Opting out of Democracy  – The Brussels Morning Newspaper

The family of Marta Bednarczyk, a 43-year-old mother-of-three found dead in Northamptonshire, described her as the "matriarch of the family". She died from sharp force injury, and a 13-year-old girl has been charged with murder and arson. Marta was a caring woman who moved to the UK from Poland in 2010 and was loved by her family and friends. Full Article

France and Germany, along with Austria, Bulgaria, Poland, and Slovenia, are establishing AI Factories to expand Europe's AI infrastructure, with Germany's AI Factory including an experimental platform for innovative AI models. These factories will provide comprehensive support for AI startups and researchers, offering access to high-performance computing resources and technical expertise. Additionally, Austria's AI Factory aims to support ethical and sustainable AI development, while Bulgaria's BRAIN++ Factory focuses on talent development and fostering AI innovation...

Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that she will not seek re-election to Holyrood next year, citing the decision as "far from easy". This comes after reports of her being given the green light by the SNP to stand as a candidate despite an ongoing police investigation related to the SNP's finances. Sturgeon, who resigned as first minister in March 2023, stated in a letter to local party members that she feels it...

The Wall Street meltdown on March 10, triggered by President Trump's aggressive trade policies, led to a sharp drop in US stocks, with the Dow Jones falling 890 points, the S&P 500 declining by 2.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite plummeting 4%. Trump's unpredictable tariff threats have caused deep anxiety among investors, sparking fears of a possible recession and prompting businesses to reassess their strategies. The market turmoil reflects growing doubts about the long-term economic stability...

In Spain, incessant rain persists with the arrival of Storm Konrad, affecting several provinces with heavy rain, strong winds, and snow. Buying a home in Spain now requires a family's entire income for over 6 years, with prices exceeding net incomes. The Barcelona branch of Spain's Popular Party suggests banning burqas in schools and health centers, while Air France-KLM and Lufthansa compete to acquire a stake in Spain's Air Europa, offering significant investments and debt...

The captain of the Solong container ship has been arrested for gross negligence manslaughter following a collision with the US oil tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea. A criminal investigation by Humberside Police and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is ongoing, with the 59-year-old captain currently in custody. 13 out of 14 Solong sailors have been rescued, with one feared deceased, while concerns arise for marine wildlife due to potential fuel leaks from the...