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The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State by Jill Lepore review – an ominous warning of tech takeover
Jill Lepore’s new book, The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State, argues that a handful of powerful Silicon Valley figures are pursuing a vision in which democracy, the nation-state and even humanity itself are supplanted by automation and artificial intelligence. The Pulitzer prize-winning historian contends this is not merely speculative fantasy but an active…
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David Shrigley London exhibition will find the funny side of old masters
David Shrigley, the contemporary British artist known for his wry humour and distinctive line drawings, will stage a major new solo exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery placing his work “in dialogue” with 17th-century Dutch and Flemish old masters. New commissions responding to paintings by artists including Rembrandt, Jan Steen and David Teniers the Younger will…
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Burnham removes Treasury control of economic growth in regional overhaul
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has stripped the Treasury of responsibility for driving economic growth as part of a shake-up intended to prove that “No10 North” — the initiative giving northern England a greater say in Whitehall decision-making — amounts to more than a symbolic gesture. Burnham has long campaigned for greater devolution…
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Trump crook claims, Musiala seizures, Rodri’s Barcelona switch and Bake Off star’s diagnosis
A set of developments spanning US politics, football and television emerged on 18-19 August. At a campaign event in Georgia, Democratic senator Jon Ossoff described President Donald Trump as a “draft-dodging, crook president” while appearing with Senator Mark Kelly. The remark was political criticism, not a new legal finding, and followed an earlier dispute over…
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New-look Villa turn to Scandinavia as they rebuild squad
Aston Villa have signed four Scandinavian players this summer as part of a wider squad overhaul following a disappointing ninth-place finish in the Women’s Super League last season. The arrivals – three Norwegians and one Dane – form part of eight senior signings and mark a notable shift for a club that previously had no…
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WSL’s ‘big two’: Arsenal and Chelsea record more revenue than rest of league combined | Tom Garry
An analysis of eight seasons of Women’s Super League club accounts reveals that the commonly used term “big four” for Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United is misleading financially, as it is really Arsenal and Chelsea who dominate off the pitch. The two London clubs together generated more revenue in 2024-25 than the rest…
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The Beatles’ Apple Corps, Universal Music Strike Global e-Commerce, Merchandise Partnership for the Fab Four
Apple Corps, the company founded in 1968 to manage The Beatles’ business and creative interests, has signed a new exclusive, long-term global partnership with Universal Music Group covering worldwide physical and digital merchandise, licensing and e-commerce for the band. The deal, announced on Wednesday, builds on UMG’s existing role as steward of The Beatles’ catalogue…
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Brook Lynn Delivers ‘Amazing’ Performance of Original Song For ‘AGT’ Quarterfinals: Watch
Dutch singer Brook Lynn wowed the judges on “America’s Got Talent” with a self-written song, “Love Your Enemy,” during the Season 21 quarterfinals broadcast on Tuesday 18 August. It marked a departure from her earlier cover performances and drew a standing ovation from judges Sofía Vergara and Mel B, along with high praise from Howie…