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EU to target Nord Stream and Russian oil in updated sanctions package

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EU to target Nord Stream and Russian oil in updated sanctions package

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The European Commission is to propose lowering the Russian oil price cap and banning the use of Nord Stream infrastructure as part of a fresh round of sanctions against Moscow.

The commission is due to present its 18th package of sanctions against Moscow on Tuesday, as part of efforts to ratchet up pressure on Russia amid stalled peace negotiations with Ukraine.

According to three people familiar with the proposal, the package will include lowering the existing oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel, as well as banning the use of Russian energy infrastructure, including the two Nord Stream pipelines to Germany.

Under the terms of the price cap — introduced by the EU and other G7 allies in 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine — companies from participating countries may be involved in moving Russian oil as long as the crude oil is priced at below a set maximum.

The people said the new proposal would also include the placing sanctions on additional Russian banks and shadow fleet vessels.

It would include safeguards to help protect Belgium from lawsuits from Moscow under a bilateral investment treaty between the two countries. Existing sanctions have immobilised about €190bn in Russian central bank assets at the Belgium-based central securities depository, Euroclear.

The new sanctions package now needs to be discussed by EU governments, which must adopt it with unanimous support.

Slovakia and Hungary have previously indicated they could oppose additional sanctions, potentially complicating negotiations.

Two of the people said they were optimistic about finding agreement on the package before the end of July, having managed to convince Hungary to drop its opposition to previous packages.

The EU is also considering whether to add Russia to its “grey list” of countries with lax money laundering controls.

The new EU proposal comes as US senator Lindsey Graham pushes for additional sanctions against Moscow by Washington. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen met Graham last week and said that the EU package, if “taken together with US measures, would sharply increase the joint impact of our sanctions”.

But it is unclear whether US President Donald Trump supports more US measures against Moscow, as part of his so-far unsuccessful efforts to force Moscow and Kyiv into a peace agreement.

Trump and von der Leyen are both set to attend a G7 summit in Canada that starts this weekend, with Ukraine on the agenda.

MAX Field Hockey’s 2024 Mid-Atlantic All-Region Teams

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MAX Field Hockey’s 2024 Mid-Atlantic All-Region Teams

KATELYN KEARNS
Broadneck High School (MD)
Senior – Midfield/Forward

14 goals, 12 assists
School record career assists- 40, tied career points- 88
State Offensive Player of the Year Finalist
First Team All-State
First team Capital Gazette All-County
Anne Arundel County Coaches All-County
Baltimore Sun All-Metro First Team
Washington Post All-Met Second Team
NFHCA Mid-Atlantic Region First Team

Robots Tested by Royal Navy for Undersea Cable Protection

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Robots Tested by Royal Navy for Undersea Cable Protection

The Royal Navy is testing how to use robots to seek out and detonate mines and other threats found near vital yet vulnerable undersea cables and pipelines at greater depths than a human diver can safely reach.

We tend to think of the seabed as an essentially empty place that’s largely devoid of human traffic, aside from the odd shipwreck, oil rig, garbage, or lost anchor. However, that is far from the case and hasn’t been so for over a century and a half.

Ever since the first transatlantic telegraph cable was laid and opened for business in 1858, the world beneath the waves has become an increasingly busy place. It isn’t satellites that carry the bulk of internet traffic. It’s a globe-straddling network of cables that send and receive 95% of the world’s data. Added to this are cables that carry electricity for hundreds of miles so – for example, power generated in Norway can be consumed in England. And then there are the seabed pipelines carrying oil or gas that keep whole continents running.

RN Robot

It’s a modern miracle of engineering, but also what strategic planners are seeing as a vital supply line that is frighteningly and demonstrably vulnerable. Since 2023, five undersea cables and two pipelines were damaged in the Baltic, 16 cables around Taiwan, and one pipeline in the Red Sea have all been severed or damaged either deliberately or under suspicious circumstances. You can add to this up to 200 incidents worldwide put down to accidents involving dragging anchors or snarled fishing gear.

Accidents are bad enough, but the deliberate attacks have very serious military and geopolitical implications that quickly make the front pages, so the major naval powers and alliances are dead keen on making this as difficult as possible for an enemy.

