Taylor Swift calls out Damon Albarn over songwriting comments
Taylor Swift has criticised Damon Albarn, lead singer of Blur and later of Gorillaz, after he said that she doesn't write her own music.
Talking to the LA Times, Albarn replied to the interviewer calling Swift "an excellent songwriter" by stating "she doesn't write her own songs".
Swift responded on Twitter: "I was such a big fan of yours until I saw this."
"I write all of my own songs. Your hot take is completely false and so damaging."
Taylor Swift has criticised Damon Albarn, lead singer of Blur and later of Gorillaz, after he said that she doesn't write her own music.
Talking to the LA Times, Albarn replied to the interviewer calling Swift "an excellent songwriter" by stating "she doesn't write her own songs".
Swift responded on Twitter: "I was such a big fan of yours until I saw this."
"I write all of my own songs. Your hot take is completely false and so damaging."
Global chip shortage: US says firms' stocks have plunged
Manufacturers have seen their stocks of semiconductors plunge amid the global chip shortage, the US Department of Commerce has warned.
A survey of more than 150 firms found supplies had fallen from an average of 40 days' worth in 2019 to just five days in late 2021.
Sales of devices soared during the pandemic, leaving semiconductor makers struggling to keep up with demand.
The shortage has resulted in huge disruptions for major industries.
Manufacturers have seen their stocks of semiconductors plunge amid the global chip shortage, the US Department of Commerce has warned.
A survey of more than 150 firms found supplies had fallen from an average of 40 days' worth in 2019 to just five days in late 2021.
Sales of devices soared during the pandemic, leaving semiconductor makers struggling to keep up with demand.
The shortage has resulted in huge disruptions for major industries.
Ukraine crisis: US rejects Russian demand to bar Ukraine from Nato
The US has rejected Russia's demand to bar Ukraine from Nato, amid warnings Russia might invade its neighbour.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken was giving Russia a formal response to its demands to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
Mr Blinken gave no concessions but said that he was offering Russia "a serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it".
A Russian minister said his country would study Mr Blinken's response, delivered in coordination with Nato.
The US has rejected Russia's demand to bar Ukraine from Nato, amid warnings Russia might invade its neighbour.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken was giving Russia a formal response to its demands to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
Mr Blinken gave no concessions but said that he was offering Russia "a serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it".
A Russian minister said his country would study Mr Blinken's response, delivered in coordination with Nato.
Ukraine crisis: Biden warns Russia may invade next month
US President Joe Biden has warned there is a "distinct possibility" Russia might invade Ukraine next month, the White House says.
Russia meanwhile says it sees "little ground for optimism" in resolving the crisis after the US rejected Russia's main demands.
The build-up of tens of thousands of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders in recent weeks has stoked fears of an invasion.
Russia denies it is planning an attack.
US President Joe Biden has warned there is a "distinct possibility" Russia might invade Ukraine next month, the White House says.
Russia meanwhile says it sees "little ground for optimism" in resolving the crisis after the US rejected Russia's main demands.
The build-up of tens of thousands of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders in recent weeks has stoked fears of an invasion.
Russia denies it is planning an attack.
Crypto money laundering rises 30%, report finds
Criminals laundered $8.6bn (£6.4bn) of cryptocurrency in 2021, up by 30% from the previous year, a report by blockchain data company Chainalysis says.
It says police could strike a "huge blow" by targeting key services used to launder cryptocurrency by criminals.
The company previously estimated criminals received a record $14bn in cryptocurrencies in 2021.
The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) told the BBC law forces are responding.
Criminals laundered $8.6bn (£6.4bn) of cryptocurrency in 2021, up by 30% from the previous year, a report by blockchain data company Chainalysis says.
It says police could strike a "huge blow" by targeting key services used to launder cryptocurrency by criminals.
The company previously estimated criminals received a record $14bn in cryptocurrencies in 2021.
The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) told the BBC law forces are responding.
US East Coast hunkers down as 'bombogenesis' snowstorm hits
The US East Coast is hunkering down as a major blizzard hits the region for the first time in four years.
