being exposed by his McDonald’s order.

Callum Roberts nicked two cars within two weeks of each other from locations across Shrewsbury in February this year.

Exterior view of a McDonald's restaurant.
Google
The car thief felt a little peckish after stealing a BMW[/caption]
Mugshot of a man with a beard.
West Mercia Police
Callum Roberts’ need for McDonald’s ultimately led to his downfall[/caption]

But in a bizarre twist, the 20-year-old’s love for fast-food eventually led to his arrest.

He snatched the first vehicle, a silver BMW, from a car park on February 15 at around 10pm.

When the stolen car flagged up on police systems later that evening, West Mercia officers followed.

Roberts led the force on a high speed chase as he barreled through 30mph zones at 60mph.

He narrowly avoided smashing into another vehicle before evading the force.

The BMW was subsequently found abandoned in a remote area.

But, Roberts must have felt a little peckish after stealing the car, as officers found a McDonald’s bag left behind.

It contained a receipt showing he’d been to the branch in Meole Brace, shortly after committing his crime.

CCTV footage from the restaurant revealed Roberts as the driver.

Just two weeks later, the keys to a Citroen C3 were taken from a Shrewsbury property in Brougham Square.

And, the next night Roberts came back for the car itself.

Three days later, officers spotted the vehicle, and engaged in another pursuit when Roberts failed to stop.

On this occasion, the thief travelled at around 60mph in a 20mph zone, before recklessly driving down the A5 in the wrong direction.

Here, Roberts started speeding in excess of 100mph, and nearly crashed into a HGV.

The yob eventually stopped in a layby and tried to flee on foot, but officers quickly detained him.

Perhaps it was the second McDonald’s that slowed him down, as investigations uncovered Roberts had scoffed a meal from the chain yet again.

This time, he had used bank cards found within the Citroen.

Roberts pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, fraud by false representation and two counts of driving while disqualified in May 2025 at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

A judge today sentenced the defendant to three years in jail.

He will also be subject to a four-year and two-month driving ban when he is released.

Detective Constable Tom Clough, said: “I hope yesterday’s sentence serves as a warning that we will work tirelessly to ensure those who cause distress to the public by taking what does not belong to them, as well as putting lives at risk by their actions, are put before the courts.

“Not only was he driving stolen vehicles, Roberts was aware that he was driving whilst disqualified and his willingness to engage in such risk taking to evade capture on two separate occasions is something that caused officers great concern.

“This was a team effort and if it wasn’t for the commitment of my team as well as our roads policing officers, we couldn’t have achieved such a good result in such a short space of time.

“I am pleased with the sentence at court, which I hope gives the victims some sort of closure, as well as time for Roberts to reflect on how dangerous his actions were, which could have had tragic consequences given the lack of care for the safety of others and himself.”

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Steven Gerrard continuing to rake in the cash eight years after retiring as ex-England star’s wealth soars

EX-ENGLAND skipper Steven Gerrard boosted the value of his personal company to almost £10million last year. 

The Liverpool great, 45, set up Steven Gerrard Promotions during his playing career to channel his off-field income, including sponsorships. 

Latest figures show he is continuing to rake-in the cash, more than eight years after he hung up his boots

Accounts filed at Companies House show his business has reserves of £9,828,095 and made £1.5million profit.

Gerrard, who departed Rangers for Aston Villa in November 2021, is listed as secretary and co-director of the firm alongside his brother Paul.

The former Ibrox boss runs his own clothing label, SSG Apparel, and has promoted various products — from fashion to scented candles — on his social media.

Financial records also reveal Gerrard has donated over £40,000 to charity in the past three years through his foundation.

The company’s value also rose by £800,000 in a year. 

The former midfielder took over as Rangers boss in June 2018, leading them to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade in 2021.

He was dismissed by Aston Villa in October after just 11 months at the helm due to a disappointing run of form.

Following a stint managing in Saudi Arabia, Gerrard was tipped for a return to Ibrox earlier this year, but the club ultimately chose Russell Martin as their new manager.

Steven Gerrard celebrating a goal.
Steven Gerrard boosted the value of his personal company to almost £10million last year
PA:Press Association

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Two men charged with kidnap and robbery after BMW chased by cops crashed into nursing home killing two women

TWO men have been charged in relation to a car crash that killed two care home residents.

