Home
Categorieslatest

Stock market today: Asian shares meander after S&P 500 sets another record

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares were mixed on Thursday after U.S. stocks broke out of a three-day lull to close at a record. Oil prices advanced, while U.S. futures edged lower. The dollar remained strong against the Japanese yen and Chinese yuan, a trend that has unsettled regulators in both Tokyo and Beijing. The dollar rose to 151.39 yen from 151.30 yen. The euro slipped to $1.0803 from $1.0828. On Wednesday, the yen dipped to its lowest level since 1990, and Japanese officials reiterated their desire for stability in exchange rates. “As the yen continues to show vulnerability, market participants will be vigilant for any hints of possible intervention in the currency market by Japanese policymakers,” Anderson Alves of ActivTrades said in a commentary. The dollar bought 7.2286 yuan. It also has weakened against the dollar in recent weeks. “We continue to think that policymakers in China and Japan will do enough to keep their currencies from weakening much further, but the risk of a break lower in one, or both, is increasing,” Jonas Goltermann of Capital Economics said in a report. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 lost 1.5% to 40,168.07. The Kospi in Seoul also fell, shedding 0.3% to 2,745.82. Chinese markets recouped losses from the day before. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 1.1% to 16,571.35, while the Shanghai Composite advanced 0.6% to 3,010.66. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 jumped 1% to 7,896.90. India’s Sensex added 1.2% and Taiwan’s Taiex slipped 0.3%. In Bangkok, the SET gave up 0.1%. On Wednesday, the S&P 500 climbed 0.9% to a record 5,248.49 in its first gain since setting its last all-time high on March 21. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1.2% to 39,760.08, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.5% to 16,399.52. Both finished a bit shy of their own records. Merck climbed 5% after federal regulators approved its treatment for adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare disease where blood vessels in the lungs thicken and narrow. Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group rose another 14.2%. The company behind the money-losing Truth Social platform has zoomed well beyond what critics say is rational, as fans of former president Donald Trump keep pushing it higher. Robinhood Markets climbed 3.7% after unveiling its first credit card, which is reserved for its subscription-paying Gold members, along with other new products. On the losing end of Wall Street was Nvidia, which slumped to a second straight loss after rocketing 91% higher for the year so far, loosing 2.5%. GameStop tumbled 15% after delivering a profit for the latest quarter and a drop in revenue from the prior year. It’s the original meme stock, predating Trump Media by years. This week’s highlight for markets may arrive Friday, when the U.S. government releases the latest monthly update on spending by U.S. consumers. It will include the measure of inflation that the Federal Reserve prefers to use as it sets interest rates. Both the U.S. bond and stock markets will be closed for Good Friday. That could cause some anticipatory trades to bunch up on Thursday, the last trading day of the year’s first quarter. The S&P 500 is on track for a fifth straight winning month and has been roaring higher since late October. The U.S. economy has remained remarkably resilient despite high interest rates meant to get inflation under control. Plus, the Federal Reserve looks set to start lowering interest rates this year because inflation has cooled from its peak. But critics say a broader range of companies will need to deliver strong profit growth to justify the big moves in prices. Progress on bringing inflation down has also become bumpier recently, with reports this year coming in hotter than expected. Still, the broad expectation among traders is for the Federal Reserve to begin cutting its main interest rate in June. Stocks generally tend to do the best when more than half the world’s central banks are easing interest rates, according to Ned Davis Research. The world is not there yet, but several central banks have already begun cutting recently, like Switzerland’s, and it could happen later this year. In other trading, U.S. benchmark crude oil gained 38 cents to $81.73 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, the international standard, added 30 cents to $85.71 per barrel. Elaine Kurtenbach, The Associated Press

Categorieslatest

Foreign interference inquiry slated to hear from chief electoral officer

OTTAWA — Canada’s chief electoral officer, Stéphane Perrault, is slated to testify this morning at a commission of inquiry into foreign meddling allegations and how the government responded to them. The hearings are delving into possible foreign interference by China, India, Russia and others in the last two general elections. As head of Elections Canada, Perrault is responsible for ensuring Canadians can exercise their democratic rights to vote and be a candidate. The inquiry, led by Quebec judge Marie-Josée Hogue, expects to hear evidence from more than 40 people, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, members of his cabinet and political party representatives. An initial report of findings from the commission is due May 3. The inquiry will then shift to broader policy issues, looking at the ability of the government to detect, deter and counter foreign interference, with a final report landing by the end of the year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2024. The Canadian Press

