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Wall Street Braces as Tech Rout Deepens

US markets looked set for another turbulent session as futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq pointed lower, signaling continued pressure on the tech sector. A wave of selling has swept through major technology names this week, and Thursday’s pre‑market action suggested the downturn isn’t over yet. Alphabet remained a major drag after its sharp slide, with investors reacting to concerns about rising AI‑related spending and the uncertain payoff timeline. The pullback has added to broader anxiety across the sector, where valuations have been tested by shifting expectations around growth and profitability. Amazon now sits in the spotlight as traders await its upcoming earnings report. With sentiment already fragile, the company’s results could either steady the market or accelerate the sell‑off, depending on how its cloud and retail segments perform. Commodities also reflected the risk‑off mood. Silver prices tumbled, extending a recent decline and underscoring the cautious tone acros...

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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Replaces Deputy Health Minister Amid AHS Allegations

 

In a significant political move, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has removed Deputy Health Minister Andre Tremblay following allegations of government interference in lucrative medical contracts. The decision comes in the wake of a lawsuit filed by former Alberta Health Services (AHS) CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, who claims she was wrongfully dismissed for investigating questionable contracts pushed by high-ranking government officials.

Mentzelopoulos alleges that she faced pressure from government officials, including those in the premier's office, to sign off on contracts with surgical facilities at inflated prices. The lawsuit, which has not yet been tested in court, also claims that Health Minister Adriana LaGrange attempted to thwart her probe into these contracts.

Premier Smith has announced that Tremblay will continue to serve as the head of Alberta Health Services while the government conducts an internal review. Smith has also stated that an independent third party will be hired to assist with the investigation and that a "legal conflicts wall" will be established to separate the ongoing work of those implicated from the investigation.

Despite calls for a public inquiry, Smith has opted for an internal review, emphasizing the government's commitment to transparency and accountability. Both Smith and LaGrange have denied any involvement in the awarding of private surgery contracts, asserting that all contracting decisions were made by AHS staff.

The allegations have sparked a political firestorm in Alberta, with opposition parties and some members of Smith's cabinet calling for a more thorough investigation. As the situation unfolds, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by Mentzelopoulos and ensure the integrity of Alberta's healthcare system.


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