The Royal Navy is looking at one way to counter this threat by using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) that have been adapted and updated by Britain’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and industry partners to handle a variety of menaces. This includes active mines that have been deliberately laid, old mines and aerial bombs that just happen to be in the vicinity, and spy devices designed to tap into communication cables.

“Threat” being detonated

Crown Copyright

Before carrying out sea trials at Horsea Island in Portsmouth, Portland Harbour, the Bristol Channel, and the North Sea off the Norwegian coast, the commercial robots were modified with the usual upgrades to meet Naval standards, along with systems for detecting explosives, hardening to operate for long periods beyond the depth that humans can safely visit, and manipulators to allow the robot to carry and place an explosive charge on or near the threat. In addition, there is a remote imaging system that sends back real-time visual and sonar imagery to the operators on the mothership.

“This technology would be a valuable tool set for keeping our Armed Forces safe whilst providing the public with value for money,” said Dstl explosives engineer John. “This unique capability with its sensors, tools and cameras will give operators a real time ability to deal with these underwater hazards in a safe, effective and efficient way.”

Source: UK Government

King Charles III Delivers First Address Following Queen’s Passing

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King Charles III Delivers First Address Following Queen’s Passing

The death of the Queen also meant other changes to the line of succession and titles for other members of the royal family. Prince William, the oldest son of the King, is now the first heir, with his three children behind him by order of age.

Once Charles and Camilla became King and Queen Consort, William and Catherine also automatically assumed the pair’s old duchies, becoming the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.

But in his speech on Friday, the King also formally named William and Catherine as the Prince and Princess of Wales, the traditional title for the heir apparent. It is likely a public investiture ceremony, similar to the one the Queen held for her son in 1969, will follow at some point.

Once Charles became King, the two children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, technically were also elevated in status.

Under royal protocols dating back to 1917, the children and grandchildren of the sovereign are entitled to the titles HRH and prince or princess, meaning Harry and Meghan’s children are now Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet.

In his speech, the King made sure to mention Harry and Meghan, who moved to California after leaving royal life, saying that he wanted to express his love “as they continue to build their lives overseas.”

He also thanked his wife, Camilla, saying he could count on her both personally and as sovereign to fulfill the demands of her new role.

China’s auto and tech giants pose a threat to Tesla’s self-driving future

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China’s auto and tech giants pose a threat to Tesla’s self-driving future

Why China's auto, tech giants threaten Tesla’s self-driving future

Japan reports sighting of two Chinese aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean for the first time | Military News

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Japan reports sighting of two Chinese aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean for the first time | Military News

Tokyo says it has conveyed an ‘appropriate message’ to Beijing over vessels’ movements.

Two Chinese aircraft carriers have been seen operating in the Pacific at once for the first time, Japan’s Ministry of Defence has said.

China’s Shandong and four other vessels on Monday sailed within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

The aircraft carrier conducted landing and takeoff drills involving its fighter jets and helicopters in waters north of the Pacific atoll of Okinotori, the ministry said.

Tokyo’s announcement came a day after Japanese officials said the Liaoning, the older of China’s two operating aircraft carriers, had entered waters near the remote island of Minamitorishima.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tokyo would step up surveillance and had conveyed “an appropriate message” to China, without elaborating.

On Monday, Hayashi, who is Tokyo’s top spokesman, said China’s growing maritime activity appeared to be aimed at bolstering its capability to carry out missions farther from its shores.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Monday defended the aircraft carriers’ movements, describing them as “fully consistent with international law and international practices”.

“Our national defence policy is defensive in nature. We hope Japan will view those activities objectively and rationally,” Lin told a regular news conference.

Beijing invites U.S. influencers on a complimentary trip to experience the authentic side of China

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Beijing invites U.S. influencers on a complimentary trip to experience the authentic side of China

China is inviting American influencers to join a 10-day, all-expense paid trip through the country this July, as part of Beijing’s efforts to boost people-to-people exchanges and showcase the “real China.”

The initiative, titled “China-Global Youth Influencer Exchange Program,” seeks to enlist young social media influencers with at least 300,000 followers to collaborate with Chinese content creators, according to recruitment posts by Chinese state-affiliated media outlets, including the China Youth Daily.

While relations between China and the U.S. have deteriorated in recent months over issues including geopolitics, technology and trade, the program marks an effort to boost cultural exchanges. Last year, President Xi Jinping had called for more exchanges between Chinese and American universities, after previously announcing a plan to welcome 50,000 American students to China.

