July 2025 - Page 22 of 34 - The now denial

Copper prices have surged to record highs — and they could jump higher. Here’s why

12 Jul

Copper prices reach record highs — here’s why more gains may be ahead

Copper, often considered a barometer of global economic health, has seen its market value climb to unprecedented levels in recent weeks. The surge reflects a combination of tightening supply, resilient demand, and long-term shifts in global industry that suggest prices may continue to rise. As investors, manufacturers, and policymakers turn their attention to this crucial industrial metal, understanding the forces behind its upward trajectory is more important than ever.The recent increase in copper prices is not solely due to market speculation. Various structural and macroeconomic elements have come together, forming an ideal setting for a price surge. Included are limited…

Retail sales jumped more than expected last month

12 Jul

Retail sales figures surpassed forecasts last month

George PowerEconomy

Last month, consumer expenditures witnessed an unforeseen increase, with retail sales climbing more considerably than analysts had anticipated. This rise indicates revived momentum within the retail industry, presenting cautious hope for the broader economy despite continuous concerns about inflation, interest rates, and changing consumer habits.According to data that has just been made available, there was significant growth in sales across various retail sectors. From apparel and tech gadgets to groceries and home renovations, stores experienced increased in-store visits and stronger online demand than initially predicted. Economists had expected only a slight rise, due to factors like increasing costs and economic…

'It makes me feel strong': Burlesque is back - but is it empowering or degrading to women?

12 Jul

‘It makes me feel strong’: Burlesque Returns – Empowering Women or Perpetuating Stereotypes?

George PowerCulture and Entertainment

Burlesque, once a fringe form of entertainment associated with vaudeville stages and smoky clubs, is experiencing a cultural revival. Across cities in the U.S. and abroad, a new generation of performers are embracing the genre’s blend of dance, theatricality, and sensuality. For some, it represents a celebration of body confidence, artistic freedom, and female empowerment. For others, it raises deeper questions about objectification, societal expectations, and whether true liberation can coexist with the performance of sexuality.This tension is not new. From its 19th-century origins, burlesque has walked a fine line between subversion and spectacle. While it often included satire, parody,…

11 Jul

Could axing two national holidays save France from its mountain of debt?

George PowerSocial Responsibility

As France persists in dealing with the economic difficulties of rising prices, a growing elderly demographic, and mounting fiscal demands, discussions on lowering national debt have attracted heightened interest. One of the more stimulating propositions is the concept of removing two public holidays to enhance the country's productivity and possibly produce billions more in economic output. Though the idea has stirred discussion across political, economic, and social arenas, the main question persists: would reducing merely two days of official holiday meaningfully affect France’s escalating debt?France currently observes 11 official public holidays per year. Some of these, such as Bastille Day…

World’s biggest Mars rock sells for .3 million at auction

11 Jul

Record-breaking Mars rock sells for $4.3 million at auction

George PowerScience and Technology

In a remarkable sale that captured the attention of collectors and space enthusiasts alike, the world’s largest known Mars meteorite was recently auctioned for an impressive $4.3 million. This extraordinary specimen, notable for both its size and scientific significance, offers a tangible connection to the Red Planet and highlights the growing market for rare extraterrestrial materials.Martian meteorites are extremely unusual and precious as they offer direct understanding of the geology and past of our nearby planet without requiring space expeditions. These rocks are pieces ejected from Mars by collisions with asteroids and ultimately reach Earth, journeying immense distances across space…

US deports five 'barbaric' migrants to Eswatini

11 Jul

United States sends five ‘barbaric’ migrants back to Eswatini

George PowerSocial Responsibility

The government of the United States recently executed the deportation of five migrants to Eswatini, an action that has gained considerable notice because of the grave accusations aimed at the people involved. Officials depicted the migrants as having participated in violent and criminal acts, leading to rapid measures for their removal from US soil. This deportation underscores the persistent difficulties encountered by immigration enforcement bodies in weighing national security priorities against humanitarian and legal factors.The migrants in question were reportedly linked to a series of offenses that local and federal officials characterized as “barbaric,” reflecting the severity of their alleged…

The handshake in orbit that made the International Space Station possible

11 Jul

The famous handshake in orbit that built the International Space Station

George PowerScience and Technology

The International Space Station (ISS) stands as one of humanity’s most remarkable feats of engineering and international collaboration. Floating hundreds of kilometers above Earth, this orbital laboratory serves as a symbol of peaceful cooperation between nations once divided by rivalry and political tensions. Yet behind the glossy images of astronauts working in zero gravity lies a story rooted in a pivotal moment—a symbolic handshake in space that helped lay the foundation for the ISS as we know it today.The concept of a space station shared by multiple countries was once a distant dream, challenged by geopolitical competition, technological hurdles, and…

Kids are asking AI companions to solve their problems, according to a new study. Here’s why that’s a problem

11 Jul

New study reveals kids rely on AI companions for advice—here’s why experts worry

George PowerSocial Responsibility

As artificial intelligence becomes more accessible and embedded in everyday life, a growing number of children are turning to AI-powered companions to seek answers, guidance, and emotional support. A recent study has shed light on this trend, revealing that children as young as eight are engaging in conversations with AI chatbots about personal problems—ranging from school stress to family issues. While the technology is designed to be helpful and engaging, experts warn that relying on AI for advice at a formative age may have unintended consequences.The results emerge as generative AI systems are increasingly integrated into children's digital spaces via…

Labubu firm sees profit soaring by at least 350%

11 Jul

Labubu firm predicts profit boost of at least 350%

George PowerInvestments and Business

Labubu, a firm recognized for its unique collectibles and expanding presence in the pop culture merchandise sector, has reported a remarkable boost in profitability, with profits rising over 350% relative to the prior fiscal year. This significant growth is credited to a spike in consumer interest, an effective entry into fresh markets, and strategic investments in branding and product development.The firm's results have surpassed what analysts anticipated, indicating that interest in specialized and character-focused collectibles is still robust, especially within Asian and global youth demographics. Labubu, a component of the continuously growing world of designer toys and lifestyle products, has…

Canada's PM wants to fast-track 'nation building' – but can he convince indigenous First Nations?

11 Jul

Can Canada’s PM fast-track ‘nation building’ with indigenous First Nations on board?

George PowerInternational

As Canada embarks on a renewed effort to advance large-scale infrastructure and economic development projects under the banner of “nation building,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is emphasizing urgency and ambition. From clean energy corridors to transportation links, the federal government has presented these initiatives as essential to shaping the country’s long-term prosperity and sustainability. Yet for many Indigenous First Nations, these projects bring a familiar set of questions: Who defines what nation building means? And how will Indigenous voices be meaningfully included?At the heart of the discussion lies the federal administration’s suggestion to expedite permissions for significant initiatives considered…