Culture & Society

Author Julian Barnes confirms new novel will be his last

Julian Barnes, turning 80, says his forthcoming novel Departure(s) will be his final book, citing a sense he has said all he wants to in long-form fiction, while continuing to write journalism a managed blood cancer diagnosis.

Quebec Premier François Legault resigns ahead of a provincial election

Quebec Premier François Legault announced he will resign, saying many Quebecers want a change, and he will stay on until the Coalition Avenir Québec appoints a new leader ahead of a provincial election scheduled for the fall.

Bandcamp bans AI-generated music and audio

Bandcamp banned AI-generated music and audio, saying it wants fans to trust that music on the platform was created by humans.

FBI raid on Washington Post reporter’s home and seizure of electronics

Federal agents raided Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home and seized her electronics during an investigation into a government contractor accused of illegally retaining classified materials.

FBI searches Washington Post reporter’s home in classified documents probe

FBI agents searched Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home and seized devices as part of an investigation into a Pentagon contractor accused of leaking classified information.

Iran bans cooperation with London-based exile broadcaster Iran International

Iran’s judiciary warned the public that any cooperation or information-sharing with the London-based exile broadcaster Iran International is prohibited.

Deaths reported during Iran protest crackdown

A Norway-based rights group said at least 2,500 people have been killed in Iran since protests began in late December, and another Norway-registered group reported at least 734 demonstrators killed while warning the toll could be far higher.

Adelaide Writers’ Week director resigns as Randa Abdel-Fattah is disinvited and writers boycott the festival

Louise Adler resigned as director of Adelaide Writers’ Week after the festival board disinvited Australian Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah, prompting a boycott and further resignations.

Paramount sues Warner Bros. Discovery over disclosure tied to Netflix acquisition

Paramount filed a Delaware lawsuit seeking more financial disclosure from Warner Bros. Discovery about Netflix’s $82.7 billion acquisition as Paramount presses a competing $30-per-share cash offer.

Spotify lowers requirements for video podcasters to join its monetization program

Spotify lowered the eligibility thresholds for video podcasters to monetize on the platform and added new tools and distribution options for video podcasts.

US military expansion and operations in Greenland during the Second World War

The United States established and expanded military installations in Greenland during the Second World War, driven by Western Hemisphere defense policy, German weather-station activity, and the strategic value of cryolite for aluminium production.

Contaminated water in Indore causes deaths, officials suspended

More than 2,800 people fell ill after drinking contaminated water, prompting official action.

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