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  US stock futures retreated on Tuesday as mounting fears of an AI-driven market bubble weighed heavily on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell 0.7% , marking the worst three-day run for the blue-chip index since April. The Nasdaq 100 slipped 0.8% , while the S&P 500 dropped 0.6% , extending losses from a bruising session earlier this week. The pullback comes ahead of a pivotal Nvidia earnings report , which investors see as a litmus test for the sustainability of the AI boom. Concerns about inflated valuations in the sector have grown, particularly as chipmakers and tech giants face scrutiny over their aggressive expansion into AI infrastructure. Adding to the turbulence, Bitcoin briefly dipped below $90,000 , erasing all of its gains for the year and deepening a global sell-off in cryptocurrencies. The decline rattled Asian markets, with Japanese stocks suffering their steepest loss since April. Meanwhile, 10-year Treasury yields fell , reflec...

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Alberta Moves Toward Dual Health-Care Delivery Model

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Matt Jones, unveiled the province’s latest plans to improve health care at a Friday news conference in Calgary. 

Alberta is preparing to reshape its health-care system by allowing doctors to deliver both public and private services. The provincial government recently announced legislative changes that would enable residents to privately pay for diagnostic, screening, and preventative services, while still accessing publicly funded care through Alberta Health Services.

What the Plan Means

  • Expanded Choice for Patients: Albertans could soon choose between publicly funded tests and privately purchased services, giving them more flexibility in how they access care.
  • Private Sector Involvement: The plan opens the door for private clinics and providers to deliver services such as MRIs, blood tests, and other preventative screenings.
  • Public System Impact: Critics warn that this shift may strain the public system, as resources and personnel could be diverted to private operations.

Government’s Position

Premier Danielle Smith and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange argue that the changes will reduce wait times and improve access to preventative care. They emphasize that the reforms are designed to give Albertans more control over their health choices.

Concerns Raised

  • Equity Issues: Some medical experts caution that wealthier Albertans may benefit disproportionately, while lower-income residents could face longer waits in the public system.
  • Workforce Challenges: The Alberta Medical Association has noted that without addressing physician shortages and retention, the reforms may not achieve their intended outcomes.
  • System Sustainability: Critics argue that introducing private payment options risks undermining the universality of Canada’s health-care model.

Looking Ahead

The legislation is expected to be introduced in late 2025, with implementation beginning in 2026. If passed, Alberta would become one of the first provinces to formally allow doctors to operate in both public and private spheres simultaneously.

This move represents a significant shift in Canadian health policy, sparking debate over whether it will modernize the system or erode its foundational principles of equity and universality.


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