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Trade Tensions Rattle Wall Street’s Momentum

After an impressive streak of gains that pushed major U.S. indices to record highs, the stock market faced a sharp reversal as renewed trade tensions triggered investor anxiety. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all pulled back in Friday’s session, with financials and industrials leading the retreat. Concerns were reignited after new tariffs targeting tech and manufacturing imports between the U.S. and China surfaced, prompting fears of escalating economic friction. These measures, aimed at protecting domestic industries, were met with criticism from global partners and stoked uncertainty about the broader trade landscape. Analysts note that while earnings remain strong and economic indicators are still resilient, the shadow of protectionism looms large. Investor sentiment, which had been buoyed by dovish monetary policy and solid corporate results, now finds itself caught in geopolitical crosswinds. Many traders are now recalibrating their expectations heading ...

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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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