Categorieslatest

Killer whale rescue tactics could involve plan to lift orca calf out of lagoon

ZEBALLOS, B.C. — Experts are reconsidering their options on a rescue plan for the young killer whale trapped by the tide in a remote lagoon off Northern Vancouver Island. Paul Cottrell, the marine mammal co-ordinator at the Fisheries Department, says they are thinking about changing tactics in efforts to convince the two-year-old calf to leave the shallow lagoon, depending on the animal’s health. He says they have not ruled out attempting to put the calf in a sling and lifting it back to the open ocean. The calf’s mother died in the lagoon on Saturday when the tide went out and a necropsy later determined she was pregnant. Cottrell says drone footage shows that the calf, which can survive up to two weeks without food, appears to be healthy but is likely not eating on its own and is probably still partially depending on its mother for milk and food. Ehattesaht First Nation Chief Simon John is part of the rescue team and says they want to see the calf in the ocean open to give it a chance to reconnect with other family members. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2024. The Canadian Press

Categorieslatest

NRL round 4 LIVE: Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium

NRL round 4 LIVE: Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later. DismissSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footer Our network Open NavigationMenu The Sydney Morning Herald The Sydney Morning Herald close Search Site Sections Network Home Sydney NSW Politics Show subsections Federal NSW Victoria Queensland Western Australia Business Show subsections Companies Markets Bulls N’ Bears The economy Banking & finance Entrepreneurship Media Workplace World Show subsections North America Europe Asia Middle East Oceania South America Africa National Show subsections Victoria Queensland Western Australia Opinion Property Show subsections News Domain Magazine Title Deeds Living Auctions Financing Sport Show subsections NRL Rugby union Cricket Soccer AFL Racing Tennis Netball Basketball Motorsport Cycling Golf NFL Athletics Swimming Boxing Good Food Show subsections Eating out Recipes Tips & advice Drinks Culture Show subsections Movies TV & radio Music Celebrity Books Comedy Dance Musicals Opera Theatre Art & design Live reviews TV guide Lifestyle Show subsections Health & wellness Fashion Life & relationships Beauty Style Horoscopes Traveller Show subsections Destination guides Inspiration Reviews & advice Travel news Good Weekend Spectrum Sunday Life Money Show subsections Super & retirement Investing Banking Borrowing Saving Tax Planning & budgeting Insurance Education Healthcare Environment Show subsections Conservation Climate change Sustainability Weather Technology Show subsections Video games Home tech Phones Gadgets Drive PremiumSubscribe Today’s Paper Good Food Guide Daily Crosswords & Sudoku More Letters Editorial Campus Column 8 Obituaries Explainers Quizzes Podcasts The Sydney Morning Herald The Age Brisbane Times WAtoday The Australian Financial Review Domain Commercial Real Estate Drive Advertisement Live Sport NRL NRL 2024 NRL round 4 LIVE: Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium By Dan Walsh Updated March 28, 2024 — 7.44pmfirst published at 7.29pm Save Log in, register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Loading Key posts 7.37pmPoll: Who prevails tonight? 7.36pmLate Mail: There is no late mail 7.32pmRookie of the year Turuva hits the open market 7.29pmThe weather: Wet weather footy’s a chance 7.26pmWelcome to Allianz Hide key posts Posts area Latest 1 of 1 Latest posts Latest posts 7.44pm Gus: Could Terrell May earn a Blues debut? 7.37pm Poll: Who prevails tonight? 7.36pm Late Mail: There is no late mail Both teams are 1-17, with former Panther Michael Jennings once again 18th man for the Roosters. A head knock from serious foul play or two failed HIAs could bring him into the game. All eyes on Penrith rookie Mavrik Geyer too, he’s got roughly 100-odd family, friends and hangers who have made the trip in from Mordor, sorry the golden west, for his NRL debut. Penrith Panthers legend Mark Geyer with his son Mavrik Geyer ahead of his NRL debut for the club on Thursday night. Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Terrell May 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Egan Butcher 17. Angus Crichton 18. Michael Jennings Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Mavrik Geyer 18. Soni Luke Advertisement 7.32pm Rookie of the year Turuva hits the open market NRL Rookie of the year Sunia Turuva could be on his way out of Penrith with his management set to open discussions with rival teams from next week. Turuva, a revelation for the Panthers on the wing last year, is off contract at the end of this season and is yet to strike a deal with the reigning champions despite fellow outside backs Izack Tago and Taylan May recently securing extensions. Sunia Turuva will explore his options at rival clubs.Credit: Steven Siewert/Sydney Morning Herald Penrith, who have also extended back-up centre Paul Alamoti’s contract in recent weeks, want to keep Turuva at the club but salary cap limitations have brought negotiations to a halt with the Panthers unwilling to spend more than $350,000 a season. Loading Turuva’s agent Mark Stewart recently met with the club to inform Penrith he would now seek expressions of interest and offers from rival clubs before returning to the Panthers to see if they can get closer to what he believes is his value on the open market. Turuva is expected to attract offers of close to $500,000-a-season on the open market and could be squeezed out of Penrith as a result. The Panthers are comfortable with the plan, having previously adopted a similar strategy with other players who have come back to the club with their best offers from rival teams. Read the full story here. 7.29pm The weather: Wet weather footy’s a chance 7.26pm Welcome to Allianz Evening one, evening all, Game of the round here at Allianz Stadium sports fans – no Nathan Cleary, no Penrith? Let’s find out shall we? The Roosters are warm favourites and rightly so given James Fisher-Harris also joins the best player in the NRL as the most notable of absentees, but this Penrith side is still not to be sneezed at. The Chooks are without Lindsay Collins themselves but Luke Keary is back. Kick-off at 8pm AEDT, should be a cracker. Let’s go. Latest 1 of 1 Latest Most Viewed in Sport Loading Advertisement Back to top The Sydney Morning Herald Twitter Facebook Instagram RSS Our Sites The Sydney Morning Herald The Age Brisbane Times WAtoday The Australian Financial Review Domain Drive Classifieds Tributes Celebrations Place your ad Commercial Real Estate The Sydney Morning Herald Contact & support Advertise with us Newsletters Accessibility guide Sitemap Photo sales Purchase front pages Content licensing Work with us Terms of use Privacy policy Press Council Charter of Editorial Independence Products & Services Subscription packages My account Subscriber FAQs Delivery status Today’s Paper Good Food Guide Daily Crosswords & Sudoku Copyright © 2024 Subscribe

