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Can AI help modernise Ireland’s healthcare system? Can AI help modernise Ireland’s healthcare system? Padraig Belton Technology Reporter Mater The Mater hospital in Dublin – home to Ireland’s busiest emergency department For a country famous as Big Tech’s European address, Ireland’s hospitals often lag far behind in technology. They lack shared computerised patient records, or unique identifiers to track people when they move between clinics. In July 2024, a computer system failure made Dublin’s Mater hospital push back surgeries and beg people not to come to its A&E. Three years before, Russian ransomware attackers shut down the Irish health system’s entire computer network, and published 520 people’s medical records online. But Ireland now has ambitious goals to modernise its healthcare. That includes a programme called Sláintecare. Announced in 2017, the plan is to use some of its €22.9bn (£20bn; $24bn) budget surplus to create a healthcare service that is free at the point of care, like the ***’s or Canada’s. To improve healthcare, pinch points like diagnostics will have to be improved. It’s a problem being tackled at Dublin’s Mater hospital, 164-years-old and the location of Ireland’s busiest emergency department. That’s especially so in winter, when one day early this January Irish A&E departments had 444 people on trolleys waiting to be seen. “In Ireland, the big problem we have is waiting lists, and in particular waiting for diagnostics, for MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] or CT [computed tomography] scans,” says Prof Peter McMahon, a consultant radiologist at the Mater. Because of Prof MacMahon, who as a medical student dabbled as a hobbyist programmer, the Mater is now among the first hospitals in Ireland to use artificial intelligence (AI) across its radiology department – the part of a hospital providing medical imaging to diagnose diseases and guide treatment. To make sure patients with the most urgent needs are seen first, Prof MacMahon says: “We use AI to immediately analyse all head scans for bleeds, all chest scans for blood clots, and all bone x-rays for fractures.” The AI is particularly helpful in assisting younger doctors, when they don’t have experienced consultants to turn to. “Now a nurse or junior doctor at 2am isn’t alone, they’ve got a wing man,” he says. Mater Hospital Prof Peter McMahon introduced AI to scanning at Dublin’s Mater hospital Rural hospitals face different kinds of challenges. Letterkenny University Hospital in Donegal is without MRI facilities at evenings and weekends. Currently, a patient urgently needing an MRI scan at night can face an ambulance ride to Dublin. But now, Prof MacMahon and the Mater’s AI research fellow Paul Banahan have trained a trial AI model to create a “synthetic MRI” from CT scans, to immediately triage patients with suspected spinal injuries. That was done by feeding a “generative AI” model around 9,500 pairs of CT and MRI images of the same area on the same person. Now the AI can predict what the MRI scan would look like from the CT scan, something available in all emergency departments. And since radiology scans also come with doctors’ text reports, he is also exploring using large language models to identify important disease patterns and trends. Peter MacMahon Ireland keeps digital scans in a central digital library Applying AI to medical images in Ireland is easier since the country has stored scans in a central, digital filing system since 2008. But a lot of other important information, like medical notes or electrocardiograms (ECGs), remains largely in paper format in most Irish hospitals, or in smaller databases that are not shared centrally. That will “severely delay” applying AI to spot potential diseases and improve clinical care, points out Prof MacMahon. Ageing IT systems in Irish healthcare are more broadly a challenge. “Quite bluntly, a lot of hospitals are dealing with legacy IT systems where they’re just trying to keep the show on the road,” says Dr Robert Ross, a senior computer science lecturer at Technological University Dublin. “Doing anything else like integrating AI is not easy to do,” he says. Using AI in healthcare is not without problems. An example here is AI speech-recognition tools. Using them could let doctors spend less time on note-taking and report writing. But some have been found to make things up, including to invent non-existent medication. To prevent such AI from hallucinating, “you need to make sure it’s penalised in its training, if it gives you something that doesn’t exist,” says Prof MacMahon. AIs can have biases, but “humans have biases too”, he points out. A tired doctor, expecting a young patient to be healthy, can overlook their blood clot. “For whatever reason we’re far more open to accept human error”, than in new health technology where “the acceptable risk is zero”, says Prof Seán Kennelly, a consultant at Tallaght University Hospital and professor at Trinity College Dublin. This means we “continue with the illusion of 100% accuracy in humans”, and ignore areas where AI-supported technology can make better clinical decisions, he says. Tallaght University Hospital Prof Seán Kennelly (right) and Dr Aidan Boran Healthcare regulators, who already have a “weak enough” understanding of software as a medical device, haven’t at all caught up with rules for AI, says Dr Aidan Boran, founder of an Irish medical tech start-up called Digital Gait Labs, and a researcher at Dublin City University. For example, getting a CE mark, which shows that a medical device meets EU safety regulations, includes providing details about the factory where the product is manufactured. But in the case of software that is not relevant says Dr Boran. “For us, manufacturing literally means copying software,” he points out. AI can have a ****** box problem: we can see what goes in them and what comes out, but the deep learning systems that power these models are so complex that even their creators do not understand exactly what happens inside them. That can create difficulties for a doctor trying to explain treatment decisions that involve AI, says Dr Paul Gilligan, head of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, one of Ireland’s largest mental health providers that runs St Patrick’s Hospital in Dublin. When AI influences their decisions, doctors need to “be able to articulate the reasoning behind those decisions in a manner that is accessible and understandable to those affected,” he says. More Technology of Business Source link #modernise #Irelands #healthcare #system Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

England GPs hope to see more patients after agreeing new deal England GPs hope to see more patients after agreeing new deal More patients will be able to book appointments online and request to see their usual doctor under a new contract agreed between England’s GPs and the government. The deal gives an extra £889m a year to general practices, as well as a reduction in red tape and targets that ministers hope will mean doctors are freed up to see more patients. The Labour government made manifesto promises to bring back “family” doctors and end the early morning phone scramble for appointments. The doctors’ union, the BMA, says the deal is an important first step in restoring general practices. However, doctors also want the government to commit to talks about a completely new national contract for GPs within this Parliament. GP surgeries are seen as the front door to the NHS, but for years now, doctors have been warning about the pressure their service is under. Patients have felt it too, with some people facing long waits for appointments. Now it is hoped extra money agreed in the new contract for GP surgeries will kick-start improvements. The new agreement for the next 2025-26 financial year will see the total value of the contract grow by 7.2%. The total figure includes almost £800m to cover rising costs, such as staff wages, repairs and maintenance of buildings and more patients. Other measures include a greater flexibility for surgeries when it comes to employing different healthcare staff. GPs will get paid more to carry out routine childhood vaccinations. Through cutting what the government describes as “box-ticking targets”, ministers say GPs will be freed up to take the first steps towards ending the 08:00 scramble for an appointment. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting says that these are the first steps in fixing what he describes as “a broken NHS”. “Over the past decade, funding for GPs has been cut relative to the rest of the NHS, while the number of targets for GPs has soared,” he said. “That’s why patients are struggling to get an appointment. “This government is cutting the red tape that ties up GPs’ time and backing them with an extra £889m next year. “In return, more patients will be able to request appointments online and see their regular doctor for each appointment.” Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, who chairs the BMA GPs’ committee, says this contract is a good start, but more work is needed. “We have shown that we want to work in good faith with this government and build on this new beginning – what we now need is certainty about our collective future. “We know the Treasury will be announcing its funding plans for this Parliament this spring, and we need to see a new substantive GP practice contract for England in the upcoming comprehensive spending review. “This is how government can put its words into action and bring back the family doctor, fix the front door of the NHS, and shift resource from a hospital focus towards care closer to home within the community at your local surgery. “We hope government seizes this once-in-a-generation opportunity and repays the trust we are placing in them to do the right thing by England’s GPs, and by their patients.” Source link #England #GPs #hope #patients #agreeing #deal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Cold War chess grandmaster Boris Spassky dies at 88 Cold War chess grandmaster Boris Spassky dies at 88 Boris Spassky, a Soviet-era world chess champion who lost his title to American Bobby Fischer in a legendary 1972 match that became a proxy for Cold War rivalries, has died in Moscow. He was 88. The death of the one-time chess prodigy was announced on Thursday by the International Chess Federation, the game’s governing body. No cause was given. Spassky was “one of the greatest players of all time,” the group said on the social platform X. He “left an indelible mark on the game.” The televised 1972 match with Fischer, at the height of the Cold War, became an international sensation and became known as the “Match of the Century.” When Fischer won the international chess crown in Reykjavik, Iceland, the then-29-year-old chess genius from Brooklyn, New York, brought the US its first world chess title. Fischer, known to be testy and difficult, died in 2008. Former world champion Garry Kasparov wrote on X that Spassky “was never above befriending and mentoring the next generation, especially those of us who, like him, didn’t fit comfortably into the Soviet machine.” Spassky emigrated to France in 1976. On its website, the chess federation called Spassky’s match with Fischer “one of the most iconic” in the history of the game. Yugoslav grandmaster Svetozar Gligoric said that Spassky’s secret strength “lay in his colossal skill in adapting himself to the different styles of his opponents,” the Washington Post reported. Source link #Cold #War #chess #grandmaster #Boris #Spassky #dies Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China will not apologise for military drills off Australia’s east, ambassador says China will not apologise for military drills off Australia’s east, ambassador says SYDNEY (Reuters) – China’s ambassador to Australia said on Friday his country had no reason to apologise for the military drills it conducted in international waters between Australia and New Zealand that forced at least 49 flights to change path. Both Australia and New Zealand have raised concerns with Beijing on the rare live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea last week, saying they did not receive adequate notice from China’s navy. Ambassador Xiao Qian said China’s navy conducted drills that complied with international law and gave advance notice following international practices. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. “I don’t see there is any reason why the ******** side should feel sorry about that, or even to think about to apologise for that,” Xiao told national broadcaster ABC News in an interview. “Different countries have different practice and based on the nature of the drill, size of the drill, and the scope of the drill, my view is that the ******** naval certification advice was appropriate.” Xiao said the drills did not pose any threat to Australia, one of its largest trading partners, and suggested Canberra should expect more ******** ships sailing in the region in the future. “As a major power in this region, as a country that has so many things to look after, it is normal for China to send their vessels to different parts of the region to conduct various kinds of activities,” Xiao told ABC News. A frigate, cruiser and replenishment vessel that formed the ******** navy task group has continued west on Friday, across the Great *********** Bight, the New Zealand Defence Force said. *********** air traffic control agency officials this week told a parliamentary committee that a Virgin Australia pilot alerted them first about the live-fire drill after a message from the ******** task group was broadcast on an emergency radio channel monitored mostly by pilots. David Johnston, Australia’s defence chief, told the committee on Thursday it was likely the Defence Department came to know about the drill more than 30 minutes after it started. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, trailing in polls ahead of a national election due by May, has downplayed the incident, saying the drills occurred in international waters and that China did not break any maritime laws. But the opposition Liberal-National coalition said it would be a major incident if the *********** Defence force became aware of the drills late and had to be alerted by a commercial pilot. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) Source link #China #apologise #military #drills #Australias #east #ambassador Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Hundreds of NOAA employees laid off in latest cuts to federal workforce – CBS News Hundreds of NOAA employees laid off in latest cuts to federal workforce – CBS News Hundreds of NOAA employees laid off in latest cuts to federal workforce CBS NewsLayoffs hit federal climate, weather agency NOAA AxiosNOAA begins firing hundreds of staffers The HillNational Weather Service, NOAA layoffs hit hundreds of federal workers The Denver Post Source link #Hundreds #NOAA #employees #laid #latest #cuts #federal #workforce #CBS #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Disability charities urge government to protect cash Disability charities urge government to protect cash Lucy Acheson and Thomas Copeland BBC News Ann-Marie Kinsman Reece Kinsman says he relies on physical cash to remain independent and buy things for himself Leading disability charities have called on the government to ensure that people will continue to be able to use physical cash in shops. It comes after a government minister said that shops will not be forced to accept cash, despite concerns that millions of vulnerable people rely on it. Disability Rights *** (DRUK) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are warning that making card payments the default creates “more barriers” for disabled people. The BBC has heard from disabled people and their families who fear losing access to cash would limit their independence. Reece Kinsman, 31, from Manchester, has Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that is characterised by a neurodevelopmental disability. He relies on cash to manage his money, as he struggles to track his spending when using a card. On a recent trip to New Brighton, Merseyside, Reece was left panicked and upset when a fast-food restaurant told him they didn’t accept cash. “I was disappointed really, I didn’t know what else to do. It was just card, and it’s not easy because I’ve got cash only,” he says. Luckily his support worker was with him and covered the cost on her card. Ann-Marie Kinsman Reece and his support worker Penny have known each other his entire life and have been working together for the past four years Reece’s mum, Ann-Marie, says handling physical money has given Reece a tangible sense of control over his finances – one that could be threatened if cash is phased out. “Reece’s level of understanding is around about a six-year-old. We give him cash because it’s better for him to go out in the community and be able to learn how much money is needed to pay for things.” ‘Provide clear guidance’ Last month, Emma Reynolds, the new Economic Secretary to the Treasury, told MPs that shops and service providers would not be required to accept cash. However, she assured the Treasury Committee that the *** would not go fully cashless anytime soon. But with more than 16 million disabled people in the ***, many relying on cash, charities DRUK and RNIB are urging the government to ensure continued access to cash and banking. Fazilet Hadi, DRUK’s head of policy, says the government must “step in and provide clear guidance”. “The last government proposed legislation requiring businesses to accept cash as an alternative, but that didn’t go forward. In the absence of that, new legislation is needed.” Meanwhile, the RNIB emphasises the importance of offering “a choice of payment options,” including cash, adding “there is no one-size-fits-all solution for blind and partially sighted consumers”. Nicola Hickinbotham Jack says using physical money is important for his well-being Jack Hickinbotham, 29, from Hereford, has autism, epilepsy and severe learning disabilities. He enjoys the sense of confidence that comes with directly handling cash. “I feel independent and I like speaking to people.” Hi mum and carer, Nicola, says that without cash, Jack wouldn’t know how much money he had available. “We were in the flower shop on Saturday and Jack wanted to buy a packet of mini eggs. They were £4.95, so I gave Jack a £5 note and he was able to pay with that. “That’s a really big thing for Jack and for his learning skills too.” ‘People rely on cash’ Samantha Smith, 53, from Rotherham, is registered blind and says using cash is a necessity, as she has only 2-3% of her vision left and can’t see the numbers on card machines to verify transactions. “Blind people rely on cash, so this will have an impact on the whole blind community.” Samantha also worries a cashless society could leave her more vulnerable to scams and theft – something she has already experienced. “At Christmas two years ago, I went out to pick up a few last presents. I had my handbag and my purse taken off me. I only lost about £10 in cash that was in the purse. I’d be fearful that if they had taken a card, they would have had access to all of my money.” A Treasury spokesperson said: “Individual businesses can decide which payment methods they accept, but new rules introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority aim to ensure that businesses can deposit cash, helping those who want to keep accepting it.” Source link #Disability #charities #urge #government #protect #cash Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hundreds of NOAA employees laid off in latest cuts to federal workforce Hundreds of NOAA employees laid off in latest cuts to federal workforce Hundreds of staffers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, were laid off Thursday as the Trump administration and its newly-created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, continue slashing the federal workforce. A congressional source told CBS News the layoffs affected 880 NOAA employees. An administration official told CBS News about 5% of the agency’s staff was let go, and nobody who was deemed critical to NOAA’s responsibilities, such as National Weather Service meteorologists, was affected. A source at the National Weather Service disputed this, however, telling CBS News some meteorologists were included in the cuts. Laid off staffers who were considered probationary employees received an email Thursday, which read in part, “OPM has advised that ‘[p]robationary periods are an essential tool for agencies to assess employee performance and manage staffing levels.’ (4) In light of that guidance, the Agency finds that you are not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge and/or skills do not fit the Agency’s current needs.” Some 400 employees at the National Weather Service were in a probationary *******, a NWS source told CBS News, but it’s not clear how many of them were included in the layoffs. Tom DiLiberto, who until Thursday had worked as a Climate and weather scientist and public affairs specialist, told CBS News he started as a contractor for NOAA back in 2010, but became a federal employee less than two years ago. His probationary ******* was set to end on March 13, 2025, two weeks from the day he was terminated. “You’re seeing the whittling away of scientists, and the people who got fired today are some of the best people you can imagine,” DiLiberto said. “These people have dedicated their lives to help others. There’s no politics in this. When we forecast, or think of the oceans and keep them clean, we’re not thinking about the politics. This is an insult on science and all that’s good.” DiLiberto had been a forecaster for El Niño and La Niña and, as a public affairs specialist in the office of communications, said he wrote for the El Niño Southern Oscillation blog for a decade. He published his final blog for the service the same day he was let go. He said he has been given no information on any next steps or if he would be receiving severance. Congressional Democrats had been worried DOGE and billionaire Elon Musk, who is classified as a “special government employee,” had their eyes set on NOAA for deep cuts. Former NOAA officials told CBS News earlier this month that current employees had been told to expect budget cuts of 30% and a 50% reduction in staff. Prior to Thursday’s cuts, NOAA had about 12,000 staffers across the world, including 6,773 who are scientists and engineers, according to the agency’s website. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington State Democrat who chairs the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, which oversees NOAA, said the job cuts “jeopardize our ability to forecast and respond to extreme weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods—putting communities in harm’s way. They also threaten our maritime commerce and endanger 1.7 million jobs that depend on commercial, recreational and tribal fisheries, including thousands in the State of Washington. This action is a direct hit to our economy, because NOAA’s specialized workforce provides products and services that support more than a third of the nation’s GDP.” House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman, a Democrat who represents California’s 2nd Congressional District, called Thursday’s cuts a “betrayal of the American people.” “Musk and his fake officials, the DOGE tech bros, have been rummaging through our most sensitive data without authority in violation of the law for weeks now,” Huffman said in a statement. “And this has come with sweeping, indiscriminate layoffs of nonpartisan public servants. Park rangers, firefighters, scientists – all of these people, whose purpose is to serve everyday Americans, have had the rug pulled out from under them. And we will all be worse off for it.” “Musk’s sham mission is bringing vital programs to a screeching halt,” Huffman continued. “People nationwide depend on NOAA for free, accurate forecasts, severe weather alerts, and emergency information. Purging the government of scientists, experts, and career civil servants and slashing fundamental programs will cost lives.” Congressional aides previously told CBS News that lawmakers had received multiple complaints about DOGE staff coming into NOAA offices earlier this month. Former NOAA officials, who spoke directly with current staffers, also previously confirmed to CBS News they saw members of the DOGE team at NOAA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the Hoover Building, in Washington, D.C., where NOAA’s parent agency, the U.S. Commerce Department is located. The NOAA runs the National Weather Service, which issues vital weather warnings — such as hurricane and tornado warnings — and the National Marine Fisheries Service. It is also responsible for monitoring the health of the oceans and the warming of the climate. House Science Committee ranking member Zoe Lofgren, a Democrat who represents California’s 18th congressional district, said in a statement, “This will cost American lives.” “Protect lives and property; that is NOAA’s mission,” Lofgren said. “Firing the employees that allow the agency to carry out that mission will bring about dire consequences. People will die and face great hardship thanks to the recklessness of Co-Presidents Trump and Musk.” Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto, senior social scientist for climate vulnerability in the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, also criticized the cuts, saying Thursday in a statement, “NOAA’s data and science are used routinely by weather forecasters, mariners, farmers, emergency responders, businesses and everyday people across the country. Everyone in the United States relies on NOAA in their daily lives whether they realize it or not, something that will come into focus for many in the weeks and months ahead.” President Trump has nominated Neil Jacobs to lead the agency. Jacobs, who was acting director of the NOAA for a time during Mr. Trump’s first term, was reprimanded for ethics violations after Mr. Trump held up a hurricane forecast map with ****** marker appearing to extend the storm’s potential path into Alabama — an incident that became known as “Sharpie-gate.” The Senate has yet to vote on his confirmation. Tracy J. Wholf, Paulina Smolinski and Laura Geller contributed to this report. Jordan Freiman Jordan Freiman is a news editor for CBSNews.com. He covers breaking news, trending stories, sports and crime. Jordan has previously worked at Spin and Death and Taxes. Source link #Hundreds #NOAA #employees #laid #latest #cuts #federal #workforce Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Microsoft launches native Mac app for Copilot Microsoft launches native Mac app for Copilot Microsoft is making its Copilot AI assistant available as a Mac app. The native macOS will offer access to the web-based version of the Microsoft tool. It’s rolling out today in the US, the *** and Canada. In practice, the apps functionalities sound pretty much identical to the experience of going to the web version of Copilot. The real distinction is that the Mac app includes a keyboard shortcut for activating the AI assistant with Command + Space and it can be viewed in dark mode. Earlier this week, Microsoft that it would make the Copilot features Voice and Think Deeper, which taps into OpenAI’s o1 model, available to any users for free. Both moves seems aimed at broadening the company’s audience for Copilot. Big tech companies have a rocky history of trying to make their software available on rival hardware. Sometimes, it can take for a service to be optimized for a different brand’s exact specs. The arrival of a dedicated macOS app for Copilot, which is already out as an iPhone and iPad app, might be about as quick as Microsoft has ever brought a service to the Apple ecosystem. Source link #Microsoft #launches #native #Mac #app #Copilot Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Starmer charms Trump, but any deals will have to wait Starmer charms Trump, but any deals will have to wait In Donald Trump’s White House the vibes really matter. The personal relationships he develops with other leaders can affect how those nations are treated. So it was vital for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to not only master the details of their discussions but to build a rapport with the US president. The invitation from King Charles clearly set the right tone. Trump looked truly flattered that he would become the first person to enjoy a second state visit to the ***. “And that’s a great honour, because it’s never happened before,” the president said at the start of their joint news conference. “I really do call it an honour, but it’s not for me, it’s for our country. It’s respect for our country.” The very diplomatic language deployed by Sir Keir over Ukraine – like praising Trump for creating the conditions in which a ceasefire is being discussed – could not disguise the disagreements over what a peace deal may end up looking like. While Trump says he feels he can trust Russian President Vladimir Putin to stick to any deal, Sir Keir talked of the need to make sure that any truce endures and does not favour the aggressor. The prime minister’s message about increasing defence spending in the *** was clearly