JQJO — General news · Page 55

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces intensifying backlash after describing a “problem in the cityscape” solvable by deportations during a visit to Brandenburg, language critics say echoes the far right despite his pledge to distance his conservatives from the AfD. Asked to retract, he refused, invoking daughters’ safety. Activist and Greens member Luisa Neubauer urged young women to gather outside CDU headquarters, accusing Merz of using them to justify “discriminatory” remarks. CDU MEP Dennis Radtke and SPD general secretary Tim Klüssendorf called for a more responsible, solutions-focused approach. Merz cited a 60% drop in migration and large-scale repatriations.

With the federal shutdown in its 21st day, states are warning that SNAP benefits could halt as soon as Nov. 1. Texas says all November aid will stop if the shutdown continues past Oct. 27, while Pennsylvania officials say they cannot distribute benefits, citing a state alert that blames Republicans in Washington and says November 2025 payments cannot be made. Minnesota and New York report benefits are at risk or may be delayed. The USDA's acting SNAP chief warned funds won’t cover full November benefits for 42 million; WIC received a $300 million stopgap.

Apple’s 2025 iPad Pro refines rather than reinvents: a light, ultra-thin tablet with a gorgeous tandem OLED display and iPadOS 26’s new windowed multitasking. The M5 chip brings only modest gains over M4, though faster storage, fast charging, and an in-house 5G modem help. Base models include 12GB RAM, but costs surge with storage, cellular, and the Magic Keyboard. Cameras disappoint; older Apple Pencils aren’t supported. Battery life is strong, yet it’s still no laptop replacement. For M4 owners, upgrades feel unnecessary; the screen remains the star.

Apple’s new iPad Pro keeps the M4-era design but adds the M5 chip, new N1/C1X radios for Wi-Fi 7 and 5G and first-time fast charging (about 50% in 30 minutes with a 60W adapter). Benchmarks show modest CPU gains (~10-15%) but far bigger GPU and AI jumps, especially in GPU-based AI tests. iPadOS 26 overhauls multitasking, Files and background tasks, making the powerful 13-inch model feel more capable. The OLED display and portability still shine, but battery life remains roughly 10 hours and the price is steep; recent M4 owners needn’t upgrade, older users will benefit.

California’s newly expanded film tax credit is drawing productions back, with 52 movies awarded $334 million in incentives, led by Heat 2 and the next Jumanji. The slate is projected to generate $1.4 billion in economic activity and hire 8,900 cast and crew, mostly in Los Angeles, where filming recently hit an all-time low. Demand doubled from last year’s window as the program raised its cap to $750 million, set a 35% base credit, and opened access for indies. Ten studio titles secured credits; 42 independent films also made the cut, with some shoots heading outside L.A.

California earmarked $342 million in film tax credits to jumpstart big-budget production, led by a record $43.9 million for the next Jumanji, set to shoot in November for a December 2026 release. “Heat 2” will receive $37.2 million, and a Universal feature from the Daniels rises to $38.4 million after the state expanded its incentive program; the project withdrew and reapplied, lifting coverage to 35.8% of qualified costs. A June overhaul will allocate $337 million to films and $412 million to TV for five years, amid a 29% job drop and a 43% quarterly slide in California big-budget shoots.

A developer who builds iOS exploits—identified as “Jay Gibson”—says Apple warned him on March 5 that his iPhone was targeted by mercenary spyware, a case that may be the first where an exploit-and-spyware developer was targeted. He panicked, shut off the phone, and bought a new one. A forensic expert found no infection in an initial check but urged deeper analysis, which Gibson declined. He links the alert to his firing from Trenchant amid a leak probe; L3Harris declined comment. Three sources say other developers recently received similar Apple notifications.

Nick Cannon marked a family moment by posting a photo with his 14-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, outside Knott’s Scary Farm in Buena Park, Calif., where the teens nearly tower over him as he grins with an arm around each. In his caption, he called the night a “Thriller.” The Masked Singer host, 45, who is a dad of 12, recently told PEOPLE his “nontraditional, unorthodox” parenting centers on being present and leading with love. Earlier, the twins shared heartfelt Father’s Day tributes, thanking him for always being there.

Warner Bros. Discovery said HBO Max prices are rising as of Tuesday, Oct. 21, with new subscriptions increasing immediately. Existing monthly customers will get 30 days’ notice and see higher rates from their first billing date on or after Nov. 20, 2025; yearly plans rise at renewal. WBD last raised ad-free prices in June 2024 and in July switched the service’s name back to HBO Max. The company touted a slate spanning HBO, Warner Bros., DC, and previewed IT: Welcome to Derry, The Chair Company, I Love LA, a Game of Thrones prequel, and new seasons arriving in January 2026.

The SNP has urged the UK government to formally strip Prince Andrew of his royal titles, as Westminster leader Stephen Flynn lodged a non-binding motion to force the immediate removal of his dukedom. The push follows days of revelations about his links to Jeffrey Epstein and Friday’s announcement that Andrew is giving up all titles, including Duke of York and Earl of Inverness, and membership of the Order of the Garter. These steps remain voluntary and in abeyance; the government says legislation would come only at the monarch’s request.