Categorieslatest

Jannik Sinner braces for Miami Open semi-final rematch as upset queens face off

Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev will renew hostilities in the semi-final of the Miami Open after the defending champion booked another showdown between the pair. Medvedev beat Sinner in last year’s Miami final, before the Italian gained revenge with a stunning comeback win – from two sets down – to claim the Australian Open title in January. Now they’re on collision course in the final four of this year’s Miami tournament, after the defending champion saw off a late challenge from Nicolas Jarry. The world No.4 cruised through the first set against Jarry 6-2, but had to battle his way through a tie-break win in the second set as the Chilean fought his way back into the match. “The first set I thought I was playing a good level, not doing anything extra, just enough to win,” Medvedev said. “Then he started to play much better and it was tough rallies, tough points. He served better and it was just a matter of a few points in the tie-break.” Sinner reached his fourth semi-final of the year as he eased past Tomas Machac 6-4 6-2 in just 91 minutes. “Physically I feel good. I’m just happy to compete,” Sinner said. “We practise very hard to be in these positions and I’m really happy I can play once again in the semis here at such a special tournament. “It’s special for me, I made my first Masters 1000 final here, so I’m really happy to be back in the semis.” In the women’s draw, queen of the upsets Ekaterina Alexandrova followed up her victory over world No.1 Iga Swiatek with another stellar display. The 14th seed beat fifth seed Jessica Pegula 3-6 6-4 6-4 to book a last-four meeting with another American, the unseeded Danielle Collins. The win, which took just under two hours, ensured the 29-year-old’s second WTA 1000 event semi-final appearance. Collins reached the last four in Miami for the second time with a 6-3 6-2 win over 23rd seed Caroline Garcia. Six years after becoming the first qualifier to reach the semi-finals, the 31-year-old former Australian Open finalist did not face a break point as she earned a third win over a seed in five matches. In her final year on tour, Collins has won 10 straight sets since losing her first of the tournament, dropping just 19 games along the way. Fourth seed Elena Rybakina faces three-time Miami champion Victoria Azarenka in the first of Friday’s semi-finals.

