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Minister Jack Chambers Questioned Over Past Planning Objections Despite Recent Housing Comments

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers, who recently criticized planning objections based on "character of an area" concerns, is facing scrutiny over his past objection to a development that included apartments. This week, Chambers announced measures to accelerate infrastructure delivery. He stated that objections based on neighborhood character are "nebulous" and block housing supply goals. He claimed there are "countless examples" of people trying to "frustrate" housing development for the "broad public good." However, records show that in 2016, Chambers objected to a mixed-use Lidl development in Castleknock that included eight apartments. As a local TD then, he argued the project would "compromise and constrain the aesthetic and visual outlook" of the village. During an An Bord Pleanala hearing in 2017, he reportedly described the development as a "monstrosity" that "puts an atomic bomb under the conservation area." In his […]

Judge Rules Google Illegally Controls Online Ad Market As Tech Giant Faces Second Antitrust Defeat
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Judge Rules Google Illegally Controls Online Ad Market As Tech Giant Faces Second Antitrust Defeat

A US judge has determined that Google maintains an illegal monopoly in online advertising technology, marking the tech giant's second antitrust loss within a year. The lawsuit, brought by the US Department of Justice and 17 states, successfully argued that Google illegally dominates the technology determining online ad placement. This ruling follows an earlier decision that found Google also held a monopoly in online search. Google has announced plans to appeal the decision. "Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective," stated Lee-Ann Mulholland, Google's head of regulatory affairs. In her ruling, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema declared Google had "wilfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts" allowing it to "acquire and maintain monopoly power" in the market. "This exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google's publisher customers, the competitive process, […]

Trump Slams Fed Chair Powell For Not Cutting Interest Rates Fast Enough
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Trump Slams Fed Chair Powell For Not Cutting Interest Rates Fast Enough

Donald Trump has criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates, declaring on social media that Powell's "termination cannot come fast enough!" The president's remarks came ahead of the European Central Bank's (ECB) third interest rate cut this year. On Thursday, the ECB reduced its key rate, citing "rising trade tensions" as a factor. Trump, who appointed Powell as Fed chair in 2017 during his first term, wrote that Powell "is always TOO LATE AND WRONG" regarding rate reductions. He added: "Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS. Too Late should have lowered Interest Rates, like the ECB, long ago, but he should certainly lower them now." Contrary to Trump's claims, egg prices have actually increased to $6.23 per dozen according to official data, though oil prices have decreased […]

US Embassy Warns Americans About Zambia's New Surveillance Powers
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US Embassy Warns Americans About Zambia’s New Surveillance Powers

The US Embassy in Zambia has issued an alert to American citizens about a new cybersecurity law that requires surveillance of electronic communications in the country. The embassy warned Americans "in or planning to visit Zambia of a new law that requires the interception and surveillance of all electronic communications in the country," including calls, emails, texts and streamed content to check for "critical information," a term described as "so broadly defined that it could apply to almost any activity." Zambia's government defended the law as necessary to combat online fraud, child pornography, and disinformation. The foreign ministry responded that the Cyber Security Act is "not intended to invade any person's privacy" of either Zambians or foreigners, stating: "The Law does not authorize mass or random surveillance. Any interception or data request requires a court-issued warrant." The government clarified that […]

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Hard-Right Allies at Odds: Meloni’s Diplomatic Tightrope Between Trump and the EU

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faced a delicate diplomatic challenge during her White House visit as she attempted to balance her ideological alignment with President Trump against her responsibilities to the European Union. The relationship between the United States and the EU has grown increasingly strained under Trump's administration. Meloni, part of a newer generation of hard-right European leaders with connections to the Trump administration, has cultivated a personal rapport with the president, who has described her as "a real live wire" and a "fantastic woman." Her anti-immigration stance aligns with Trump's policies, earning her a reputation as someone who can effectively communicate with him. Meloni's visit comes amid widespread international concern over Trump's global tariff policies. Initially imposing a 20% tax on all EU goods entering the United States, Trump later reduced this to a 10% blanket rate following […]

