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Trump says Musk should use 'scalpel' not 'hatchet' in govt cuts
Trump says Musk should use 'scalpel' not 'hatchet' in govt cuts
by  AFP

President Donald Trump responded Thursday to growing criticism over unprecedented cuts to the US government overseen by his billionaire advisor Elon Musk, saying they should be carefully targeted. Trump told his team, with Musk in the room, that the tech billionaire was authorized to recommend firings and other cuts but not to enforce them, according to Politico.

Peru farmer confident ahead of German court battle with energy giant
Peru farmer confident ahead of German court battle with energy giant
by  AFP

A Peruvian farmer suing a German energy giant in a "David and Goliath" battle over climate change damage, says he has "full confidence" in the legal process in Germany. "I have full confidence in these processes," he told a press conference in Lima on Wednesday.

US trade gap hits new record in January as tariff fears loomed
US trade gap hits new record in January as tariff fears loomed
by  AFP

The US trade deficit surged to a new record in January, government data showed Thursday, as imports spiked while tariff worries flared in the month of President Donald Trump's inauguration. In January, imports came in at $401.2 billion, and this was $36.6 billion more than the level in December, Commerce Department data showed.

Scandinavians boycott US goods over Trump's Ukraine U-turn
Scandinavians boycott US goods over Trump's Ukraine U-turn
by  AFP

Scandinavian consumers outraged by US President Donald Trump's Ukraine policy turnaround have begun boycotting goods and services "Made in USA" but are discovering just how difficult that can be at times. She admits it's not always easy, especially when it comes to tech goods and online services.

Philippines' Palawan approves 50-year ban on new mining permits
Philippines' Palawan approves 50-year ban on new mining permits
by  AFP

The local government in a resource-rich Philippine province has unanimously voted in favour of a 50-year ban on new mining permits, a decision its supporters said cannot be overridden by Manila. Environmental lawyer Grizelda Anda, who worked in support of Wednesday's vote, said Manila would not be able to legally overrule the local government's decision, which now awaits the governor's signature.