Categorieslatest

Inside Putin’s nightmare Arctic gulag – where prisoners are regularly stripped naked in -2C

The Arctic gulag where Putin sends opponents like Alexei Navalny to die forces prisoners to suffer sub zero temperatures and even sees them threatened with rape if they fail to stump up bribes to pay off guards. One of the most harrowing accounts of life inside the IK-6 prison colony in the town of Omsk in Russia’s frozen Siberian region comes from journalist and political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza. Kara-Murza – a Russian-British political activist and journalist – was arrested in April 2022 and charged with disobeying police orders. After his arrest, authorities heaped on trumped up charges including “discrediting” the military. Finally, that October, he was hit with the charge of treason and slapped with a 25-year sentence in one of Russia’s worst penal colonies. Every single day, guards wake up the prison population with the Russian national anthem at 5am. What is even more important for prisoners is that it marks a 5-minute window before guards enter the cell to swipe their pillow and mattresses in a particularly vindictive move. And just 15 minutes later, his metal bed frame would be locked to the wall of his 16ft by 6ft 6in cell, so there was absolutely no possibility of him spending the day in bed with hard labour to do outside. In the middle of the room, a table and bench were bolted to the floor. The only personal items he was permitted to keep were a mug, toothbrush, towel and a pair of slippers, reports MailPlus. Kara Murza’s morning sustenance would come in the form of a bowl of gloopy porridge and tea that was pushed through a metal hatch in the cell door. Later, he would be allowed a walk, lasting no longer than 90 minutes, which involved wandering around a courtyard of the same dimensions. Overhead, any view of the sky was covered with a metal grille. At all times, Kara Murza was forced to keep his hands behind his back, even as temperatures plummet to as low as -25C. Even while carrying out the most mundane of daily tasks, surveillance cameras watched him and at 9am and 5pm, he was forced to strip naked as guards ran a metal detector over his clothes and underwear. And when guards addressed him, he was forced to identify himself in the official term, stating: “[I am] Kara-Murza, Vladimir Vladimirovich, date of birth September 7, 1981, convicted under criminal code articles 284.1 part one, 207.3 part two, 275. Start date of sentence, April 22 2022. End date of sentence, April 21 2047.” Kara-Murza has become the highest-profile political prisoner in the Russian prison system following the death of Alexei Navalny, whose body was found in mysterious circumstances at a similar colony earlier this year. Both men were victims of suspected Novichok poisoning. Kara-Murza twice fell into a coma, in 2015 and 2017, which left him with a nerve disease called polyneuropathy -which causes the sufferers’ legs to go numb. Like Navalny, he too could have decided to remain in political exile, even in Britain due to his dual citizenship. But driven by the love of his country and defiance against Putin’s hardened regime, he chose to return. He flew back to Moscow just a month after Russia invaded Ukraine. The warlord had already made it an offence to call his “special military operation” a war or conflict. Yet Kara-Murza bravely and defiantly branded it what it was, a war of aggression. Within a week, he was seized outside his Moscow home, charged with spreading “fake news”, and put on trial for treason. His court appearance took place behind closed doors after the Kremlin decided it included the dissemination of “state secrets”. He was slapped with the longest term issued to any political prisoner in the country, 25 years.

Categorieslatest

What would Japanese intervention to boost a weak yen look like?