The storm is forecast to stretch from the Carolinas to Maine, packing hurricane-force winds in coastal parts. Five states have declared emergencies.
Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston, a city that is no stranger to snowfall, said the storm could be "historic".
More than two feet of snow could fall in New England. Weather officials also warn of flooding near the coast.
The US East Coast is hunkering down as a major blizzard hits the region for the first time in four years.
The storm is forecast to stretch from the Carolinas to Maine, packing hurricane-force winds in coastal parts. Five states have declared emergencies.
Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston, a city that is no stranger to snowfall, said the storm could be "historic".
More than two feet of snow could fall in New England. Weather officials also warn of flooding near the coast.
Ten people injured in Pittsburgh bridge collapse
A bridge in the US city of Pittsburgh has collapsed with six vehicles, including a bus, on it at the time.
Officials said 10 people sustained minor injuries, three of whom were taken to hospital.
The snow-covered Forbes Avenue Bridge gave way on Friday morning, sometime after 06:00 local time (11:00 GMT).
The collapse happened just hours before President Joe Biden visited the area to talk about infrastructure.
A bridge in the US city of Pittsburgh has collapsed with six vehicles, including a bus, on it at the time.
Officials said 10 people sustained minor injuries, three of whom were taken to hospital.
The snow-covered Forbes Avenue Bridge gave way on Friday morning, sometime after 06:00 local time (11:00 GMT).
The collapse happened just hours before President Joe Biden visited the area to talk about infrastructure.
North Korea missile tests: Biggest launch since 2017
North Korea has conducted what is thought to be its biggest missile launch since 2017.
The weapon was apparently an intermediate range missile which reached an altitude of 2,000km before coming down in the Sea of Japan.
Japan, South Korea and the US have all condemned the launch, the seventh test this month.
The UN prohibits North Korea from ballistic and nuclear weapons tests, and has imposed strict sanctions.
North Korea has conducted what is thought to be its biggest missile launch since 2017.
The weapon was apparently an intermediate range missile which reached an altitude of 2,000km before coming down in the Sea of Japan.
Japan, South Korea and the US have all condemned the launch, the seventh test this month.
The UN prohibits North Korea from ballistic and nuclear weapons tests, and has imposed strict sanctions.
Spotify: Streaming giant announces plans to clamp down on Covid misinformation
Spotify says that it is working to add advisory warnings to any podcast on its platform that discusses Covid-19.
CEO Daniel Ek said that the new warning will redirect users to a data hub of coronavirus facts.
The move follows criticism of its work with Joe Rogan, a US podcast host who has interviewed vaccine-sceptics.
The platform also published existing rules which bar the streaming giant's contributors from sharing false information that could cause harm.
Spotify says that it is working to add advisory warnings to any podcast on its platform that discusses Covid-19.
CEO Daniel Ek said that the new warning will redirect users to a data hub of coronavirus facts.
The move follows criticism of its work with Joe Rogan, a US podcast host who has interviewed vaccine-sceptics.
The platform also published existing rules which bar the streaming giant's contributors from sharing false information that could cause harm.
Epic backed by 35 US states in Apple legal rematch
ortnite-maker Epic Games has won support from 35 US states in its legal fight against Apple.
Epic had challenged in court the up-to-30% cut Apple takes from in-app purchases - but the judge found it had failed to prove its case.
The game-maker appealed against the decision, in September.
And last week, 35 state attorneys general, Microsoft and the Electronic Frontier Foundation campaign group filed briefs in support of that appeal.
ortnite-maker Epic Games has won support from 35 US states in its legal fight against Apple.
Epic had challenged in court the up-to-30% cut Apple takes from in-app purchases - but the judge found it had failed to prove its case.
The game-maker appealed against the decision, in September.
And last week, 35 state attorneys general, Microsoft and the Electronic Frontier Foundation campaign group filed briefs in support of that appeal.
Ukraine tensions: US trying to draw Russia into war, Putin says
Russia's President Vladimir Putin has accused the US of trying to draw his country into a war in Ukraine.
He said America's goal was to use a confrontation as a pretext to impose more sanctions on Russia.
Mr Putin also said the US was ignoring Russia's concerns about the European expansion of Nato - the Western military alliance.