The crash occurred on July 9 following a police chase.

Damage to a care home interior after a car crashed through a brick wall.
NCJMedia
A BMW crashed into a Sunderland care home on Wednesday evening[/caption]
Damage to a brick building caused by a car crash.
PA
Two women died the following day, with eight residents injured[/caption]
Car crashed into a care home.
Sunderland Global Media
Two men have been charged with robbery and kidnap relating to the crash[/caption]

It resulted in a blue BMW colliding with a care home in Sunderland, killing two of the residents.

Police confirmed that two care home residents – a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s – died on Thursday.

Eight others were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The vehicle used had been reported as stolen from Newcastle after a proposed car sale around 20 minutes before the collision.

A woman related to the sale was allegedly still inside the car when it was driven away.

She was reportedly forcibly removed shortly after.

Northumbria Police have charged the men , both aged 21, with a number of offences related to the incident.

Sam Asgari-Tabar, has been charged with robbery, kidnap and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Reece Parish has been charged with robbery and kidnap.

Relating to a separate incident, he has also be charged with violent disorder.

The men are due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on July 12.

Anyone with information should get in touch with Northumbria Police, quoting reference NP-20250709-1225.

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Terrorist mastermind of 9/11 Khalid Sheikh Mohammed could be sentenced to DEATH at Guantanamo Bay trial

THE chief architect of the 9/11 terrorist attacks could be sentenced to death after a court tossed out a plea deal that would have saved his life.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is accused of masterminding the September 11, 2001 attacks against the United States – and was regarded as one of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden’s most trusted henchmen.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed shortly after his capture.
AP
– Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged 9/ 11 mastermind[/caption]
The World Trade Center towers burning after being struck by airplanes.
Getty Images - Getty
The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001, killed as many as 2,753 people[/caption]
Osama bin Laden sitting with a rifle in the background.
AFP
Osama bin Laden was killed in 2011 in Pakistan[/caption]

In 2003, the CIA captured him in Pakistan, after which he spent three years in secret prisons before arriving at Guantanamo in 2006.

He is said to have planned out the deadly attacks from “A to Z” — and was also involved in a string of major plots against the US, where he attended university.

Mohammed as well as two alleged accomplices — Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi — struck a deal with prosecutors on July 31 and agreed to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence.

The deal would allow the trio to be spared from the death penalty and remain jailed on the southern portion of the American Naval base in Cuba.

The agreement has sparked outrage from family members of victims who died during the 9/11 attacks.

But a US appeals court on Friday scrapped the agreement, saying that both they and the American public deserved to see the defendants stand trial.

Lloyd Austin, the Secretary of Defence under the Biden administration, attempted to halt the agreement by filing a motion to a military appeals court.

In his brief, Austin cited the magnitude of the 9/11 attacks and argued that as defence secretary, he should decide on any plea agreements that would save the three men from the death penalty.

Austin “acted within the bounds of his legal authority, and we decline to second-guess his judgment,” judges Patricia Millett and Neomi Rao wrote in a ruling today.

Congressional lawmakers have also slammed the plea deal, calling it a “national disgrace” and a “total miscarriage of justice.”

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s weakness in the face of sworn enemies of the American people apparently knows no bounds,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell at the time.

“The plea deal with terrorists – including Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks that killed thousands of Americans – is a revolting abdication of the government’s responsibility to defend America and provide justice.

“The only thing worse than negotiating with terrorists is negotiating with them after they are in custody.”

Mohammed and al-Hawsawi were captured on March 1, 2003, in a joint CIA and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence operation in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi.

Walid bin Attash was captured in Karachi, Pakistan, in April 2003.

Mohammed was held in secret CIA prisons up until his transfer to Guantánamo Bay in September 2006.

However, before he was moved to Guantánamo, government officials interrogated Mohammed and his accomplices for years, torturing them and keeping them isolated in undisclosed locations.

Mohammed endured 183 rounds of waterboarding – a form of torture where a person experiences the sensation of drowning when water is poured over a cloth covering their face.