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Young Adults Face Highest Risk on Irish Roads as Easter Weekend Approaches

One in three people killed or seriously injured on Irish roads were under the age of 30, according to recent data shared by authorities ahead of the Easter weekend. An Garda Sรญochรกna and the Road Safety Authority are urging drivers to prioritize road safety during the holiday period. Police are launching an enhanced roads policing operation from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Tuesday. Every available Garda member on duty throughout the long weekend will conduct road traffic enforcement activities, though officials emphasize that they "need the public's help" to prevent tragedies. "Anyone who is intending to socialize and have drinks at any point over the long weekend needs to leave their car at home, arrange a designated driver among friends, pre-book a taxi, use public transport where possible or fix up a lift home from someone they trust who […]

Supreme Court Rules Trans Women Can Be Excluded From Single Sex Spaces
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Supreme Court Rules Trans Women Can Be Excluded From Single Sex Spaces

A UK Supreme Court ruling has determined that the terms "woman" and "sex" in the 2010 Equality Act refer specifically to biological women and biological sex, allowing transgender women with gender recognition certificates (GRCs) to be excluded from single-sex spaces if deemed "proportionate." The judgment states that providers of single-sex facilities, including changing rooms, homeless hostels, and medical services, would face "practical difficulties" if "sex" were interpreted more broadly than biological sex in the legislation. Campaigners suggest this ruling could significantly impact sports and single-sex spaces such as changing rooms and hospital wards across the UK. Transgender advocacy groups have expressed concern about the decision. In a statement, one organization warned: "Any ruling which excludes and limits personal freedoms, access and participation in society, and recognition in the eyes of the law impacts us all." They noted that "trans women […]

Trade War Showdown Who Will Surrender First Trump Or Xi
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Trade War Showdown Who Will Surrender First Trump Or Xi

The escalating trade war between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping has rattled global markets, leaving many wondering which leader will back down first. Trump has imposed a massive 145-percent tariff on Chinese imports, with China retaliating with a 125-percent duty. On Tuesday, Trump ordered a national security review of critical mineral imports, mostly sourced from China. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported China directed its airlines to halt Boeing jet deliveries and stop purchasing aircraft parts from US companies, while Hong Kong's postal service suspended US-bound mail. "A 145-percent tariff will make it impossible for China to sell to the US โ€“ the costs on both economies will be exceptionally high," said Vina Nadjibulla from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. "A complete decoupling is almost impossible to contemplate." Experts question whether Trump's administration has clear objectives beyond his […]

Trump Administration Sues Maine Over Transgender Athletes In Women's Sports
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Trump Administration Sues Maine Over Transgender Athletes In Women’s Sports

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Maine for refusing to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women's sports, escalating an ongoing conflict between President Trump and Governor Janet Mills. "The Department of Justice will not sit by when women are discriminated against in sports," declared US Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday. "This is also about these young women's personal safety." Governor Mills responded that the issue has "never been about school sports of the protection of women and girls," accusing the federal government of "imposing its will" on states. The legal dispute centers on Title IX, a civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs. In February, Trump signed an executive order requiring that Title IX be interpreted to ban transgender women and girls from female sports competitions. According to the federal government, Maine's education […]

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Golf Superstar’s Trophy Could Inspire Struggling Red Devils, Says Coach

Amorim Invites Masters Champion McIlroy to Bring Green Jacket to Old Trafford Manchester United manager Amorim has invited Rory McIlroy to bring his Masters Green Jacket to Old Trafford, hoping it might inspire his underperforming team. McIlroy, a United supporter who recently completed a career grand slam at Augusta National, had suggested he would take his Green Jacket to the stadium "if it can inspire some better play." Responding through Manchester United's official X account, Amorim welcomed the Northern Irishman: "Hi Rory. Congratulations for the Masters and I want to invite you to Old Trafford to show your trophy. It's really important for us in this moment. You achieved something that a lot of people thought would be impossible, and we want that feeling in our stadium. So I hope to see you soon at Old Trafford and to meet […]

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