very welcome – but he did not walk away with any commitment from the US to participate in ongoing security guarantees for Ukraine once a peace deal has been signed. The warm atmosphere and friendly body language we saw when the two men first met in the Oval Office just before lunch did not seem quite so pronounced when they emerged after talks about three hours later. “You are a very tough negotiator… I’m not sure I like that, but okay,” Trump told Sir Keir as they appeared before reporters after their meeting. And he did not seem to be entirely joking. On the prospect of trade tariffs being imposed on *** exports to the US, the prime minister did seem to have made some progress. Trump said Sir Keir had worked hard and “earned whatever they pay him over there” when he made the case for a trade deal between the two countries instead of tariffs. That would count as a significant victory for Britain, though any proposed deal would inevitably require lengthy and detailed negotiations. Before this meeting it was unclear how the Labour leader’s serious and sober demeanour would go down with the bombastic American president. Carefully worded praise and flattery helped to set the tone, with Sir Keir saying “the *** has a true friend in the Oval Office”. And he was speaking Trump’s language when he highlighted how the two countries were ranked one and two in the world as investment destinations, and for golf players too. Trump responded enthusiastically to the promise of a new chapter in an historic partnership. “What a beautiful accent,” he quipped when the prime minister finished his remarks. “I’d have been president 20 years ago if I had that accent.” There also appeared to be genuine respect toward the president over the issues on which the two leaders see eye to eye. On other significant matters, they seemed to have agreed to disagree. Which is probably as much as Sir Keir could hope for. Tomorrow it is Volodymyr Zelensky’s turn in the Oval Office. A week after Trump called him a dictator, he distanced himself from that description – and his opinion of the Ukrainian president seemed to have softened. “I think we’re going to have a very good meeting tomorrow morning. We’re going to get along really well.” Source link #Starmer #charms #Trump #deals #wait Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

It’s funding D-Day in falling Star Entertainment’s desperate bid to stay afloat It’s funding D-Day in falling Star Entertainment’s desperate bid to stay afloat Embattled Star Entertainment has shocked investors with a pause in trade ahead of the release of its half-year financial report, with a repeated warning that without a white knight it may not be able to continue as a going concern. The casino operator — which runs casinos in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast — has for months been desperately searching for a funding lifeline to stay afloat as it battles a liquidity crisis. Star was due to release its six months accounts to the end of December this morning but instead entered a trading halt just before the *********** Securities Exchange opened. Just 30 minutes after pausing trade in its shares — which have lost 75 per cent of their value over the past year — Star released a statement saying it was continuing to explore possible solutions “that might materially increase the group’s liquidity position”. It expects to receive “one or more liquidity proposals during the course of today”. “It is likely that the 1HFY25 report will only be able to be finalised if the company has received liquidity proposals which, after appropriate consideration by the directors, are sufficiently capable of being progressed to finalisation in the context of determining whether the company can continue as a going concern,” it said. “As noted in the company’s recent ASX announcements, there remains material uncertainty as to the group’s ability to continue as a going concern.” Star was last week offered a five-year financial lifeline worth $650 million from Oaktree Capital Management after a series of bruising battles with regulators over scandals at its venues over the past few years left it on the brink. The NSW Independent Casino Commission is also keeping a close eye on its operations. The proposal would require approval from the NSW and Queensland governments, and would still leave the company short of funds before the deal kicked in. The casino operator has recently been in talks with Hong Kong-based firms offering to buy its 50 per cent share in Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf entertainment precinct, which opened in August. It has already sold off assets at its Sydney flagship complex to raise money. It ended the year with just $78m in cash available, losing more than $8m in the final quarter of 2024. The Star has been struggling since the fallout from a high-profile money-laundering scandal in 2021 that steered lucrative high rollers away from its casinos. Former executives and board members have also been accused of putting profit above risk and failing to take action to prevent money laundering in a case brought by the *********** Securities and Investments Commission that began Federal Court hearings earlier in February. Source link #funding #DDay #falling #Star #Entertainments #desperate #bid #stay #afloat Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

5 Freep alum to be inducted in Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame 5 Freep alum to be inducted in Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame The Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that 11 journalists will be inducted in its 2025 class: Cynthia Canty, Alex Cruden, Kirthmon F. Dozier, John Flesher, Cindy Goodaker, Daymon J. Hartley, Dorothy Jurney, Keith Owens, Pat Rencher, Jam Sardar and David Zeman. Five of the eleven ― Cruden, Dozier, Hartley, Owens and Zeman ― are Free Press alumni. Alex Cruden, Mar.3, 2005 SUSAN TUSA/Detroit Free Press Alex Cruden started at the Free Press in 1973 and spent 35 years as an editor and manager. While at the Free Press, he played an integral role in perfecting and polishing the newspaper’s marquee journalism and maintained an online stylebook called the Bugle, which handled copyediting style questions and was used by other publications. Since leaving the Free Press, he has written case studies, taught public affairs reporting at Wayne State University, and led workshops and seminars for news media companies and writing and editing organizations across the U.S. Allen Park police praised a teen for a good deed. Social media buried him in criticism More: Detroit Free Press Marathon expected to sell out for second year in a row Kirt Dozier walks off the filed after Lions game in 2015. Kirthmon F. Dozier was best known for his keen eye and sports photography. He started at the Free Press in 1995 and spent almost 30 years as a photojournalist. He was behind the camera for the Detroit Pistons championship, the Red Wings’ Stanley Cup and even Miguel Cabrera’s final day as a Tiger. Dozier died in January 2024 at 65 after a brief illness. Civil rights activist Rosa Parks, carries a sign protesting cutbacks at General Motors and is followed by Rep. John Conyers Jr., D-Detroit, in a picket line in front of General Motors headquarters in 1986. Daymon J. Hartley is known for his social-issue capturing lens. As a Free Press staff photographer from 1983 to July 1995, he shot everything from breaking news and crime stories to overseas combat stories in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Palestine, and Israel. He was nominated for five Pulitzer Prizes, and was twice named a finalist. In 1990, he was named the Michigan Press Photographer of the Year. He has since worked as a freelance photographer. Keith Owens in the Detroit Free Press photo studio in downtown Detroit on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Keith Owens wrote for the Free Press editorial page from 1993-2000. Owens served as the editor of the Michigan Chronical from 2003-2006 and 2015-2018. Owen’s co-founded Detroit Stories Quarterly and the We Are Speaking Substack newsletter and podcast. In 2023, he returned to the Free Press editorial page as a freelance contributing columnist. David Zeman of the Detroit Free Press. Picture taken April 21,2009. MARY SCHROEDER/Detroit Free Press headshot mugshot David Zeman spent 20 years as an investigative reporter and editor at the Detroit Free Press. He was the editor of Jim Schaefer and M.L. Elrick’s Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Zeman served as senior editor of Bridge Michigan from 2013-2024. The 2025 Hall of Fame class will be honored at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing on April 13, the Hall of Fame said in a news release, to recognize their “extraordinary and clearly outstanding careers” that have advanced the legacy of a free and responsible press and elevated Michigan journalism. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame class of 2025 Freep inductees Source link #Freep #alum #inducted #Michigan #Journalism #Hall #Fame Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump tariffs, Japan retail sales Trump tariffs, Japan retail sales Tokyo Tower, Tokyo’s famous landmark, rises high above the skyscrapers in Azabu, Roppongi and Toranomon districts. A tilt-shift lens was used in order to obtain a miniature effect. Krzysztof Baranowski | Moment | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets are set to open lower on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will be going ahead and taking effect next week. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 traded 0.23% lower. Japan’s Nikkei 225 futures pointed to a lower open for the market. The futures contract in Chicago is currently at 37,695 and its counterpart in Osaka last traded at 37,580 compared to the index’s previous close of 38,256.17. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index futures were at 23,715, also slightly weaker than the HSI’s last close of 23,718.29. Japan is slated to release its industrial output and retail sales data for January on Friday. On Thursday, Trump announced that proposed tariffs on 25% on Canada and Mexico will be implemented on March 4 after a month-long postponement. The president said that these countries had not sufficiently reduced the flow of drugs across the border. Additionally, Trump also said that China, which already faces 10% U.S. tariffs on its products, “will likewise be charged an additional 10% Tariff on that date.” Overnight in the U.S., the three major indexes closed lower. The S&P 500 closed down 1.59% at 5,861.57. The broad market index remains in the red for the week and month. The Nasdaq Composite pulled back 2.78%, to end the day at 18,544.42, with Nvidia’s 8.5% slide pulling the tech-heavy index lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 193.62 points, or 0.45%, to finish at 43,239.50. —CNBC’s Hakyung Kim and Pia Singh contributed to this report. Source link #Trump #tariffs #Japan #retail #sales Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Judge blocks Trump administration’s mass firings of federal workers – The Washington Post Judge blocks Trump administration’s mass firings of federal workers – The Washington Post Judge blocks Trump administration’s mass firings of federal workers The Washington PostAmid federal layoffs, US Merit Systems Protection Board sees dramatic spike in appeals from feds WTOPCase surge from fired federal workers jams federal board CBS NewsAFGE Files Lawsuit Against OPM for ******** Mass Firings of Probationary Employees AFGE Source link #Judge #blocks #Trump #administrations #mass #firings #federal #workers #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Says He Believes Putin Will Not Violate Any Ukraine Peace Deal Trump Says He Believes Putin Will Not Violate Any Ukraine Peace Deal new video loaded: Trump Says He Believes Putin Will Not Violate Any Ukraine Peace Deal transcript Back transcript Trump Says He Believes Putin Will Not Violate Any Ukraine Peace Deal During a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, President Trump said repeatedly that he trusted President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia not to violate the terms of whatever peace deal that might soon be reached to end the war in Ukraine. Reporter: “Mr. President, what would you be willing to do if Vladimir Putin did not?” “If he did not what?” “If he did not stick to the terms of any deal on Ukraine because he has a history of not sticking to his word when it comes to international agreements?” “I think he’ll keep his word, I think — I think he’s — I’ve spoken to him. I’ve known him for a long time now. When we make a deal, I think the deal is going to hold. Now they’re going to have security. You’re going to have security. You’re going to have soldiers. I know France wants to be there. He’s — the president has said he wants to have soldiers there. I don’t think we’re going to even be necessary, but I don’t think there’ll be any problem with keeping the deal with the security.” “If there’s a deal in, we’ve got to make sure it’s a deal that lasts. And that is not temporary — that lasts. And that’s why we need to make sure that it’s secure. And we’ve went in and said, we’ll play our part and we’ve talked, and we will talk about how we work with yourself, Mr. President, to ensure that this deal is something which is not violated because it’s very important.” “It sounds as though one of you completely trusts President Putin, and one of you doesn’t trust him an inch. Have I got that right? Why do you trust him?” “Look it’s trust and verify, let’s call it that. And I think we both can be that way. You have to verify because you never know what’s going to happen.” Recent episodes in U.S. & Politics Show more videos from U.S. & Politics Source link #Trump #Believes #Putin #Violate #Ukraine #Peace #Deal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

House panel subpoenas tech giants over ‘foreign censorship’ of speech House panel subpoenas tech giants over ‘foreign censorship’ of speech Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) is interviewed by FOX and Friends at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, sent subpoenas to eight technology companies asking for more information about their communications with foreign governments over concerns that they seek to “censor speech” in the U.S. The subpoenas were sent Wednesday to the CEOs of Google parent Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and TikTok, as well as X and video platform Rumble. “The Committee must understand how and to what extent foreign governments have limited Americans’ access to lawful speech in the United States, as well as the extent to which the Biden-Harris Administration aided or abetted these efforts,” Jordan said in a statement. CNBC reached out to each of the subpoenaed companies for comment. The only response came from Rumble, which said it “has received the subpoena and we look forward to sharing information related to the ongoing efforts of numerous governments around the globe who seek to suppress the innate human right to self expression.” Jordan pointed to the European Union’s Digital Services Act, a similar set of laws in the U.K., called the Online Services Act, and regulations around ******** content and hate speech in Brazil and Australia. The committee is seeking communications around the companies’ compliance with “foreign censorship laws, regulations, judicial orders or other government-initiated efforts” and any internal correspondence discussing those matters. The subpoenas come after the Federal Trade Commission last week launched an inquiry into “tech censorship.” FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson said in a statement that the probe will help the agency “better understand how these firms may have violated the law by silencing and intimidating Americans for speaking their minds.” The FTC’s request for public comment defines tech platforms as companies that provide a range of services, from social media and video sharing to event planning and ride sharing. The Republican-led committee has previously accused major tech companies of censorship. The panel subpoenaed Alphabet, Meta and other firms in 2023, demanding they turn over communications between the companies and the U.S. government over censorship concerns. WATCH: Big Tech breadth is a buying opportunity Source link #House #panel #subpoenas #tech #giants #foreign #censorship #speech Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Andrew Tate and brother return to US after travel ban lifted amid Romanian investigation – USA TODAY Andrew Tate and brother return to US after travel ban lifted amid Romanian investigation – USA TODAY Andrew Tate and brother return to US after travel ban lifted amid Romanian investigation USA TODAYAndrew Tate, brother Tristan return to US after Romanian prosecutors lift travel ban in trafficking case Fox NewsTrump and DeSantis plead ignorance on Andrew Tate’s flight to Florida Miami HeraldWho are the Tate brothers, social media influencers facing trafficking charges The Times of India Source link #Andrew #Tate #brother #return #travel #ban #lifted #Romanian #investigation #USA #TODAY Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Watch: Decoding the PM's meeting with Donald Trump Watch: Decoding the PM's meeting with Donald Trump Watch: Decoding the PM’s meeting with Donald Trump Source link #Watch #Decoding #PM039s #meeting #Donald #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

ABC to hit back as Antoinette Lattouf trial enters final day ABC to hit back as Antoinette Lattouf trial enters final day Antoinette Lattouf’s blockbuster trial has entered its final day, with the ABC to deliver its closing submissions as it fights the journalist’s claim she was unlawfully terminated. Ms Lattouf sued the ABC after she was sent home midway through a five-day casual shift hosting Radio’s Sydney Mornings program in December 2023 following a slew of email complaints about her stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. She was sent home – and told she wouldn’t be completing her final two shifts – after she shared a post by Human Rights Watch on Instagram. The ABC has argued that she was sent home after defying a directive not to post to social media about the war. However, her lawyers argue she was given no such direction following her first shift. Camera IconAntoinette Lattouf has sued the ABC for unlawful termination. NewsWire/Monique Harmer. Credit: News Corp Australia ‘PRETEXT’ Ms Lattouf’s barrister Oshie Fagir on Thursday told the court that ABC managing director David Anderson and then head of content Chris Oliver-Taylor made the decision to sack Ms Lattouf. He further argued that then ABC chair Ita Buttrose and head of audio content Ben Latimer were also influential in the decision. He pointed to an email sent by Mr Oliver-Taylor to Ms Buttrose in which he said the ABC had been “left in an untenable position”. He said at the time Ms Buttrose was “hammering” Mr Oliver-Taylor with emails and demanding assurances, as The *********** newspaper was asking questions about Ms Lattouf’s employment. He said Mr Oliver-Taylor then used Ms Lattouf’s social media post as an excuse to get rid of her. “It’s in the context of that influence and pressure being exerted by the managing director and the chair, this issue materialises and he uses that as a pretext to deliver what he wanted and what the organisations wanted,” Mr Fagir said. The ABC argues that Ms Lattouf was not sacked but rather her employment ended at the conclusion of