The US and its allies accuse Russia of planning to invade Ukraine, something Russia has repeatedly denied.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin has accused the US of trying to draw his country into a war in Ukraine.
He said America's goal was to use a confrontation as a pretext to impose more sanctions on Russia.
Mr Putin also said the US was ignoring Russia's concerns about the European expansion of Nato - the Western military alliance.
The US and its allies accuse Russia of planning to invade Ukraine, something Russia has repeatedly denied.
Ukraine tensions: Russia condemns destructive US troop increase in Europe
Russia has condemned a US decision to send extra troops to Europe to support its allies amid continuing fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Moscow said it was a "destructive" step which heightened tension and reduced the scope for a political solution.
The Pentagon said 2,000 US troops would be sent from North Carolina to Poland and Germany, and a further 1,000 already in Germany would go to Romania.
Russia has some 100,000 troops near Ukraine. It denies planning to invade.
Russia has condemned a US decision to send extra troops to Europe to support its allies amid continuing fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Moscow said it was a "destructive" step which heightened tension and reduced the scope for a political solution.
The Pentagon said 2,000 US troops would be sent from North Carolina to Poland and Germany, and a further 1,000 already in Germany would go to Romania.
Russia has some 100,000 troops near Ukraine. It denies planning to invade.
Islamic State leader 'taken off battlefield' in Syria raid, US says
A US special forces raid in north-western Syria targeted the leader of the jihadist group Islamic State (IS), President Joe Biden has announced.
"Thanks to the skill and bravery of our armed forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi," a statement said.
All Americans involved in the operation had returned safely, he added.
Syrian first responders said 13 people, including six children, were killed in the opposition-held town of Atmeh.
A US special forces raid in north-western Syria targeted the leader of the jihadist group Islamic State (IS), President Joe Biden has announced.
"Thanks to the skill and bravery of our armed forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi," a statement said.
All Americans involved in the operation had returned safely, he added.
Syrian first responders said 13 people, including six children, were killed in the opposition-held town of Atmeh.
Facebook owner Meta sees biggest ever stock market loss
Facebook's owner Meta Platforms saw its stock market value slump by more than $230bn (£169bn) on Thursday, in a record daily loss for a US firm.
Its shares fell 26.4% after quarterly figures disappointed investors.
Meta also said that Facebook's daily active users (DAUs) had dropped for the first time in its 18-year history.
The company's share price slide saw chief executive Mark Zuckerberg's net worth fall by $31bn, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Facebook's owner Meta Platforms saw its stock market value slump by more than $230bn (£169bn) on Thursday, in a record daily loss for a US firm.
Its shares fell 26.4% after quarterly figures disappointed investors.
Meta also said that Facebook's daily active users (DAUs) had dropped for the first time in its 18-year history.
The company's share price slide saw chief executive Mark Zuckerberg's net worth fall by $31bn, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
China joins Russia in opposing Nato expansion
China has joined Russia in opposing further Nato expansion as the two countries move closer together in the face of Western pressure.
Moscow and Beijing issued a statement showcasing their agreement on a raft of issues during a visit by Russia's Vladimir Putin for the Winter Olympics.
Mr Putin claims Western powers are using the Nato defence alliance to undermine Russia.
It comes amid tensions over Ukraine, which he denies planning to invade.
China has joined Russia in opposing further Nato expansion as the two countries move closer together in the face of Western pressure.
Moscow and Beijing issued a statement showcasing their agreement on a raft of issues during a visit by Russia's Vladimir Putin for the Winter Olympics.
Mr Putin claims Western powers are using the Nato defence alliance to undermine Russia.
It comes amid tensions over Ukraine, which he denies planning to invade.
Ukraine tensions: US sources say Russia 70% ready to invade
Russia has assembled about 70% of the military capability needed for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the coming weeks, US officials say.
The ground is expected to freeze and harden from mid-February, enabling Moscow to bring in more heavy equipment, the unnamed officials said.
Russia is said to have more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders but denies planning to attack.
The US officials did not provide evidence for their assessment.
Russia has assembled about 70% of the military capability needed for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the coming weeks, US officials say.