Another post in College Daily, a publication particularly targeting Chinese students in North America, specified that applicants for the exchange program based in the U.S., should be active on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X, and should “love Chinese culture” and “have no history of bad behaviors.”

It called on Chinese students overseas to encourage influencers in their circle to apply, and said the successful candidates will get China’s official invite as well as special assistance from the state to process their visas.

The trip intends to take the participants across five Chinese cities—Suzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Handan and Beijing, and will cover China’s e-commerce hubs, the headquarter of companies such as Xiaohongshu Technology Co. and BYD Co.

The influencers will also partake in cultural activities such as Taichi and be able to live-stream their trip to the Great Wall, according to the posts. Working with Chinese social media influencers on ideas, and getting their content promoted by China’s state media will be part of the deal.

Social media content from western influencers traveling through China post-Covid have won praise from the state media for their authentic portrayal of everyday life in the country. In April, American streamer IShowSpeed’s visit to China sparked widespread curiosity among fans about advancements in Chinese technology.

Authorities have tapped social media influencers to check negative information and promote positive contents. In 2023, think-tank Australian Strategic Policy Institute analyzed over 120 foreign influencers, mostly active on Chinese social media, received the state’s help to grow their influence in return for content that praises and spreads Beijing’s narrative.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

Pictures of a Funky Life

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Pictures of a Funky Life

Getty Images Sly Stone wears a red hat and red jacket embelished with rhinestones. Getty Images

Sly Stone of Sly And The Family Stone poses in London on 16 July 1973.

Sly Stone, a funk-rock star who led the group Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82, his family statement.

A statement said he had suffered a “prolongued battle” with the lung disease COPD.

Stone, whose real name was Sylvester Stewart, grew up singing gospel with his siblings, and went on to play the Woodstock music festival in 1969.

On the way, Stone was a San Francisco radio DJ, before he and his band hit the big time with hits including It’s a Family Affair and If You Want Me to Stay.

Stone was a giant of funk music, known for blending psychedelia, funk, rock and soul, his big style and even bigger hair.

Here is a selection of images from his life.

Getty Images A young Sly Stone wears a tweed jacket and sits in front of an old-fashioned microphone with a folder in front of him. He looks into the camera.Getty Images

Before Sly Stone, the young Sylvester Stewart started out as a radio DJ in San Francisco, California.

Getty Images Sly and other members of Sly and the Family stone sing on stage in front of a rainbow backdrop.Getty Images

Sly formed his eponymous band, Sly and the Family Stone, in the late 60s. Here, they are pictured in concert in 1973 – tambourine, flares and all.

Getty Images Sly Stone sings and dances in the centre of a room with other members of the band pictured around him in a circle on various instruments. Two large amplifiers are dotted around the room.Getty Images

If You Want Me To Stay was one of the band’s most famous songs, released in 1973 on the album Fresh. The band are pictured recording together that year, with Sly in the middle of the group.

Getty Images A large sign that reads "Soul Train" in capitals hangs above a stage where Sly and the Family Stone perform to a dancing audienceGetty Images

Sly and The Family Stone frequented television show stages. Here they are in 1974 performing on Soul Train, a hugely successful American music programme.

Getty Images A black and white image of Sly and the Family Stone. They stand between two white boards, close to one another.Getty Images

It’s a family affair. Several of Sly’s siblings were in the band. His sister Rosie (pictured bottom left) and his brother Freddie (hidden behind Sly’s hair) were key members. Also pictured are Cynthia Robinson (behind Rosie) Larry Graham, Greg Errico and Jerry Martini (from left descending to right).

Getty Images Sly Stone and his newlywed wife Kathy Silva grin and laugh, dressed in gold. She has confetti scattered through her hair.Getty Images

Stone married model and actress Kathy Silva (right) on 5 June 1974. Their wedding was far from intimate: tens of thousands of fans packed out the Madison Square Garden stadium in Manhattan to watch the couple tie the knot live on stage. Later, they held their reception in the Waldorf-Astoria, where this shot was taken.

Getty Images Sly Stone rides a large elaborate chopper style motorbike in a black and white image. He has a leather jacket on with a large white star on the collar.Getty Images

Stone occasionally played alone during periods of internal strife for the band in the 1970s. Following drug issues, the group later fizzled out.