WHAT HAPPENS FIRST? When Japanese authorities escalate their verbal warnings to say they “stand ready to act decisively” against speculative moves, that is a sign intervention may be imminent. Rate checking by the BOJ – when central bank officials call dealers and ask for buying or selling rates for the yen – is seen by traders as a possible precursor to intervention. WHAT HAPPENED SO FAR? Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki told reporters on Wednesday that authorities could take “decisive steps” against yen weakness – language he hasn’t used since the 2022 intervention. Hours later, Japanese authorities held an emergency meeting to discuss the weak yen. The meeting is usually held as a symbolic gesture to markets that authorities are concerned about rapid currency moves. After the meeting, Japan’s top currency diplomat Masato Kanda said recent yen moves were too rapid and out of line with fundamentals, suggesting Tokyo saw enough reason to intervene to arrest further declines in the currency. LINE IN THE SAND? Authorities say they look at the speed of yen falls, rather than levels, and whether the moves are driven by speculators, to determine whether to step into the currency market. With the dollar having breached levels that triggered intervention in 2022, market players see a sharp move above 152 yen as the next threshold, then 155 yen. WHAT’S THE TRIGGER? The decision is highly political. When public anger over the weak yen and a subsequent rise in the cost of living is high, that puts pressure on the administration to respond. This was the case when Tokyo intervened in 2022. If the yen’s slide accelerates and draws the ire of the media and the public, the chance of intervention would rise again. The decision would not be easy. Intervention is costly and could easily fail, given that even a large burst of yen buying would pale next to the US$7.5 trillion that changes hands daily in the foreign exchange market. HOW WOULD IT WORK? When Japan intervenes to stem yen rises, the Ministry of Finance issues short-term bills, raising yen it then sells to weaken the Japanese currency. To support the yen, however, the authorities must tap Japan’s foreign reserves for dollars to sell for yen. In either case, the finance minister issues the order to intervene and the BOJ executes the order as the ministry’s agent. CHALLENGES? Yen-buying intervention is more difficult than yen-selling. While Japan holds nearly US$1.3 trillion in foreign reserves, these could be substantially eroded if Tokyo intervened heavily repeatedly, leaving authorities constrained over how long they can defend the yen. Japanese authorities also consider it important to seek the support of Group of Seven partners, notably the United States if the intervention involves the dollar. Washington gave tacit approval when Japan intervened in 2022, reflecting recent close bilateral relations. There is uncertainty on whether the same will happen when Japan next considers intervention. A looming US presidential election may discourage Japanese authorities from stepping in, given the risk of drawing unwanted attention and criticism from Washington as market meddling.

Categorieslatest

‘Game-changer’ test spots signs of motor neurone disease before symptoms – study

(adds detail in final six pars and adds a pic of Doddie Weir as enhancements) A test that spots signs of motor neurone disease before symptoms appear has been hailed a “game changer” by scientists developing it. The tool, known as TDP-43 aptamer, is able to detect damaged cell proteins in brain tissue samples. Researchers said these proteins are indicators, or biomarkers, of MND that can be spotted before cells begin to malfunction and symptoms start to appear. They said that detecting the condition at its earliest stages opened the door for more effective treatments. Dr Holly Spence, from the University of Aberdeen, said: “Our findings have implications for early diagnostics and intervention prior to symptom onset in MND. “With better ability to detect disease, we might be able to diagnose people with MND earlier, when therapeutic drugs might be much more effective.” MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK. There’s no cure for the condition, but treatments can help reduce its impact on a person’s daily life. It is caused by a build-up of certain proteins in the brain that clump together, causing the cells to gradually stop working. Symptoms include impaired movement, thinking and breathing, which worsens over time. The “aptamer” lab test works by identifying abnormal protein clumps in a brain tissue sample taken from a patient during biopsy. The researchers said their test could pick up indicators of MND earlier and with more sensitivity than methods currently used. Dr Jenna Gregory, from the University of Aberdeen, said: “This tool ‘targets’ the disease protein and allows us to see where toxic clumps are building up in the body. “It can do this for much lower amounts of disease proteins, and with greater accuracy than ever before. “This could be a game changer for MND research, diagnostics and treatment.” The research was funded by Target ALS and is published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica. Commenting on the research, Dr Brian Dickie, director of research at the Motor Neurone Disease Association, said: “It often takes a year from the first onset of symptoms to receiving a diagnosis of MND. “This innovative research into the early cellular changes occurring in MND offers exciting potential for the development of new tests to help reduce diagnostic delay. “As treatment does not begin until the disease is diagnosed, earlier intervention will hopefully also mean that treatments are more effective.” Jessica Lee, director of research at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – set up by the late Scottish rugby union player Doddie Weir – added: “Motor neurone disease is a devastating condition for which there are currently no effective treatments and long delays in diagnosis. “Due to advancements in research, many potential treatments are currently being explored in the lab and in clinical trials. “However, we now need robust biomarkers of disease to support the evaluation of these treatments and to speed up diagnosis, so that treatments can be started earlier in disease progression. “This exciting new technology holds promise to do just that.” Weir was “horrified at the lack of hope” given to people diagnosed with MND, his friend said. Jill Douglas, chief executive of the My Name’5 Doddie charity, said that the organisation was “cautiously excited” by the development, but told Sky News: “There’s a lack of hope for people within the MND community and so there is a tendency sometimes to be very excited about news like this – we have to approach it with caution until we better understand what its implications might be.” She added: “There needs to be a real concerted effort to do something for this disease and we feel as though we are on the cusp of a breakthrough for emerging treatments. We just need to keep the foot on the pedal. “When Doddie was diagnosed, he was horrified at the lack of hope afforded people who are given this brutal diagnosis that there are no treatments – the one drug that has been prescribed adds two or three months to your life expectancy. “So he wanted to really make a difference, to shine a light on the disease, which I think he did, really raising the profile. “He was an incredible character, Doddie, and his legacy goes on. He didn’t want us to stop. He said, ‘Keep going, we need to shine a light on this disease, we need to help people who are given this awful diagnosis and one day work towards effective treatments and a cure’.” She added: “You’ll have seen some of the people who’ve been struck by this awful disease, my great friend, Doddie – to see a giant of a man like that felled by it was was really hard for everybody. “And also we see Rob Burrow and how bravely he’s taking on MND and with the help of his great friend, Kevin Sinfield.”

