Europe
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German Court Weighs Family Business Tax Reform
Germany's Constitutional Court is hearing arguments on inheritance tax reform, with family business owners and industry groups opposing higher taxes and potential loss of exemptions.
French Supermarkets Targeted by Massive Cyberattack
A large-scale cyberattack targeted cooling systems at major French supermarket chains, deliberately raising refrigerator temperatures to destructive levels and destroying food inventory worth millions. The attack exploited a vulnerability in software used by multiple retailers.
Remote-Operated Robot Assaults Teen in Cologne
A 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a robot that was deliberately controlled by two teenage operators in Cologne; the perpetrators livestreamed the incident, which is now under police investigation.
Ben Affleck Criticizes US Politics as 'Terrible and Tawdry'
Actor Ben Affleck expressed strong disillusionment with American politics, calling it corrupt and hypocritical while promoting a new film in which he plays a mayoral candidate.
Spain's Court Upholds Voting Restrictions for Diaspora
Spain's Supreme Court confirmed that certain Spanish citizens living abroad cannot vote in national elections, maintaining voting restrictions that have sparked ongoing political controversy.
German Constitutional Court Reviews Inheritance Tax Provisions
Germany's Constitutional Court is holding two days of hearings to examine inheritance tax provisions, particularly regarding family business exemptions and taxation authority between federal and regional governments.
Nicolas Cage rejects Amazon AI rights clause in deal termination
Actor Nicolas Cage refused to sign an AI rights clause, leading to cancellation of Marvel's Spider-Noir on Amazon Prime Video. Cage announced he would not work with Amazon again without protections for his likeness and voice.
Epic Games explores AI-first game development strategy
Epic Games is reportedly shifting to an AI-first game development model, potentially eliminating hand-coded software. The approach represents a significant industry strategy pivot as major studios integrate machine learning into production.
Streaming platforms embrace vertical video as distinct genre
Major streaming services are experimenting with vertical video as a specialized category to challenge TikTok and Instagram dominance. Platforms like Vurt are positioning vertical content as a unique viewing experience rather than horizontal adaptation.
Cybersecurity incident paralyzes Albert Heijn distribution
Albert Heijn shut down multiple distribution centers following a cybersecurity incident, disrupting deliveries across the Netherlands. The supermarket chain disabled systems preventively to protect its IT infrastructure, risking shortages of fresh produce.
Deutsche Post seeks 20 percent postage rate increase
Germany's Federal Network Agency approved plans allowing Deutsche Post to raise postal rates up to 20 percent beginning 2027. Standard letter stamps will exceed one euro for the first time under the increase.
Nintendo Confirms Physical Switch 2 Game Support
Nintendo has committed to continuing physical game releases for the Switch 2 despite industry trends toward digital distribution. The company plans to support both physical and digital formats based on customer preferences.
Turkish club dismisses German coach Thorsten Fink
Thorsten Fink was dismissed from Turkish Super Lig club Samsunspor after eight months. The former FC Basel manager departed shortly after a viral motivational speech gained attention.
Romantasy genre achieves popularity through live events
The romantasy genre blending romance and fantasy has become a publishing phenomenon driven by BookTok communities. Publishers now adapt stories into live theatrical experiences, transforming book sales into interactive events.
The Rookie Universe Expands with North Spinoff
The Rookie North spinoff debuts January 6 alongside season nine of the original series on ABC. The new show will feature crossovers and maintain close ties with its parent program through shared characters and storylines.
RoboCop Reboot Reunites Director With Visionary
James Wan is bringing back original RoboCop director Paul Verhoeven for the new Amazon series adaptation. The collaboration aims to recapture the dark, satirical spirit of the 1987 sci-fi classic.
EU Scrutinizes XXXLutz Acquisition of Porta
The European Commission is launching an in-depth antitrust investigation into XXXLutz's planned acquisition of Porta furniture stores. The deal poses potential competition risks in Germany, Czechia, and Slovakia.
Audi Sales Plummet on China Weakness and Competition
Audi reports significant sales declines in the third quarter, with China sales down nearly a quarter amid intensifying electric vehicle competition. European performance remains the only bright spot.
Britney Spears Releases Lost 2001 Justin Timberlake Duet
Britney Spears released She'll Never Be Me, a previously unreleased track written with Justin Timberlake from her 2001 debut album, on the record's 25th anniversary. The song has been archived unfinished for more than two decades.
Grammy Record of the Year Race Wide Open
The 2027 Grammy Awards Record of the Year category remains unusually competitive heading into November nominations. Multiple artists including Ella Langley and Taylor Swift are strong contenders.
Dismissed Climate Scientists Seek New Communication Paths
Federal climate scientists dismissed during the Trump administration are finding alternative ways to inform the public about climate change. The National Climate Assessment project they worked on faces discontinuation after two decades of publication.
Trump Proposes Renaming Atlantic or Pacific Ocean
US President Donald Trump suggested issuing an executive order to rename either the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean after himself or America. The proposal follows his previous renamings of geographic features.
Arsenal Hosts Lille in Champions League Action
Arsenal faces Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday at Emirates Stadium in London. The vice-champion Gunners seek to improve their record after opening with a win against Napoli.
Lillois Defender Santos Suffers Serious Knee Injury
Lille defender Tiago Santos sustained a serious right knee injury in a match against Le Havre following a tackle by Amir Richardson. Medical staff fear anterior cruciate ligament damage with the player awaiting MRI confirmation.
Zurbarán Retrospective Opens at Louvre Museum
The Louvre is hosting a major exhibition of approximately sixty paintings by Spanish Golden Age master Francisco de Zurbarán. The show highlights his technical mastery and influence on European religious art.
Richard E. Grant Reflects on Reality TV Mistakes
Actor Richard E. Grant discussed his early elimination from Celebrity Traitors, acknowledging he underestimated how seriously other contestants would treat the competition and that a different strategy might have improved his longevity.
France Releases Strategic Reserves to Cut Fuel Costs
France released 10 million barrels from strategic reserves to lower diesel prices at the pump by 12 to 18 cents per liter. The government action aims to provide immediate relief to consumers facing elevated fuel costs.
Kabila Forms Military Alliance With M23 Rebels
Former President Joseph Kabila has established a politico-military alliance with the M23 rebel group, reshaping the political landscape in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The coalition challenges President Félix Tshisekedi's authority in the region.
FIFA President Infantino Accused of Undeclared Compensation
An investigation revealed FIFA President Gianni Infantino received approximately €1.5 million in undeclared additional compensation through entities connected to the World Cup 2026 organizing committee, raising governance concerns.
Flash Floods Devastate Central Nepal Communities
A flash flood at the Budhi Gandaki River in central Nepal's Gorkha district swept away at least 45 buildings and multiple bridges. Several people remain missing following the devastating torrent of mud and debris.