her five-day contract. Camera IconFormer ABC chair Ita Buttrose described Ms Lattouf an ‘activist’. NewsWire/Nikki Short Credit: News Corp Australia ‘ACTIVIST’ Ms Lattouf’s lawyers have argued the ABC failed to follow the terms of its enterprise agreement when Ms Lattouf was sent home. Under the agreement, any person who is alleged to have committed serious misconduct must be notified in person. Her lawyers argue it was a “clear example” of termination, noting she was employed as a content creator and taken from the air for her final two shifts. During her evidence to the court earlier this month, Ms Buttrose described Ms Lattouf as an “activist” owing to her pro-************ posts on social media. Ms Lattouf’s lawyers have highlighted similarly politically charged and partisan messages expressed by other ABC personalities, including Laura Tingle, who last year told a writers festival: “We are a racist country, let’s face it.” Mr Fagir argued that labelling her an activist was proof Ms Buttrose had an existing hostility to Ms Lattouf’s political opinion. “Whenever it’s suggested that Ms Lattouf is an activist or an advocate, and the label is not applied to Ms Tingle, Ms (Patricia) Karvelas, that involved a judgment on the relative merits of the opinion,” Mr Fagir said. “The fact that Ms Lattouf’s opinions are labelled controversial and contentious, and she is labelled an activist or an advocate, itself is an indication of a prior hostility to the opinions which she holds.” Source link #ABC #hit #Antoinette #Lattouf #trial #enters #final #day Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tom Sandoval Asks Judge for Forgiveness After Rachel Leviss Court Battle Mistake Tom Sandoval Asks Judge for Forgiveness After Rachel Leviss Court Battle Mistake There’s an old saying that goes, “The man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.” Tom Sandoval just proved that point. After missing an important deadline in his court case with Rachel Leviss, Tom begged the judge to forgive him without consequences. He blamed the holidays and his search for a new lawyer for his failure to respond on time. Um, Tom, do you not have a Day Planner, dude? It would help you remember important dates like dentist appointments and court deadlines. Begging for leniency, the Vanderpump Rules alum filed a declaration with the judge presiding over Rachel’s lawsuit against him. Rachel is suing Tom and his ex-girlfriend Ariana Madix over invasion of privacy. Tom Sandoval claims Rachel Leviss wanted his help in a case against NBCUniversal Unfortunately, Tom fired his previous attorney just before Rachel’s team sent him a list of questions they needed answers to. While admitting that he has “no legal training,” Tom failed to read the part about the 30-day turnaround. “On December 13, 2024, I was newly representing myself,” he said. “[I was] actively searching for another attorney and mistakenly believed that I had missed the deadline to respond. I was concerned that this would make it appear as though I was trying to delay things.” “Therefore, I reached out to [Rachel’s] counsel, Mark Geragos,” he added. “ asked for 30 more days to put together responses. Mr. Geragos did not respond to my email.” As In Touch reports, Tom now has a new attorney representing him. Rachel is suing Tom over explicit FaceTime chats they had during their affair, which he allegedly secretly recorded. When Tom’s then-girlfriend Ariana discovered the videos on Tom’s phone, she allegedly shared them with others. Ariana denies ever sharing the videos and claims she watched them in a private location. In November 2024 Tom claimed Rachel’s attorneys had offered to drop the suit against him if he’d help with a potential case against NBC. NBCUniversal is the parent company of Bravo, which produced Pump Rules. Rachel’s lawyers denied Tom’s story, saying, “Tom claims he lost his phone; Tom claimed he lost his lawyer; Tom did in fact lose his motion to dismiss. It now appears he’s lost his mind.” Tom’s new attorney asks the court for understanding and leniency Photo Credit: Griffen Nagel/Bravo Tom’s new attorney filed a motion asking the court not to punish Tom for missing the deadline while he was without legal representation. “[Tom] represented himself in this case for 32 days,” the lawyer said. “[During this time] he was dealing with the transition from his former attorneys, actively searching for a new attorney, and preparing for the holiday season. This chaotic stretch also happened to coincide with the date his responses to the first and only discovery served in this action were due.” “At the time responses were due, [Tom] was unfamiliar with discovery procedures,” his attorney continued. “He did not understand what objections could be made, let alone that those objections would be waived by failing to serve timely responses.” A judge has yet to rule on the motion, and the case is ongoing. Vanderpump Rules is currently streaming on Peacock. TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED THAT TOM WOULD MISS A COURT DEADLINE? DO YOU THINK RACHEL REALLY WANTED TO SUE NBC? The post Tom Sandoval Asks Judge for Forgiveness After Rachel Leviss Court Battle Mistake appeared first on Reality Tea. Source link #Tom #Sandoval #Asks #Judge #Forgiveness #Rachel #Leviss #Court #Battle #Mistake Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Stocks to watch with copper in Trump’s tariff crosshairs Stocks to watch with copper in Trump’s tariff crosshairs Copper miners are likely to see divergent outcomes as U.S. tariffs on the metal loom — raising the potential for a domestic supply crunch while also driving up the U.S. copper price premium over the London Metal Exchange. U.S. COMEX copper futures jumped Tuesday night and on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating a review into potential copper tariffs or quotas, citing national security concerns. The review is also set to look into domestic demand, production levels and “the impact of foreign government subsidies, overcapacity, and predatory trade practices on United States industry competitiveness.” The announcement did not surprise the market given Trump had previously alluded to the move, during discussion of his upcoming 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium , Piotr Ortonowski, head of copper market analysis at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, told CNBC. The market has also been pricing for the introduction of tariffs on Canada and Mexico , two of the biggest sources of copper imports into the U.S. But traders continue to be engaged in a guessing game, including how big the tariffs will be and whether there could be exemptions for countries like Chile which would minimize the market impact, Ortonowski said. “The grand idea behind tariffs is to lift the domestic supply of copper, and there is a plentiful pipeline of mining projects within the U.S., but the main problem there is permitting. So even though higher prices may incentivize the development of projects, the key bottleneck will be permitting,” Ortonowski said. “Even if projects were fast-tracked and permitting problems lifted overnight, it would be four to five years until we see domestic production substantially increase.” The arbitrage spread between U.S. COMEX prices over those on the London Metal Exchange widened above $1,100 per tonne on Feb. 13 on tariff expectations before cooling back toward $400, according to Benchmark, COMEX and LME data. Trump’s announcement this week has seen that spike back up over $700. Typically that gap would drop again over time and historically settle close to zero, Ortonowski continued, but the introduction of tariffs will see it remain elevated — with U.S. consumers taking the brunt of the higher prices. ING strategists said in a Thursday note that there was an “additional upside risk for copper in New York if tariffs are applied” — but that the arbitrage spread “risks a pullback if tariffs fall short of expectations.” U.S. operator advantage These market dynamics mean companies with pre-existing U.S. production stand to benefit, analysts say. New tariffs will bring upward pressure on prices given the U.S. relies on imported copper for just under half of its total consumption, Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, told CNBC. Freeport-McMoRan and Rio Tinto are among the largest U.S. domestic producers of copper and are potential beneficiaries, Britzman said. Alex Hacking, equity research analyst at Citi, also named Freeport-McMoRan — which processes around 1.4 million pounds of copper in the U.S. each year — as the big winner in the bank’s coverage. “A 10% copper tariff would flow straight to COMEX prices, in our view,” Hacking said in a note published Wednesday, estimating a boost in Freeport’s attributable profit of around 9% and free cash flow boost of around 37%. More broadly, winners would be U.S. based copper miners with access to domestic processing, Hacking added, again noting the expected COMEX premium over LME from tariffs. “Exported concentrate would likely get taxed on the way back in, in our view. Downstream fabricators could also benefit if downstream products are included, as in steel and aluminum,” Hacking said. Hargreaves Lansdown meanwhile cautioned in a Wednesday research note that while higher copper prices following the announcement initially boosted mining stocks — because of the expectation that orders will pile up as U.S. manufactures attempt to build up stocks ahead of tariffs — this would only be a short-term boost. “If tariffs lead, as expected, to increased consumer prices and higher-for-longer interest rates, there is likely to be a knock-on effect on growth and orders across a range of industries, which could lead to lower metal demand for metals and a drop in prices,” Hargreaves Lansdown’s head of money and