Author: Rachel Maddow

European lawmakers, Nobel laureates, and former heads of state urged binding international restrictions on AI misuse.They launched the initiative Monday at the UN’s 80th General Assembly in New York.Signatories call for governments to agree by 2026 on “red lines” banning AI uses deemed too harmful.Prominent supporters include Enrico Letta, Mary Robinson, MEPs Brando Benifei and Sergey Lagodinsky, ten Nobel laureates, and tech leaders from OpenAI and Google.They warned that without standards, AI could trigger pandemics, disinformation campaigns, human rights abuses, and loss of control.Over 200 leaders and 70 organisations from politics, science, human rights, and industry backed the campaign. AI’s…

President Trump publicly demanded that Attorney General Pam Bondi prosecute figures he considers enemies.He urged immediate action, citing multiple indictments and impeachment efforts against him. Named Targets Include High-Profile Officials Trump listed former FBI Director James Comey, Senator Adam Schiff, and New York AG Letitia James.He claimed they were “all guilty” but said prosecutors had done nothing. Swift Action Follows Federal Prosecutor Dismissal Trump removed U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert after Siebert failed to charge James and Comey.Trump announced he would nominate Lindsey Halligan, a presidential legal aide with no prosecutorial experience, to replace Siebert. Justice Department Faces Intensifying Political Pressure…

Cybercriminals hit check-in and boarding software, forcing Brussels, Berlin Brandenburg, and London Heathrow to process passengers manually. Brussels Faces Flight Disruptions and Cancellations Brussels Airport reported nine canceled flights, four diversions, and 15 delays of at least an hour.Officials advised only confirmed passengers to travel as 35,000 expected departures approached.The airport planned to cancel half of Sunday departures to reduce long queues and late cancellations. Collins Aerospace Confirms Software Interruption Collins Aerospace acknowledged a “cyber-related disruption” affected its global check-in and boarding systems at selected airports.Passengers typically use the software to print boarding passes, bag tags, and self-check in. Berlin…

The US imposed 50% tariffs on EU steel and aluminium in June, demanding proof of origin for finished products.Importers now face extra costs on top of existing tariffs, industry representatives warn. Companies Struggle with Complex Rules ACEA said the “melt and pour” rule requires tracing steel and aluminium through multiple supplier tiers.Suppliers often cannot provide accurate origin data, making compliance difficult.Parts containing steel, aluminium, and copper fall under multiple tariff categories, increasing complexity.In August, the US added 407 product categories, including machinery, turbines, fire extinguishers, and construction materials. Financial Impact Hits Automotive and Manufacturing ACEA reported generic materials vital for…

The Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) collects NATO members’ contributions to buy US weapons and ammunition.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine expects around $3.5 billion by next month to purchase arms and support the war effort against Russia.All NATO members, except the United States, contribute to PURL. Zelenskyy told reporters, “We received more than $2 billion from partners specifically for PURL.”He added, “We will receive more funding in October. I expect approximately $3.5–3.6 billion.”Zelenskyy withheld full shipment details but confirmed they will include Patriot air defense missiles and HIMARS munitions.Patriot systems protect Ukraine against Russian missile attacks, and HIMARS significantly strengthen…

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered a full ban on fibre optic internet in Balkh province to “prevent immorality.” Wi-Fi Access Ends, Mobile Data Persists Government offices, businesses, schools, and homes lost Wi-Fi access. Mobile data remains available but runs slowly and costs heavily. First Permanent Fibre Ban Since 2021 Authorities have not imposed a similar internet restriction since the Taliban took control in August 2021. Officials Promise Alternative Network Provincial spokesperson Haji Attaullah Zaid said authorities will build an alternative network to meet essential needs. He provided no timeline or details. Residents Struggle With Work and Connectivity One resident reported…

Investors poured money into Alphabet after a US judge blocked the forced sale of its Chrome browser. The ruling ended nearly five years of antitrust scrutiny and preserved Google’s key businesses. Shares surged over 4% in Monday European trading, adding to more than 30% gains since January. Alphabet’s market value now exceeds $3 trillion (€2.55tr), joining elite peers Nvidia ($4.2tr/€3.57tr), Microsoft ($3.8tr/€3.23tr), and Apple ($3.5tr/€3tr). Court Protects Chrome and Android The Department of Justice had demanded Google sell Chrome and possibly Android, citing competition concerns. A federal judge ruled that Alphabet can keep both but must share certain data with…

Researchers found that people taking Ozempic and Wegovy stopped their medications more often if they were young, male, or lived in poorer areas. Millions take GLP-1 receptor agonists to reduce appetite and lose weight, but half abandon the drugs within one year, according to a Danish study. Dropout Rates Highlight Challenges Danish researchers analysed data from 77,000 people without diabetes using anti-obesity drugs. They discovered that 52 percent discontinued treatment within 12 months. Eighteen percent quit within three months, 31 percent within six months, and 42 percent by nine months. Professor Reimar W. Thomsen of Aarhus University said, “These medications…

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution supporting an independent Palestinian state and a two-state solution. The measure condemns Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel and criticizes Israel’s siege, which caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Global Vote Shows Strong Support Out of 193 member states, 142 voted for the New York Declaration, 10 opposed, and 12 abstained from voting. France and Saudi Arabia introduced the resolution, calling for Palestinian Authority control over all Palestinian lands. Transitional Authority and Governance The resolution directs forming a transitional administrative committee immediately after a ceasefire in Gaza. It instructs Hamas…

Police captured the suspected gunman who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. President Trump confirmed the arrest Friday, saying officials held the suspect in custody before his Fox appearance. A source close to the alleged shooter disclosed the suspect’s location, guiding authorities to the arrest. Surveillance Footage and Public Tips Aid Investigation FBI and Utah police released video showing a person fleeing the scene after Kirk’s assassination. Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said public tips produced new leads in the ongoing manhunt. Footage shows a suspect in sunglasses, Converse shoes, and a black long-sleeve shirt…