The ground is expected to freeze and harden from mid-February, enabling Moscow to bring in more heavy equipment, the unnamed officials said.
Russia is said to have more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders but denies planning to attack.
The US officials did not provide evidence for their assessment.
Canada trucker protest: Ottawa declares emergency
The mayor of Canada's capital Ottawa has declared a state of emergency in response to more than a week of truckers' protests against Covid restrictions.
Jim Watson said the city was "completely out of control", with demonstrators outnumbering police.
He said the protests posed a threat to residents' safety. There have also been reports of racial attacks.
Ottawa's centre has been paralysed, with vehicles and tents blocking roads.
The mayor of Canada's capital Ottawa has declared a state of emergency in response to more than a week of truckers' protests against Covid restrictions.
Jim Watson said the city was "completely out of control", with demonstrators outnumbering police.
He said the protests posed a threat to residents' safety. There have also been reports of racial attacks.
Ottawa's centre has been paralysed, with vehicles and tents blocking roads.
US university in $250m payout for doctor's sex abuse
The University of California has agreed to pay nearly $250m (£185m) to over 200 women who allege they were sexually assaulted by a campus gynaecologist.
Multiple women accuse the university's Los Angeles site (UCLA) of deliberately hiding James Heaps' alleged sexual abuse of patients.
Mr Heaps was based at the UCLA student health centre during his 35-year career between 1983 and 2018.
Hundreds of women, some of whom had cancer, say they were abused by him.
The University of California has agreed to pay nearly $250m (£185m) to over 200 women who allege they were sexually assaulted by a campus gynaecologist.
Multiple women accuse the university's Los Angeles site (UCLA) of deliberately hiding James Heaps' alleged sexual abuse of patients.
Mr Heaps was based at the UCLA student health centre during his 35-year career between 1983 and 2018.
Hundreds of women, some of whom had cancer, say they were abused by him.
Ukraine tensions: Russia begins military drills with Belarus
Russia and Belarus have started 10 days of joint military drills amid ongoing fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus is a close ally of Russia and has a long border with Ukraine.
France called the drills - believed to be Russia's biggest deployment to Belarus since the Cold War - a "violent gesture". Ukraine says they amount to "psychological pressure".
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that Europe faces its biggest security crisis in decades.
Russia and Belarus have started 10 days of joint military drills amid ongoing fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus is a close ally of Russia and has a long border with Ukraine.
France called the drills - believed to be Russia's biggest deployment to Belarus since the Cold War - a "violent gesture". Ukraine says they amount to "psychological pressure".
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that Europe faces its biggest security crisis in decades.
Ukraine tensions: Joe Biden says US citizens should leave Ukraine now
US President Joe Biden has called on all American citizens remaining in Ukraine to leave the country immediately, citing increased threats of Russian military action.
Mr Biden said he would not send troops to rescue Americans if Moscow invades Ukraine.
He warned that "things could go crazy quickly" in the region.
Russia has repeatedly denied any plans to invade Ukraine despite massing more than 100,000 troops near the border.
US President Joe Biden has called on all American citizens remaining in Ukraine to leave the country immediately, citing increased threats of Russian military action.
Mr Biden said he would not send troops to rescue Americans if Moscow invades Ukraine.
He warned that "things could go crazy quickly" in the region.
Russia has repeatedly denied any plans to invade Ukraine despite massing more than 100,000 troops near the border.
Apple moves to stop AirTag tracking misuse
Apple plans to introduce a number of changes to make it harder to misuse AirTags to track someone.
The button-sized devices are designed to work with Apple's 'Find My' network to locate lost items.
The company said its changes to the device will make suspicious tags easier to find, and alert users earlier that an AirTag may be travelling with them.
In January, a number of women told the BBC they had been followed using AirTags.
Apple plans to introduce a number of changes to make it harder to misuse AirTags to track someone.
The button-sized devices are designed to work with Apple's 'Find My' network to locate lost items.
The company said its changes to the device will make suspicious tags easier to find, and alert users earlier that an AirTag may be travelling with them.
In January, a number of women told the BBC they had been followed using AirTags.