markets, Susannah Streeter, said. “Producers in Chile wouldn’t benefit at all” from the new tariff regime, Benchmark’s Ortonowski told CNBC. “U.S. consumers will take the brunt of higher copper prices.” On the implications for equities from the tariff review, Morgan Stanley analysts on Wednesday said that companies such as Antofagasta , the London-based Chilean miner, would likely continue exporting to the U.S. with rising COMEX premia absorbing tariffs, or would “re-divert cathode exports to other regions, depending on freight differentials.” The Morgan Stanley research found that every 10% change in revenues at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott copper mining operation near Salt Lake City would impact group 2025 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) by around 1%. It had the same estimation for the earnings impact at Polish miner KGHM from its U.S. Robinson and Carlotta mines. On Canada’s Lundin Mining, it noted that while the firm’s Eagle mine is located in the U.S. where it produces nickel concentrates with copper by-product, the “nickel concentrates are exported to smelter facilities in Canada and sold under long-term contracts, rather than being sold within the U.S.” — CNBC’s Michael Bloom contributed to this story. U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House on February 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump directed the Commerce Department to open an investigation into potential tariffs for copper imports. Alex Wong | Getty Images News | Getty Images Copper miners are likely to see divergent outcomes as U.S. tariffs on the metal loom — raising the potential for a domestic supply crunch while also driving up the U.S. copper price premium over the London Metal Exchange. U.S. COMEX copper futures jumped Tuesday night and on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating a review into potential copper tariffs or quotas, citing national security concerns. The review is also set to look into domestic demand, production levels and “the impact of foreign government subsidies, overcapacity, and predatory trade practices on United States industry competitiveness.” The announcement did not surprise the market given Trump had previously alluded to the move, during discussion of his upcoming 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium, Piotr Ortonowski, head of copper market analysis at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, told CNBC. The market has also been pricing for the introduction of tariffs on Canada and Mexico, two of the biggest sources of copper imports into the U.S. But traders continue to be engaged in a guessing game, including how big the tariffs will be and whether there could be exemptions for countries like Chile which would minimize the market impact, Ortonowski said. “The grand idea behind tariffs is to lift the domestic supply of copper, and there is a plentiful pipeline of mining projects within the U.S., but the main problem there is permitting. So even though higher prices may incentivize the development of projects, the key bottleneck will be permitting,” Ortonowski said. “Even if projects were fast-tracked and permitting problems lifted overnight, it would be four to five years until we see domestic production substantially increase.” The arbitrage spread between U.S. COMEX prices over those on the London Metal Exchange widened above $1,100 per tonne on Feb. 13 on tariff expectations before cooling back toward $400, according to Benchmark, COMEX and LME data. Trump’s announcement this week has seen that spike back up over $700. Typically that gap would drop again over time and historically settle close to zero, Ortonowski continued, but the introduction of tariffs will see it remain elevated — with U.S. consumers taking the brunt of the higher prices. ING strategists said in a Thursday note that there was an “additional upside risk for copper in New York if tariffs are applied” — but that the arbitrage spread “risks a pullback if tariffs fall short of expectations.” U.S. operator advantage These market dynamics mean companies with pre-existing U.S. production stand to benefit, analysts say. New tariffs will bring upward pressure on prices given the U.S. relies on imported copper for just under half of its total consumption, Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, told CNBC. Freeport-McMoRan and Rio Tinto are among the largest U.S. domestic producers of copper and are potential beneficiaries, Britzman said. Alex Hacking, equity research analyst at Citi, also named Freeport-McMoRan — which processes around 1.4 million pounds of copper in the U.S. each year — as the big winner in the bank’s coverage. “A 10% copper tariff would flow straight to COMEX prices, in our view,” Hacking said in a note published Wednesday, estimating a boost in Freeport’s attributable profit of around 9% and free cash flow boost of around 37%. More broadly, winners would be U.S. based copper miners with access to domestic processing, Hacking added, again noting the expected COMEX premium over LME from tariffs. “Exported concentrate would likely get taxed on the way back in, in our view. Downstream fabricators could also benefit if downstream products are included, as in steel and aluminum,” Hacking said. Hargreaves Lansdown meanwhile cautioned in a Wednesday research note that while higher copper prices following the announcement initially boosted mining stocks — because of the expectation that orders will pile up as U.S. manufactures attempt to build up stocks ahead of tariffs — this would only be a short-term boost. “If tariffs lead, as expected, to increased consumer prices and higher-for-longer interest rates, there is likely to be a knock-on effect on growth and orders across a range of industries, which could lead to lower metal demand for metals and a drop in prices,” Hargreaves Lansdown’s head of money and markets, Susannah Streeter, said. “Producers in Chile wouldn’t benefit at all” from the new tariff regime, Benchmark’s Ortonowski told CNBC. “U.S. consumers will take the brunt of higher copper prices.” On the implications for equities from the tariff review, Morgan Stanley analysts on Wednesday said that companies such as Antofagasta, the London-based Chilean miner, would likely continue exporting to the U.S. with rising COMEX premia absorbing tariffs, or would “re-divert cathode exports to other regions, depending on freight differentials.” The Morgan Stanley research found that every 10% change in revenues at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott copper mining operation near Salt Lake City would impact group 2025 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) by around 1%. It had the same estimation for the earnings impact at Polish miner KGHM from its U.S. Robinson and Carlotta mines. On Canada’s Lundin Mining, it noted that while the firm’s Eagle mine is located in the U.S. where it produces nickel concentrates with copper by-product, the “nickel concentrates are exported to smelter facilities in Canada and sold under long-term contracts, rather than being sold within the U.S.” — CNBC’s Michael Bloom contributed to this story. Source link #Stocks #watch #copper #Trumps #tariff #crosshairs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Helps Alleged Sex Trafficker Andrew Tate Cross Border Into U.S. – The Intercept Trump Helps Alleged Sex Trafficker Andrew Tate Cross Border Into U.S. – The Intercept Trump Helps Alleged Sex Trafficker Andrew Tate Cross Border Into U.S. The InterceptAndrew Tate, brother Tristan return to US after Romanian prosecutors lift travel ban in trafficking case Fox NewsTate Brothers’ Return to U.S. Opens Rift in MAGA World Rolling StoneAndrew Tate and brother return to US after travel ban lifted amid Romanian investigation USA TODAY Source link #Trump #Helps #Alleged #Sex #Trafficker #Andrew #Tate #Cross #Border #U.S #Intercept Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Premier League Darts results: Luke Humphries beats Luke Littler for Exeter night win Premier League Darts results: Luke Humphries beats Luke Littler for Exeter night win World number one Luke Humphries defeated world champion Luke Littler 6-4 to win night four of the Premier League in Exeter. Humphries, 30, came from 3-1 down to beat the 18-year-old, who had been in outstanding form in his earlier two matches despite suffering from a cold. It was a second night win for league leader Humphries, who won the opener in Belfast before losing the Glasgow final to the teenager. Littler was runner-up to Humphries in the 2024 world final but beat him to win last year’s Premier League. And this was Humphries’ first win in seven Premier League matches against his fellow Englishman. Humphries hit two stunning checkouts – a 167 followed by a 116 – to snatch a 6-5 victory against Rob Cross in the semi-finals. Littler saw off Nathan Aspinall 6-2 with a 109 average, having topped 112 in his opening defeat of Stephen Bunting. The teenager hit 10 maximums – a record in this best-of-11-leg Premier League format – in the 6-3 win over Bunting, who hit six 180s of his own. Source link #Premier #League #Darts #results #Luke #Humphries #beats #Luke #Littler #Exeter #night #win Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple launches new 'age assurance' technology for apps Apple launches new 'age assurance' technology for apps Tech giant Apple says it will roll out what it calls “age assurance”, allowing parents to input a child’s age when setting up a child’s account on apps. Source link #Apple #launches #039age #assurance039 #technology #apps Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