Portrait of a man with a long, orange beard wearing traditional Middle Eastern clothing.
Provided
The latest picture of accused terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in Guantánamo Bay in June 2024[/caption]
Photo of a man sitting cross-legged on the floor.
Mustafa al-Hawsawi was captured on March 1, 2003, in Pakistan and was transferred to Guantánamo Bay
People running from the debris of the collapsing World Trade Center.
AFP
The events of 9/11 left 2,977 people dead[/caption]
Man whispering to George W. Bush.
AFP
The moment President Bush was told about the attacks while visiting a school[/caption]

Key figures behind 9/11

Here are some of the key figures involved in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Hijackers on American Airlines Flight 11

  • Mohamed Atta
  • Abdulaziz al-Omari
  • Wail al-Shehri
  • Waleed al-Shehri
  • Satam al-Suqami

Hijackers on United Airlines Flight 175

  • Marwan al-Shehhi
  • Fayez Banihammad
  • Mohand al-Shehri
  • Hamza al-Ghamdi
  • Ahmed al-Ghamdi

Hijackers on American Airlines Flight 77

  • Hani Hanjour
  • Khalid al-Mihdhar
  • Majed Moqed
  • Nawaf al-Hazmi
  • Salem al-Hazmi

Hijackers on United Airlines Flight 93

  • Ziad Jarrah
  • Ahmed al-Haznawi
  • Ahmed al-Nami
  • Saeed al-Ghamdi

Three suspects have also accepted a plea deal in the two decades since the attacks – Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Bin Attash, and Mustafa al-Hawsawi.

The men, along with Ali Abdul Aziz Ali and Ramzi Bin al Shibh, were jointly arraigned on June 5, 2008, and again on May 5, 2012.

Al-Hawsawi was charged with helping the hijackers with their finances and travel arrangements.

TERROR ATTACKS

At least 2,753 people died at the site of the World Trade Center, where two planes crashed into the towers on September 11, 2001.

A third plane hit the Pentagon, while a fourth, which was planned to strike Washington DC, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after crew members and passengers stormed the cockpit.

The heinous attacks sparked the war on terror after President George W. Bush ordered the US military to invade Afghanistan and Iraq in search of the terrorists responsible.

The US government was warned by the CIA that the likely targets would be famous landmarks or symbols of US capitalism – but they did not know when or how.

And none of them could have imagined the extent or horror of 9/11 when it did happen.

On May 1, 2011, the most classified operation of the last 25 years was launched to kill Osama Bin Laden.

The Saudi-born terror chief became the world’s most wanted man, hiding in plain sight in Pakistan for years before U.S. Navy SEALs took him out in a daring raid.

In the cover of night, Seal Team Six was sent to Abbottabad in Pakistan – where Bin Laden was hiding.

Within minutes, the Seals were within the compound and shot and killed the world’s most wanted terrorist.

9/11 timeline of events

On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda operatives coordinated a terrorist attack against the United States, hijacking four commerical airplanes and crashing them into the Twin Towers and Pentagon.

Timeline:

  • 5:45 am: Two hijackers get through security in Portland, Maine, and board a flight to Boston, where they will link up with three more hijackers and check in for American Airlines Flight 11 to Los Angeles.
  • 7:59 am: American Airlines Flight 11 takes off. The plane is carrying 76 passengers, 11 crew members, and five hijackers.
  • 8:15 am: United Airlines Flight 175, carrying 51 passengers, nine crew, and five hijackers, takes off from Boston to Los Angeles.
  • 8:20 am: American Airlines Flight 77 takes off from Washington DC Dulles to Los Angeles. The plane is carrying 53 passengers, six crew members, and five hijackers.
  • 8:42 am: United Airlines Flight 93 takes off from Newark. The plane is carrying 33 passengers, seven crew members, and four hijackers. The flight was bound for San Francisco.
  • 8:46 am: Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
  • 9:03 am: Flight 175 hits the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
  • 9:36 am: Vice President Dick Cheney is evacuated by Secret Service agents to an undisclosed location.
  • 9:37 am: Flight 77 hits the Pentagon building in Washington DC.
  • 9:45 am: The US Capitol and White House are both evacuated.
  • 9:59 am: The South Tower is the first to collapse after burning for around 56 minutes.
  • 10:03 am: United Airlines flight 93 crashes into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The passengers and crew got together and stormed the cockpit of the hijacked plane. All on board are killed.
  • 10:28 am: The North Tower collapses.
  • 8:30 pm: President George W. Bush addresses the US from the White House regarding the attacks. Almost 3,000 Americans died in the terror attacks.