Getty Images Sly Stone is pictured later in his life wearing a huge white leather belt with the word 'Sly' embellished in silver. He has a matching silver jacket with the collar popped, and a tall bleached mohawk. He plays a white keyboard and sings into two microphones on stands.Getty Images

In 2006, the artist hit the Grammys stage in Los Angeles. He is remembered by his family as “a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music”.

Timbaland introduces Stage Zero, an AI music company, featuring first AI artist TaTa

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Timbaland introduces Stage Zero, an AI music company, featuring first AI artist TaTa

Grammy-winning artist and producer Timbaland has launched a new AI-focused entertainment venture, called Stage Zero. The company has launched with its first AI artist, TaTa, according to a press release on Thursday (June 5).

Timbaland said: “She is not an avatar. She is not a character. TaTa is a living, learning, autonomous music artist built with AI. TaTa is the start of something bigger. She’s the first artist of a new generation. A-Pop is the next cultural evolution, and TaTa is its first icon.”

Timbaland co-founded Stage Zero with Rocky Mudaliar, the award-winning producer behind Inmate #1, Bisping, and Breaking Olympia, and Zayd Portillo, an AI music strategist and co-creator of Timbo I-Do.

In addition to co-founding Light Energy Labs, the creator-tech studio behind CamUp!, Portillo also advises Suno on music AI integration.

“She is not an avatar. She is not a character. TaTa is a living, learning, autonomous music artist built with AI.”

Timbaland, Stage Zero

Stage Zero operates separately from Suno despite Timbaland’s strategic advisory role. Suno, the AI music-making platform being sued by the record majors over copyright infringement, formed an official partnership with Timbaland in October 2024, after what it says were “months” of him “being a top user of the platform.”

Stage Zero’s founders told Rolling Stone that the music they create relies on a collaborative process with Suno, where Timbaland uploads conventional demos to the system, allowing Suno to process it and incorporate human-written lyrics.

Timbaland told the news outlet how TaTa’s voice originated from a Suno generation that caught his attention: “It came to a point where I’m like, ‘Yo, this voice, it’s amazing.”

In a statement, Timbaland said: “I’m not just producing tracks anymore. I’m producing systems, stories, and stars from scratch.”

Mudaliar added: “The artists of tomorrow won’t just be human, they’ll be IP, code, and robotics that are fully autonomous. That’s what we’re building at Stage Zero.”

“The artists of tomorrow won’t just be human, they’ll be IP, code, and robotics that are fully autonomous. That’s what we’re building at Stage Zero.”

Rocky Mudaliar, Stage Zero

Timbaland, who has collaborated with artists like Aaliyah, Ludacris, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé and Madonna, has been vocal about his support for AI music production.

Speaking to Billboard in April, Timbaland said: “The technology of today is perfect for what this is. What used to take me three months only takes me two days. In the beginning, it was like a toy. It was like going to a toy store. You gotta go through gluttony, because you can’t believe that it’s here.”

Timbaland’s partnership with Suno comes as the AI music startup, alongside its rival Udio, are in talks with Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group to license the music giants’ recordings. Reports of the talks come despite the three majors suing Suno and Udio last year for copyright infringement.

Meanwhile, Stage Zero hinted at plans beyond TaTa. “This is just the beginning though. Stage Zero comprises music and so much more to be revealed soon,” the venture said.

Stage Zero marks Timbaland’s latest music industry venture after launching beat marketplace Beatclub in 2021 with his long-term manager Gary Marella. Beatclub attracted investment from Hipgnosis and Anthem Entertainment in 2023 as part of its series A-2 funding round. It then expanded to China last year via a partnership with NetEase Cloud Music.

Music Business Worldwide

Israeli Forces Intercept Ship Carrying Aid to Gaza

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Israeli Forces Intercept Ship Carrying Aid to Gaza

new video loaded: Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Ship

transcript

transcript

Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Ship

Footage from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Israeli authorities shows what happened when Israel diverted a civilian ship, with Greta Thunberg onboard, that was headed to Gaza.

“Guys, oh, my God.” “Into the water. Throw it over. Calm down, everyone — please, calm down. Yes, everything’s going to be all right. Calm down.” Hey, guys, wait. No.”

Recent episodes in International

International video coverage from The New York Times.

International video coverage from The New York Times.

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