Categorieslatest

NBC Drops Former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel Amid Public Backlash – The Union Journal

NBC’s decision to hire former Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel as a contributor has stirred significant controversy, resulting in her swift dismissal from the network. The move came in response to widespread criticism, including from NBC’s own staff, which prompted an internal review of McDaniel’s role. NBC Chairman Cesar Conde conveyed in an internal email obtained by NPR that the appointment of McDaniel undermined the cohesion and alignment necessary for the network’s success. He personally apologized to team members who felt let down by the decision and took full responsibility for the move. Ronna McDaniel Fired? The hiring of McDaniel had raised concerns within NBC, with colleagues expressing discomfort over her appointment. NBC’s chief political analyst, Chuck Todd, suggested during a broadcast that McDaniel’s credibility issues remained unresolved, given her past statements and affiliations. During the controversy, prominent NBC figures like Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker and anchor Rachel Maddow publicly criticized the network’s decision. Maddow called the choice to employ McDaniel “inexplicable” and urged NBC to reconsider. McDaniel’s tenure as RNC chairwoman was marked by her allegiance to former President Donald Trump, including her unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in the 2020 election. However, she later acknowledged President Biden’s victory, albeit amidst ongoing scrutiny over her earlier assertions. McDaniel’s departure from NBC underscores the challenges networks face in balancing journalistic integrity with the inclusion of partisan voices, especially in the aftermath of contentious political events.

Categorieslatest

British Gas, OVO, EDF, Octopus customers warned they must act every four weeks

British Gas, OVO, EDF, Octopus customers have been told to act NOW and take a meter reading before the new energy price cap hits on Monday. April 1 will bring with it a new Ofgem energy price cap amid the ongoing Cost of Living crisis. Martin Lewis, the BBC Sounds podcast host and ITV The Martin Lewis Money Show star, urged households to act so they benefit fully from the 12.3% cut to the Ofgem energy price cap. The difference between a week of energy at March’s rates compared with April’s is £4.65 for the average household. The energy price cap in Great Britain will fall by £238 to £1,690 for the period from 1 April to 30 June. Those on standard tariffs who do not have a working smart meter and do not submit meter readings at around this time risk having some of their usage after 1 April charged at the previous, more expensive rates. “For extra peace of mind, email yourself a time-stamped pic of the meter,” Mr Lewis said. Uswitch said that nine million households are at risk of failing to read their meter by 1 April, and could be incorrectly charged for a week’s worth of energy. It could mean they could risk overpaying a combined £44.6m. The average household on a standard variable tariff (SVT) is expected to spend £127 on energy in April, compared with £205 in March, according to early predictions and projections. Uswitch research found that nearly a fifth of households that do not have a smart meter have not submitted their meter readings in the last three months, and 4 per cent have not done so for a year. The advice is to submit a meter reading every month. Ben Gallizzi, energy spokesman at Uswitch.com, said: “We urge any households without a smart meter to submit their meter readings this bank holiday weekend, so their supplier has an updated and accurate view of your account on or around April 1. “This is when the next energy price cap comes into effect, which will see the rates that households on standard variable tariffs pay for their energy fall for April, May and June. If you delay submitting your readings, some of your energy usage could end up being charged under the higher rates we’re currently facing. “All households without a smart meter should ideally submit a meter reading every month to improve the accuracy of their bills.”

Verified by MonsterInsights