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Inflation still top concern Marcos must address in 4th Sona

Controlling inflation remains the top issue Filipinos want President Marcos to address in his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 28, according to the latest Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan nationwide survey released on Friday. Conducted from June 26 to June 30, about a month before the Sona, the survey found that

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‘Please take care’ alert ahead of 32C heat blast & 18-hr high temperature warning nationwide amid fears for GAA stars

IRELAND basked in sizzling heat on one of the hottest days of the year today amid fears for the safety of GAA players after bosses ruled out water breaks.

Temperatures topped 29°C — but Met Eireann has warned tomorrow will be even hotter.

Temperature map of Ireland and surrounding areas.
METEOLOGIX
Ireland may see highs of 32C[/caption]
Children jumping into the sea at Warren Beach, Rosscarbery.
Caolán Creed, Ryan Cremin, Colm Moynihan, Rian Cotter, Felim Murphy and Seán O’Leary, all from Ballingeary in Rosscarbery, West Cork
(C) Andy Gibson 086 738 8863
Referee checking on injured Kerry player.
Fears have been raised for GAA players in the heat
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It comes as Kerry and Tyrone prepare to do battle in the All-Ireland football semi-final in Croke Park tomorrow afternoon at 5pm before Meath and Donegal face off on Sunday.

However, the GAA has ruled out additional breaks, saying “extra water will be made available for players”.

Meteorologist Cathal Nolan said: “Ahead of an exceptionally busy weekend of GAA and sporting action across the country, it would be preferable if respective sporting bodies shared a directive on the permission of water breaks during play on account of the high temperatures during the afternoon and evening.

“For example, the Premier League have regulations which permit water breaks during play when pitch side temperatures exceed 30°C.

“With values in some Midland and Northern counties [tomorrow] expected to reach up to 31 or 32°C, such breaks are important for player welfare.

“It’s also advised that supporters bring plenty of liquids to the games, and wear strong suncream and hats to protect from sunstroke.”

Water breaks, which would take place at the midway point of either half, were a feature of games at all levels during the Covid-19 pandemic for public health reasons, though they became maligned when it became clear that they were mainly used as tactical debriefs.

Meanwhile, thousands headed to beaches and parks today as temps topped 29 degrees as the country enjoyed glorious sunshine.

But tomorrow it’s expected to climb to a blistering 32°C.

Met Eireann senior forecaster Gerry Murphy said Ireland wasn’t technically experiencing a heatwave — but it felt like one.

He predicted tomorrow will be “even hotter” as the glorious weather was enjoyed all over the country.

He said: “It’s more considered to be a hot spell, because the definition for a heatwave in Ireland is five consecutive days above 25°C, but in this instance, we are only going to see those temperatures for four days. So, it’s not a heatwave, but it certainly feels like a heatwave. Today will be hotter.

“We can expect places to exceed 30°C, especially in parts of the midlands.”

But he doesn’t expect the long-standing highest temperature to be broken over the coming days.

Temperatures hit highs of 33.3°C in Kilkenny Castle in 1887, while the highest temperature in recent years was recorded in Phoenix Park in 2022, when the mercury hit 33°C.

Mr Murphy added: “It’s not impossible and we will be approaching those figures but it’s unlikely to reach 33°C during such a short spell of hot weather.”

Temperatures between 13°C and 18°C are expected at night but conditions will not be “very oppressive” as the air will be quite dry, rather than humid. However, there is still a risk of heat stress, especially in the eastern half of the country.

Mr Murphy added: “Please take care of those who may be vulnerable in this hot weather.”

WEATHER WARNINGS

A warning is currently in place for 14 counties, which will extend to the entire country tomorrow afternoon.

Another Status Yellow high temperature warning has also been issued for 18 counties tomorrow.

It will be in effect for all counties in Connacht as well as counties Carlow, Kildare, Laois, Clare, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Kilkenny, Donegal, Limerick and ­Tipperary.

A status yellow high temperature warning is in place for the entire country tomorrow and Sunday. 

The hot, sunny conditions are expected to break early next week.

The RNLI issued a warning about water safety as crowds flock to rivers, beaches and lakes across the country, with those enjoying the sun urged to only enter lifeguarded waterways.

They have urged families to put safety first.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI water safety lead, said: “Choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit.

“Please head to a ­lifeguarded beach and swim between flags.

“Remember, where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.”

