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Why China Is the Bogeyman Data Center Enthusiasts Just Can’t Quit
American opposition to data centres is hardening, and rather than address the underlying causes, some tech leaders and Republican politicians are pushing the narrative that Chinese influence operations are behind the backlash. This matters because it risks obscuring genuine, homegrown grievances—environmental impact, energy costs and unease about AI—behind a convenient scapegoat that shifts blame away…
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Reform’s Zia Yusuf accused of ‘straightforward racism’ over comments on Somali-born Labour council leader
A Cabinet minister has accused Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf of “pretty straightforward racism” after he highlighted the Somali birthplace of Sagal Abdi-Wali, a favourite to become Labour’s candidate in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. The row centres on whether it is legitimate to question a foreign-born prospective MP’s national origin and loyalties, exposing…
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French President Emmanuel Macron Calls for a ‘New Multilateralism’ Across Creative Industries: ‘We Built a Civilization of Images. We Should Not Resign Ourselves to Watching It Deteriorate’
French President Emmanuel Macron has published an op-ed calling for a “new multilateralism” to protect and revitalise global creative industries, published on the eve of the Lumière Summit, which he is co-hosting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The gathering brings together leading figures from film, television and gaming to discuss the future of…
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Germans head to the polls as far-Right AfD party on course for landmark win in regional election
Voters in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt went to the polls in a regional election that saw the far-right, Moscow-friendly Alternative for Germany (AfD) positioned for a historic result, having polled above 40 per cent for months and harbouring hopes of forming its first-ever state government. The vote was closely watched nationally as a test…
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System of a Down Release ‘Johnny’ to Streaming for the First Time
System of a Down has released the track “Johnny” on streaming platforms for the first time, as part of a wider campaign marking the 25th anniversary of their album Toxicity. The song had previously only appeared on international editions of the album and a UK 7-inch single alongside “Chop Suey!”, never receiving a standalone release…
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US ambassador accuses Ed Miliband of having ‘lost it’ over Gaza and engaging in ‘Jew hate’
A diplomatic row has erupted after US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee accused Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who is Jewish, of “Jew hate” and said the UK Government had “lost it” over Gaza. The clash followed a video Miliband posted on Instagram describing conditions in Gaza as “horrific” and claiming medicines were being blocked from…
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Fears for the dead and food stores amid plans to build 3,500 homes on farmland
Campaigners from Sheffield’s green belt protection group criticised council plans to build more than 3,500 homes on farmland, warning of threats to food security and burial capacity. Three activists addressed a Sheffield Council policy committee meeting this week, objecting to the authority’s draft Local Plan, which earmarks 14 sites across roughly 800 acres of green…
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Billions lost to Brexit could make NHS waiting lists disappear, top economist says
Stanford economist Professor Nick Bloom has argued that the economic damage caused by Brexit is so large that recovering it could effectively eliminate NHS waiting lists and transform the health service. Speaking exclusively to The Independent as part of its “Europe: The Way Back” campaign, he said the claim that leaving the EU would free…
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The 1972 Genesis drum fill that defined Phil Collins and happened “by luck”
Phil Collins has long been overshadowed in critical reputation by his pop stardom, but his technical prowess as a drummer remains one of the most underappreciated aspects of his career with Genesis. In a 1987 interview, Collins named “Apocalypse In 9/8” – part of the 23-minute epic “Supper’s Ready” from 1972’s Foxtrot – as the…