Massive Attack have removed their catalogue from Spotify in protest at founder Daniel Ek investing €600m (£520m) in the military AI company Helsing. Ek’s firm, Prima Materia, led Helsing’s latest funding round, with the company developing AI technology for battlefield analysis and military drones. The band said the decision was driven by a “moral and ethical burden,” arguing that revenue from their work on the platform ultimately funds lethal technologies. The announcement coincided with their support of the No Music for Genocide initiative, a campaign where over 400 artists and labels block music from streaming services in Israel. Massive Attack…
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Donald Trump announced on Friday that Chinese president Xi Jinping had agreed to approve a deal over TikTok, though no specifics of the agreement or signing timeline were disclosed. The announcement followed a phone call between the two leaders, their first direct contact since June, amid heightened tensions over trade and technology. Trump said earlier this week that Washington and Beijing had reached a deal to place TikTok’s US operations under American control, with Oracle among the investors in talks to take a significant stake. Reports suggest the framework is still incomplete, and negotiations continue over compliance with laws passed…
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that imposes a $100,000 fee on applicants to the H-1B visa programme. The order cites “abuse” of the system and blocks entry unless the full amount is paid. Critics insist the H-1B programme undermines American jobs. Supporters, including billionaire Elon Musk, argue it helps the United States attract world-class talent. Gold card creates new fast-track option Trump also announced a “gold card” programme to speed up visas for certain immigrants. The scheme starts with payments of at least £1m. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined Trump in the Oval Office on Friday. “A…
The US imposed 50% tariffs on EU steel and aluminium in June.Importers must now also prove the origin of these metals in finished products.European industries face mounting pressure from the double cost of tariffs and compliance requirements. Complex Rules Create Administrative Chaos EU manufacturers struggle to apply the US “melt and pour” rule to trace steel and aluminium origins.The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association warned that suppliers often lack this detailed information.The complexity increases when a single part includes steel, aluminium, and copper, triggering multiple tariff categories. Automotive Sector Faces Financial Strain Although most automotive-specific products remain exempt, essential materials for…
Regional Security Concerns RisePolish authorities say Russian military aircraft entered the restricted safety area around a Baltic Sea oil platform. The Ministry of Defence described the intrusion as dangerous and carried out without prior clearance, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region over repeated Russian airspace violations. NATO Intercepts Russian Aircraft Over EstoniaSeparately, NATO confirmed that Italian F-35 fighters scrambled to intercept Russian MiG-31 jets over Estonian territory near Vaindloo Island. Reports indicate the aircraft flew without filed flight plans, had their transponders off, and did not communicate with local air traffic control. Estonian officials called the action a brazen provocation…
A long-awaited deal over TikTok appears close. US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to discuss terms on Friday. Officials from both sides recently struck a “framework” agreement. Reports suggest TikTok’s American operations could be sold to a group of US investors. If finalised, one expert called it a “rare breakthrough” in trade relations. It could also end a dispute that has dominated for years. Analysts now examine what the deal means for TikTok’s 170 million US users, and what Beijing stands to gain. Algorithm at the centre of negotiations Chinese media outlets praised the talks…
A major Swedish trial has found that taking a low dose of aspirin daily after surgery can cut the risk of some colorectal cancers returning by more than half in patients with specific genetic mutations. The study, led by Prof Anna Martling at the Karolinska Institute, involved over 3,500 patients in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. Genetic testing revealed that around 37% of patients had mutations in the PI3K pathway, a key biological route implicated in colorectal cancer. These patients were given 160mg of aspirin daily or a placebo for three years. Those on aspirin were 55% less likely to…
In Flensburg, shop owner Hans Velten Reisch caused uproar with a sign banning Jews from his store.He placed the notice in his Duburger Straße shop window on Wednesday, sparking anger far beyond the city.The sign read: “Jews are banned from here! Nothing personal. No antisemitism. Just can’t stand you.”Police removed the sign the same evening “to prevent danger” and protect public order, spokesperson Philipp Renoncourt confirmed.Local journalists later reported that the sign still hung visibly on an inside wall opposite the entrance.Residents reacted strongly on social media, comparing the message to Nazi-era discrimination.Some called for boycotts, while others demanded the…
Nationwide Walkouts Disrupt ServicesOn September 18, 2025, France saw massive strikes and demonstrations as unions protested the government’s austerity measures. Public transportation ran on limited schedules, schools closed in many areas, and pharmacies cut operating hours as workers across various sectors joined the action. Organizers reported participation in the hundreds of thousands nationwide. Paris Becomes Epicenter Amid Largely Peaceful Protests ElsewhereCities including Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, and Montpellier hosted significant marches, but Paris experienced heightened tension. While most rallies remained orderly, confrontations between police and protesters occurred, including incidents of vandalism targeting banks. Authorities deployed large numbers of officers to maintain…
Meta has unveiled a new line of smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence. The company wants them to become essential accessories worldwide. Innovations revealed at Meta Connect At the Meta Connect developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced several devices created with Ray-Ban and Oakley. A neural wristband was a key highlight. It connects with the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and allows users to send messages with subtle hand gestures. The announcement comes as Meta faces ongoing criticism over its platforms. Campaigners emphasize risks to children. Zuckerberg described the technology as a “huge scientific breakthrough” while speaking to hundreds of attendees…