FIRE RISK

Meanwhile in Cork, people are able to receive free suncream at four parks across the city.

Visitors to Marina Park, Fitzgerald’s Park, Clashduv Park and Meelick Park — which are owned by Cork City Council — will have access to free SPF50 suncream through new dispensers, which will also feature a UV dial and a mirror to help people apply suncream.

Government officials also issued a Status Red “extreme fire risk” warning yesterday and will remain in place until noon on Monday.

The public is being urged to act responsibly by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in order to prevent horrific fires.

Lauren Weldon and Rob Wye at Burrow Beach.
Lauren Weldon and Rob Wye from Donabate at Burrow Beach in Donabate
Garrett White - The Sun Dublin
Two young women sunbathing on a beach in bikinis.
Sunbathing at the beach in Rosscarbery, West Cork were Lucy Hodges, Ardfield and Eva Callaghan
(C) Andy Gibson 086 738 8863
Woman in red bikini top and denim shorts sitting on a beach blanket.
Sarah Dower enjoying the sunshine at the beach at Garrylucas
Denis Boyle

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2 more sacks of ‘suspicious objects’ found in Taal Lake

LAUREL, Batangas—The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered two sacks containing “suspicious objects” in Taal Lake on Friday, the start of the first organized search for the remains of dozens of people connected to online cockfighting who disappeared without a trace and feared killed several years ago. The recovery of the sacks came a day after

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Enzo Maresca opens up on Noni Madueke’s Arsenal transfer as he quits Chelsea days before Club World Cup final

NONI MADUEKE is missing Sunday’s Club World Cup final after heading home to start his new life at Arsenal.

And Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insists it was the winger’s decision to join one of his club’s main rivals for next season’s Premier League title.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 08: Noni Madueke #11 of Chelsea FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Fluminense FC and Chelsea FC at MetLife Stadium on July 08, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Carl Recine - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Noni Madueke is flying home just days before Chelsea’s Club World Cup final
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 11: Enzo Maresca, Head Coach of Chelsea FC, speaks to the media during a Chelsea FC Press Conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Met Life Stadium on July 11, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Boss Enzo Maresca said it Madueke’s choice to leave Chelsea for their rivals Arsenal

Madueke, 23, has agreed a five year deal with Arsenal in a deal worth around £52million in total.

Maresca said: “Noni is in contact with a new club, and I guess that he’s going to leave in the next hours.

“I said in one of the last press conferences that at the end, if players want to leave, at the end, it’s difficult for the club and for the manager.

“Noni decided to leave, nobody told Noni he had to leave. If he is happy, we are happy.”

Maresca had recently praised Madueke’s performances at the tournament and was reluctant to let the England international go.

But the arrival of winger Jamie Gittens, plus strikers Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, meant players needed to be offloaded to balance the books.

Chelsea are huge underdogs as they prepare to face European champions Paris Saint-Germain but Italian Maresca insists his team will not be overrun.

He said: “Who said that? We’ll see in two days. For sure they are a top team, the best team in the world. Every game is different. We are going to try our best for a good game.

Noni Madueke's Chelsea FC 2024-25 season statistics. Graphic comparing Madueke's and Arsenal wingers' stats.

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“I agree with most of the people that they are the best in Europe, the best in the world.

“And the reason why is because they are showing this, they showed France, they showed the Champions League, they are showing this competition, we have maximum respect for them.

“I really like, I really enjoy watching them, but at the same time, we are here to try to do our best, and to be there, to be different.”

PSG boss Luis Enrique was interviewed for the Chelsea manager’s job following the sacking of Graham Potter two years ago.

Maresca said: “Luis Enrique, is a reference not only for me but for all of the people who love football.

“At the same time, we have shown this season how we want to do things on and off the ball.

“They are for sure a reference for most of the managers and most of the players in the world.

“I try to help the team prepare for the game in the best way possible, to give the players all the information possible, so that they can perform on the pitch, and this is my biggest concern. I try to respect any team.”

Chelsea Premier League fixtures 2025/26.

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PUP says Marcos veto ‘threatens’ university’s future

President Marcos’ decision to veto the bill granting more autonomy to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) “threatens the future” of the institution, its campuses and the communities it serves, the PUP administration said on Friday. “This decision is not merely a legislative setback—it is a rejection of the urgent call to expand access

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