RFK Jr. shrugs shoulders at deadly Texas measles outbreak. What’d you expect? RFK Jr. shrugs shoulders at deadly Texas measles outbreak. What’d you expect? I’m sure Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the noted vaccine skeptic and snake-oil salesman now in charge of Americans’ health, will get right on the deadly and growing measles outbreak in Texas as soon as he’s done kneecapping a few vaccines. Kennedy showed his deep empathy and concern for the Texas outbreak, which has now claimed the life of an unvaccinated child, by giving the verbal form of a shoulder shrug during President Donald Trump’s first cabinet meeting this week. “There are two people who have died, but we’re watching it,” Kennedy said, with the deep human compassion one expects from a dead-eyed conspiracy theorist with a taste for roadkill bear-cub meat. Apparently he’s not watching it too closely. Texas health officials say only one person has died, a child in Lubbock, the first child to die from measles in 22 years. But hey, one death…two deaths…who’s really counting? Kennedy clearly has no concern about the Texas measles outbreak Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivers remarks during a Cabinet meeting held by President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. Kennedy said hospitalizations relating to the measles outbreak were “mainly for quarantine.” Dr. Lara Johnson, chief medical officer of Covenant Health Lubbock Service Area, told CNN: “We don’t hospitalize patients for quarantine purposes. Quarantine is not something that would happen in a healthcare facility. We admit patients who need acute supportive treatment in our hospital.” Opinion: Musk, RFK Jr. drive off FDA inspectors, preserving my right to eat tainted meat Well, not to worry. It’s just the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services not knowing what the hell he’s talking about. An anti-vaxxer like Kennedy is never going to take measles seriously Kennedy, who lacks any scientific or medical background that might qualify him to be in charge of our health, said the Texas outbreak is “not unusual,” adding: “We have measles outbreaks every year.” Cool. Granted, the Texas outbreak of 124 cases is already more than 40% of the total number of measles cases the country faced all last year (we’re two months into this year) and more than twice the number of measles cases the United States saw in all of 2023. But, you know, those are just “numbers” from the “U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” which is a “federal agency” that Kennedy “oversees.” The number of measles cases in the current West Texas outbreak continues to grow, with the Texas Department of State Health Services saying Tuesday the number of confirmed infections is now up to 58. A counterpoint to Kennedy’s dry nonchalance comes from Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, who said of the outbreak: “We’re still in free-fall. It still has a lot of energy and steam behind it.” RFK Jr. is the worst person to have in charge of a measles outbreak When dealing with the outbreak of a wildly contagious disease, I prefer Hotez’s honesty over Kennedy’s laissez-faire attitude. A sign reading “measles testing” is seen as an outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has raised concerns over its spread to other parts of the state, in Seminole, Texas, U.S., February 25, 2025. REUTERS/Sebastian Rocandio But that’s what Americans should expect from Kennedy. The anti-vaccine non-profit he started, Children’s Health Defense, once published a book that claimed “measles outbreaks have been fabricated to create fear” and are used to “inflict unnecessary and risky vaccines on millions of children.” In 2021, Kennedy said the often-deadly diseases we’ve eradicated with safe vaccines aren’t really the problem: “Every disease, every one of these childhood diseases, or rashes, mumps, measles, pertussis, chicken pox that are treated by these vaccines are all self-limiting, they’re all treatable. None of the chronic diseases that are caused by vaccines are curable.” Rather than sweat a measles outbreak, RFK Jr. is busy hampering vaccines You need to wear a tinfoil hat to believe any of that bunk. And tinfoil hats might soon be our only defense against infectious diseases, as Kennedy — when he’s not busy saying “Meh” to the Texas measles outbreak — has been using his time and power to cancel vital federal vaccine advisory committee meetings aimed at developing next season’s flu vaccine. One was scheduled for this week and the other for next month. A protester demonstrates as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Jan. 29, 2025, in Washington, DC. In addition to meeting with the Senate Finance Committee, Kennedy will meet with the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee tomorrow. The Washington Post reported that committee members were notified via email and no reason was provided: “The email warned members against forwarding the email. It suggested members decline to answer questions from media.” The Post also noted: “Kennedy has pledged ‘radical transparency’ into the scientific process. But the cancellation of the meeting eliminates an opportunity for the public to hear from federal agencies and the companies about the merits of proposed flu vaccine formulas, decreasing visibility into the process at a time when the safety of vaccines has been attacked as not having enough data.” Don’t worry, Americans, your health is in the hands of a complete quack Also this week, Kennedy paused production of a COVID-19 vaccine pill. He had previously called the COVID vaccine, which has saved untold lives globally, “the deadliest vaccine ever made.” Kennedy is welcome to treat viral outbreaks by sticking a pickle in his ear or whatever he does, but for the rest of us, it would be nice if our health czar wasn’t a raging lunatic. Between the Texas measles outbreak and bird flu and the measles cases that just popped up in Kentucky and New Jersey, Americans have some legitimate health stuff to worry about. Too bad our health is in the hands of a guy I wouldn’t trust to apply a Band-Aid properly. Follow USA TODAY columnist Rex Huppke on Bluesky at @rexhuppke.bsky.social and on Facebook at facebook.com/RexIsAJerk You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RFK Jr. cans flu vaccine meeting while measles rage in Texas | Opinion Source link #RFK #shrugs #shoulders #deadly #Texas #measles #outbreak #Whatd #expect Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Right-wing influencers get binders labeled “The Epstein Files,” but downplay revelations Right-wing influencers get binders labeled “The Epstein Files,” but downplay revelations A group of 15 right-wing influencers visited the White House on Thursday and emerged with binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” that they obtained from Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has vowed to release information held by the Justice Department about the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. But the documents have not been released more widely, and some of those who received the binder said there was little new information in the files. From left, Rogan O’Handley, Chaya Raichik, Scott Presler, Liz Wheeler and Chad Prather carry binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” as they walk out of the West Wing of the White House on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images Liz Wheeler, who was seen leaving the White House, went live on X later in the day to describe the binder and flip through its contents. She said that while people are looking for new information related to the Epstein case, “that’s not what’s in” the folder. Most of the pages that Wheeler showed were from Epstein’s address book, which has long been public, with addresses redacted. Jessica Reed Kraus, another influencer, wrote in an Instagram post that Bondi personally delivered the documents to the group in a meeting that President Trump joined. Wheeler wrote that FBI Director Kash Patel and Vice President JD Vance were also in attendance. A total of 15 influencers were on hand for the meeting, according to Kraus. Others included conspiracy promoter Jack Posobiec, election denier Scott Presler and Rogan O’Handley and Chaya Raichik, the people behind the accounts DC_Draino and LibsofTikTok, respectively. Posobiec described the contents of the binders as “contacts” and “flight logs.” He said “more and more pieces of this” would be coming. Bondi said in a Fox News interview on Wednesday that she anticipated releasing information about Epstein’s case on Thursday. But the limited nature of the release disappointed many of those who were eagerly awaiting more information about Epstein, including some lawmakers. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican who leads the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, criticized the release online and said neither she nor the task force had reviewed the documents. “GET US THE INFORMATION WE ASKED FOR instead of leaking old info to press,” Luna wrote, referring to a story about the binder published by the New York Post. Wheeler said Bondi told the group that the FBI and prosecutors in the Southern District of New York had failed to turn over other documents that Bondi had ordered them to produce. Epstein, a wealthy financier, was found dead in his New York City jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019. His death was ruled a suicide. Since then, hundreds of pages of documents related to his case have been released through lawsuits and public information requests. Jacob Rosen contributed to this report. Kerry Breen Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University’s Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News’ TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use. Source link #Rightwing #influencers #binders #labeled #Epstein #Files #downplay #revelations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]