US AND CANADA

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Streaming giant Spotify is facing a new federal lawsuit alleging it knowingly tolerates extensive bot networks that artificially inflate streaming figures, thereby benefiting megastars like Drake at the expense of lesser-known artists. Filed Sunday in a US federal court, the legal action claims the Canadian rapper receives millions in revenue from these fake streams, while Spotify itself gains significant commercial value by appearing to have more users than it genuinely does.

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People across the country formed long lines for free meals and groceries at food pantries and drive-through giveaways Saturday, after monthly benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, were suddenly cut off because of the ongoing government shutdown.

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Dick Cheney, the hard-charging conservative who became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history and a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq, has died at age 84.

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Apple boss Tim Cook said the company's latest iPhones have seen "a tremendous response" worldwide as the tech giant announced its latest financial results. The release of the thinnest iPhone, the Air, in September, along with upgraded iPhone 17 models, has provided a strong boost for the firm. Apple forecasts a blockbuster Christmas and New Year's period, projecting overall revenue to be up to 12% higher than the same period last year.

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In the wake of Hurricane Melissa's devastation across parts of Jamaica last week, reggae superstar Sean Paul has highlighted the "overwhelming" scale of relief efforts facing the country. The Grammy-winning artist described the Category 5 storm as "very frightening, especially for my young kids.” Winds of up to 185mph (295 km/h) caused at least 28 deaths. Paul and his family were in the capital Kingston, while areas further west suffered the greatest damage.

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Concerns are mounting over US military strikes on vessels alleged to be carrying drugs, with the UN's human rights chief condemning the operations as violations of international law. Volker Türk stated Friday that more than 60 people have reportedly been killed in the strikes since early September, deeming them "unacceptable" and calling for an immediate halt to the attacks and thorough investigations.