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Liam Payne’s Funeral Set for Wednesday in Private Ceremony

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Liam Payne's Funeral Set for Wednesday in Private Ceremony

The funeral of former One Direction member Liam Payne is scheduled for Wednesday, following his tragic death at the age of 31. The private service will be held in the Home Counties of south-east England, with his family, close friends, and former bandmates expected to attend.

Payne passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after falling from a third-floor balcony of a hotel. The autopsy confirmed that he suffered internal and external bleeding along with multiple traumatic injuries due to the fall.

In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed their profound grief, saying:
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul.”

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Payne rose to international stardom after competing on The X Factor in the 2010s. Despite finishing third, his band One Direction became one of the most successful British groups since The Beatles, selling over 70 million records globally. Their legacy includes four UK number-one singles and albums, with Payne contributing as a co-writer on many of their hits.

As a solo artist, Payne also achieved success with songs such as Strip That Down and Bedroom Floor.

He is survived by his parents, two sisters, and his son, Bear, whom he shares with singer Cheryl. His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, is also expected to attend the service.

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Payne’s untimely passing has left fans and the music industry mourning the loss of a talent whose impact extended far beyond the stage.

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Record-Breaking Auction: Māori Elder Portrait Becomes New Zealand’s Most Valuable Artwork

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Record-Breaking Auction: Māori Elder Portrait Becomes New Zealand’s Most Valuable Artwork

An oil painting by renowned New Zealand artist Charles Frederick Goldie has set a national record, selling for an unprecedented NZ$3.75 million ($2.2 million; £1.7 million) at auction. The piece, titled Thoughts of a Tohunga, portrays Wharekauri Tahuna, a Māori priest believed to be among the last of his generation to bear traditional facial moko tattoos.

This historic sale marks the highest price ever paid for a painting in New Zealand’s art market. It also solidifies Goldie’s standing as one of the nation’s most revered artists, particularly for his detailed portraits of Māori elders.

The painting, completed in 1938, depicts Tahuna adorned with a moko and wearing a traditional hei-tiki pendant. Art critics regard the piece as one of Goldie’s finest works. According to Richard Thomson, director at the International Art Centre, this was the first time in 33 years that the painting had been offered for sale.

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This record-breaking sale comes amid heightened racial tensions in New Zealand. Recently, the government’s coalition partner, the Act Party, introduced a controversial bill to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding agreement between Māori and the Crown. Thousands marched in protest against the bill, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by the Māori community, including disparities in health, income, and education, as well as a seven-year gap in life expectancy compared to the general population.

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Moana 2 Review: A Fun Adventure That Struggles to Match Its Predecessor

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Moana 2 Review: A Fun Adventure That Struggles to Match Its Predecessor

Disney’s Moana 2 takes viewers on a vibrant journey across the ocean but falls short of the groundbreaking charm of the original. While it retains much of the magic that made Moana an instant classic, this sequel is a lighter, less impactful voyage.

The original Moana set an almost unattainable standard. As one of Disney’s most celebrated animated films, it earned praise for its refreshing Polynesian mythology, dazzling animation, and unforgettable characters like Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Critics hailed its originality and ingenious songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, placing it near the top of Disney’s cinematic pantheon.

The sequel begins with Moana leading her people as voyagers, following the first film’s conclusion. The story takes an intriguing turn when she learns of Motofetu, a cursed island that once served as a hub for ocean civilizations. The premise gives Moana a compelling reason to reunite with Maui and set out on a high-stakes quest to restore the island’s legacy. Yet, despite this promising setup, Moana 2 doesn’t capture the same sense of urgency or wonder.

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The film retains its bold, colorful animation and lively pacing but leans heavily on broader humor and less substantial storytelling. The songs, while enjoyable, feel more obligatory than integral, lacking the emotional depth that defined the first movie. They serve more as filler than as moments of revelation or character development.

While the journey is entertaining, it lacks the fresh sense of discovery that made its predecessor so beloved. The stakes feel lower, and the humor, though fun, occasionally overshadows the heartfelt moments that made Moana a standout.

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Elton John’s Album Delayed as He Focuses on Eye Recovery

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Elton John’s Album Delayed as He Focuses on Eye Recovery

Sir Elton John has revealed that his upcoming album is on hold due to ongoing struggles with his eyesight following an infection in July. The legendary singer shared on ABC’s Good Morning America that he has been unable to see out of his right eye for four months, while vision in his left eye has also been impaired.

Discussing the challenges, he explained, “I can do something like this [interview], but going into the studio and recording, I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for a start.”

Elton expressed frustration, saying, “It kind of floored me… I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything.”

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While he admitted he’s currently “stuck” and hasn’t worked on the album recently, he remains hopeful about his recovery. He shared that ongoing treatments have brought “hope and encouragement” that his condition will improve.

For now, the 76-year-old icon is focusing on his health, with optimism that his creative endeavors will soon resume.

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