The NYPD said that the three victims are being treated in hospital, and that a person of interest has been taken into custody.
Day: August 9, 2025
EU Proposes Partial Suspension of Israel’s Horizon Europe Funding
In a significant shift in EU policy, the European Commission has proposed to partially suspend Israel’s access to Horizon Europe funds. Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Marc Botenga commented on this development, calling it “the absolute very least the EU can do.” He emphasized this marks a crucial change in the Commission’s previously held position, stating,
“The Commission always claimed it could not suspend Israel’s access as this would constitute ‘discrimination’. We always said this was nonsense.”
Botenga, representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB) and serving as Vice-Chair of The Left group in the European Parliament, has been a vocal advocate for human rights since his election in 2019, actively participating in committees on various vital issues.
When discussing the implications of the Commission’s proposal for EU accountability on Israel’s actions, Botenga stated,
“After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission put out a statement that it suspended access, payments and projects with Russian entities. So why would what was possible for Russia, not be possible for Israel? The fact that the Commission now proposes at least a partial suspension shows not only that it lied to protect Israel, but also that popular pressure is working.”
Regarding the impact of this suspension on research collaboration within the EU, particularly concerning the European Innovation Council’s accelerator grants, Botenga expressed skepticism about its effectiveness:
“The impact within the EU will be limited to be honest. Unfortunately, the proposed suspension is very partial. All funding was cut for Russia; some small start-up funding will potentially be suspended for Israel.”
He also noted a gradual shift in support from EU member states, emphasizing that several countries—Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Malta—seem to back the proposal to suspend Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe. Similar sentiments were noted from Sweden and Belgium, while a prominent Christian-Democratic politician in Germany mentioned the need to reassess their position.
“None of these countries should hide behind the EU. All of them can take sanctions individually, as for example Slovenia did.”
Botenga warned that a partial suspension will not absolve states of their complicity but may contribute towards a ceasefire. In a related Facebook post, he reiterated the necessity for stronger accountability measures linked to human rights within EU financial partnerships. This response highlights the growing pressure within the European Parliament for more robust actions against violations of human rights.
MEP Botenga’s remarks underline a pivotal moment in EU policy-making, where humanitarian considerations increasingly intersect with funding decisions, reflecting the broader impact of public pressure on political accountability, reports 24brussels.
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Google’s AI Search Features Maintain Stable Traffic Levels
Google has affirmed that its AI search features are not diminishing website traffic, countering recent claims to the contrary. In a blog post dated August 6, 2025, Liz Reid, head of Google Search, stated that click volume has remained “relatively stable” compared to the previous year, although the impact varies among different types of websites, reports 24brussels.
Reid’s assertion comes shortly after a report from Pew Research indicating that users are “less likely” to click on links when presented with an AI Overview, a summary generated by Google that appears at the top of search results. Reid contends that Google’s own data contradicts these third-party findings, which she describes as founded on “flawed methodologies.”
Recent developments in Google Search have sent shockwaves through the digital media landscape. A Wall Street Journal report highlighted that outlets such as Business Insider, The Washington Post, and HuffPost have experienced declines in traffic since the advent of AI systems like ChatGPT and Copilot, prompting some publishers to resort to staff layoffs. Moreover, modifications to Google’s algorithms have hindered independent sites’ visibility in search results.
Reid noted that shifting search patterns have led to “decreased traffic to some sites and increased traffic to others,” benefiting platforms with user-generated content like forums, videos, and podcasts. Users tend to gravitate towards sites offering comprehensive reviews and in-depth analyses. “We continue to send billions of clicks to websites every day and believe that Search’s value exchange with the web remains strong,” Reid emphasized.
Furthermore, Reid suggested that while AI Overviews might lead to fewer clicks on citations, those who do click tend to spend more time on the website, indicating a deeper engagement. “An AI response might provide a brief overview, but people click to dive deeper,” she explained, suggesting that such interactions yield more valuable insights for users.
Recently, Google launched its AI Mode search feature across the U.S., raising additional concerns among digital publishers. Despite the immediate effects on traffic and engagement, Google is exploring further innovations in search, including testing an AI-curated search results page.
Hasselt Police Detects 244 Illegal Drone Flights in Just Three Weeks
Authorities in Hasselt have reported the identification of 244 drone flights within a three-week period utilizing the advanced Skeydrone detection system, implemented in response to increasing concerns about illegal drone activity. Of these, 168 were legitimate operations, while 12 drones were found operating above the legal altitude limit of 120 meters, with one reaching a concerning height of 406 meters, posing significant safety risks to air traffic, reports 24brussels.
As documented by VRT News, complaints from residents have surged, with numerous reports detailing drones flying dangerously close to private properties. The police receive over 100 such complaints annually, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight. One notable incident involved a drone being used to drop eggs during an event in Bilzen, highlighting both the bizarre and potentially hazardous misuse of these devices.
“With a prison and a no-fly zone during various events within our police district, such as Pukkelpop, a detection system was therefore essential,” said Bosmans, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced aerial monitoring in the wake of escalating drone incidents.
Deployment of the Skeydrone System
The Skeydrone system, operational since July 2025, enables police to monitor drone activity up to five kilometers away from the city center. This strategic installation aims to bolster safety as drone usage continues to rise, particularly in light of upcoming large-scale events, such as the popular music festival Pukkelpop.
Among the detected flights during the initial period, the vast majority were from emergency services, with only a small fraction engaging in unlawful practices. The police have reiterated the importance of regulating drone operation to mitigate potential threats, particularly in urban areas and near public events.
Officials have expressed alarm over a specific drone’s altitude breach, as it traversed the flight path of incoming aircraft to Kiewit Airport. “This is very dangerous because it flew through the path of planes,” they stated, warning of the severe implications such violations can have.
“The investment will help our police respond quickly to drone misuse,” added Mayor Steven Vandeput (N-VA), articulating a proactive stance against the risks posed by drones. Aiming to minimize drone-related incidents, officials are prepared to impose fines ranging from €1,000 to €8,000 for significant breaches of regulations. Chief Inspector Tom Hannes noted the necessity of swift action during events that could lead to public panic or harm.
In recent years, illegal drone flights have raised alarms across Belgium. Notable instances include near-misses with Brussels Airport, where drones have triggered safety protocols and delays. Similar challenges are reported by police in other major cities, including Antwerp and Ghent, indicating a broader issue of compliance and safety concerning drone operations.