Creative Media News
Netanyahu receives stern Biden remarks on peace accord and electoral influence
Joe Biden had terse words for Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Friday, saying he didn't know if the Israeli prime minister was holding up a Middle East peace deal - where Israel is at war with Hamas in Gaza and on a military offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon - to influence the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election. "No administration has done more for Israel than I have. None. There are none. And I think Bibi should remember that," Biden remarked, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. He went further: "And whether he's trying to influence the election, I don't know - but I'm not counting on that."
Government: UK AI leadership at danger without data strategy
The UK must devise a strategy to fulfil the rising demand for data centres or risk losing its lead in the race to create artificial intelligence (AI). The digital economy relies heavily on data centres and warehouses that store CPUs that power cloud computing. They provide the power, connections, and security required for the massive processing power that underpins everything from personal device browsing to AI learning. The United Kingdom is Europe's largest data hub, with over 500 data centres, most located in the South East.
Arab spring ideals dashed as Tunisia votes amid tyranny
Tunisia will hold a presidential election on Sunday amid a crackdown on dissent and human rights violations against undocumented migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean into Europe. The incumbent, Kais Saied, whose most notable critics are in prison, is anticipated to win easily following a campaign with few rallies and public discussions. This is a huge setback for a country that has long prided itself on being the home of the 2011 Arab Spring protests.
Russian views of Israel-Iran escalation: chaos desirable, war terrible
Anna Levina, a Russian researcher and photographer-documentarian based in Beirut, has been stockpiling supplies in anticipation of Israel's assault on Lebanon, and she has had non-perishables in her kitchen since last October when Hezbollah and Israel began firing missiles at each other. "The feeling is, of course, unpleasant, but I've been waiting for this moment for a year," Levina said of Israel's major escalation of missile strikes on numerous sections of Lebanon, including Beirut, during the past two weeks, which has killed over 2,000 people. On Tuesday, Israel also announced the start of ground operations in southern Lebanon, where its forces have since clashed with Hezbollah fighters.
Floods and landslides kill 16 people in Bosnia
Flash floods and landslides in central Bosnia-Herzegovina have killed at least 16 people, cutting off towns and villages and submerging homes in some areas. Some of the worst incidents occurred at Jablanica, a town on the main route between Mostar and Sarajevo, roughly 70 kilometers (40 miles) to the northeast. Several other persons have been reported missing, and a state of emergency has been issued.
Bankers chosen by private equity investor to prepare country club group sale
Epiris, which has controlled The Club Company since 2018, has recruited DC Advisory to identify a buyer for the portfolio of 17 venues. The owner of one of Britain's largest chain of country clubs has appointed bankers to handle the company's sales. The private equity group has chosen DC Advisory to conduct an auction of The Club Company, which could begin as soon as this year.
Russia secures Vuhledar supply route; Ukraine reduces firepower gap
Russia conquered Vuhledar on the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border this week after an 18-month battle for the town. Vuhledar is located on elevated land near a railway line that carries supplies from Russian-occupied Crimea. Its occupation deprives Ukrainian forces of the ability to disrupt Russian supply routes. They also give Russia control of the nearby H-15 highway, which might help them "eliminate the wide Ukrainian salient in western Donetsk Oblast," according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank.
Trump’s foul-mouthed migrant diatribe in private donation pitch
During a private fundraising dinner last summer, Donald Trump launched a foul-mouthed tirade against undocumented immigrants. He predicted this "could be the last election we ever have" if Kamala Harris wins. The Guardian received a 12-minute tape of the Republican presidential nominee's speech at a dinner on August 10 in Aspen, Colorado, where attendees were obliged to donate between $25,000 and $500,000 per pair. Trump spent most of his speech on border security and immigration, repeating xenophobic comments heard at his rallies. "Radical leftwing lunatics" want people to come in from prisons, mental institutions, and insane asylums, he claimed without evidence, adding that the US was harbouring "a record number of terrorists".
For biting Blackburn defender Owen Beck, Preston striker Milutin Osmajic gets an eight-match ban and £15,000 fine
The incident occurred during a Championship encounter between the two Lancashire clubs last month. Preston striker Milutin Osmajic has received an eight-match ban and a £15,000 fine for biting Blackburn defender Owen Beck. The incident occurred during a Sky Bet Championship match between the two Lancashire clubs at Deepdale on September 22, which resulted in a goalless draw.
Bayesian superyacht sinking: Mike Lynch drowned, inquest finds
The cause of death for three more British casualties who died when the vessel sank off the coast of Sicily is still being investigated. Following the Bayesian superyacht catastrophe, IT tycoon Mike Lynch died from drowning, according to an inquiry. The 59-year-old businessman, who created software giant Autonomy in 1996, was one of seven persons killed when the boat sank off the coast of Sicily in August.
EU Imposes Tariffs on Chinese Electric Car Imports
The European Union (EU) has approved imposing tariffs on electric vehicle (EV) imports from China after the majority of member states backed the measure. The tariffs aim to shield the European automotive industry from what EU officials view as unfair competition due to Chinese state subsidies on its EVs. Tariffs of up to 45% will be applied to Chinese-made electric cars over the next five years. However, concerns have arisen that this move may lead to increased prices for EV buyers in Europe.
Electric shock as Tesla’s yearly car deliveries drop for the first time
Tesla announced an increase in quarterly electric vehicle sales for the first time this year as it battles competition from China. The US corporation, run by Elon Musk (pictured), sold about 463,000 vehicles in the three months ending in September. This was 6% greater than last year's period and 4% higher than the preceding quarter.