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The Hottest R&B Artists of 2026 Right Now: Staff Picks
Billboard’s staff picks identify the R&B artists making the strongest impact in 2026, using chart performance, vocals, cultural relevance, touring and commercial activity. – Leon Thomas and Kehlani are presented as leading contenders, with Thomas accumulating more than ten features and Kehlani’s “Folded” reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. – The list also…
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‘Customers prefer AI chatbots to humans’ says British Gas boss as 1,300 call centre staff axed
Centrica, the owner of British Gas, plans to reduce its call-centre workforce by 1,300 roles over two years, with 800 additional cuts following 500 announced previously. Chief executive Chris O’Shea said the reductions reflect customers’ growing use of digital services rather than AI directly replacing staff, arguing that many customers prefer chatbots and online channels.…
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China says AI development comes from ‘greater self-reliance and strength’ amid stolen tech claims
China has defended its progress in artificial intelligence, saying it reflects greater self-reliance and national strength, amid allegations that it has benefited from stolen foreign technology. The statement matters because AI development is increasingly tied to economic competitiveness, national security and tensions between China and Western governments. The supplied article text is unavailable beyond the…
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You’ve hit your weekly limit · resets Jul 25, 11pm (Europe/London)
The Avalanches have released a new single, “Blue Shadows”, featuring Karen O. The track marks another step in the Australian trio’s return to regular releases after a six-year gap and continues their characteristic sample-led sound. “Blue Shadows” asks whether a broken heart can be mended and prominently samples “Shadows From Nowhere”, a 1983 Italo single…
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Google hit with $1 billion in fines as EU braces for Trump battle
The European Commission has fined Google more than $1 billion for breaching the Digital Markets Act, finding that it favoured its own services in Search and restricted app developers from steering users towards cheaper offers outside Google Play. The decision intensifies a wider dispute over EU regulation of US technology firms and could become a…
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CEO’s family man image is shattered as top female executive leaks explicit sexts and accuses him of litany of obscene acts: Read every sordid message
A former senior executive at Ohio property developer Thrive Companies has sued the business and former chief executive Kevin Zeppernick, alleging sexual harassment, assault, discrimination and retaliation. The case matters because it raises questions about workplace conduct and the company’s response to complaints, while the allegations remain unproven and will be tested in court. The…
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Disgaea Creator Slams Sony for Scrapping Discs, Says PlayStation Might as Well ‘Go All the Way’ and Scrap Consoles Too
Disgaea creator Sohei Niikawa has criticised Sony’s plan to stop producing disc releases of new games from January 2028, arguing that its executives do not understand what physical editions mean to fans. He said abandoning physical packages could undermine the appeal of dedicated consoles, suggesting Sony might as well rely on televisions and eliminate hardware…
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Star Wars Zero Company cast just revealed a huge Clone Wars reunion
Star Wars: Zero Company has announced its voice cast, confirming a reunion of prominent performers from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Matt Lanter will again voice Anakin Skywalker and Dee Bradley Baker will play clone trooper Trick, reinforcing the game’s connection to the Clone Wars era and likely appealing to fans of the animated series.…
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Comic-Con Preview: An Elf, a Superhero and a Spaceball Walk Into Hall H…
Comic-Con 2026’s Hall H programme will feature major film and television franchises seeking to sustain fan enthusiasm, including Marvel, DC, The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek and Spaceballs. The line-up matters because studios are using the convention to showcase forthcoming releases amid uncertainty over superhero audience interest following Supergirl’s disappointing box office performance. Highlights…
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Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner can’t remember why he green-lit Kingdom Hearts
Former Disney chief executive Michael Eisner has said he cannot remember why he approved the original pitch for Kingdom Hearts, the Square Enix series combining Disney and Final Fantasy characters. The remark is notable because his approval helped enable a franchise that has since become a major, long-running success for both companies. Eisner recalled the…