Friday, March 7, 2025

#news - Top U.S. & World Headlines — March 7, 2025: Democracy Now

7 March 2025

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#USA #finance #investment - Bloomberg Surveillance 03/07/2025

7 March 2925

Jonathan Ferro, Lisa Abramowicz and Annmarie Hordern speak daily with leaders and decision makers from Wall Street to Washington and beyond.

No other program better positions investors and executives for the trading day.

#motorsport - Class of 2025: Junior Programme Announced: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team





Press Information
7 March 2025


 
Junior Programme
 
Class of 2025: Junior Programme Announced




  • The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team announces an expanded Junior Programme for 2025
  • The programme now features 12 promising young drivers, competing in series from karting up to FIA F3.
  • Three female drivers, F1 Academy racer Doriane Pin, karter Luna Fluxa, plus new addition Julia Montlaur form 25% of the current intake.
  • The scheme upholds Mercedes-Benz's legacy of nurturing and supporting up-and-coming racing talent.
  • The success of the programme is evidenced by alumni George Russell and Kimi Antonelli forming the F1 team's driver line-up in 2025, with fellow graduate Fred Vesti occupying the role of Reserve Driver.

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is delighted to announce its Junior Programme line-up for 2025. This year, the programme expands to include twelve talented young drivers, competing across various categories from karting to FIA Formula 3.
 
Our official 2025 Junior Programme drivers are:
  • Noah Strømsted, 17, Danish
  • Doriane Pin, 21, French
  • Rashid Al Dhaheri, 16, Emirati
  • Yuanpu Cui, 17, Chinese
  • Alex Powell, 17, Jamaican-American
  • Ethan Jeff-Hall, 16, British
  • Andy Consani, 15, French
  • Luna Fluxa, 14, Spanish
  • Kenzo Craigie, 14, British
  • James Anagnostiadis, 14, Australian
  • Julia Montlaur, 12, French
  • Many Nuvolini, 11, Italian
Gwen Lagrue, Driver Development Advisor, commented: "2025 marked a special year for the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team's Junior Programme, that was reborn in 2016. Both of our F1 drivers this year have come from our own programme and are showing the way for all our young drivers.
 
"We have allowed ourselves to explore new championships and challenges this year, welcoming six new members from go karting all the way up to FIA Formula 3. Some of our junior drivers are ready to fight for their respective championships, some are just starting their journey in single seaters, some are at the end of their karting careers and others are at the beginning. At all levels we have some exciting talents and a busy season ahead."
 
George Russell said: "The Junior Programme has been such a big part of my life. I think the one thing I'm most grateful for is the support that everyone in the team gave me to help me perform. They didn't just drop me in situations and pile on the pressure; for all 12 of the current junior drivers, I know they will have the very best support and structure to help them on their motorsport journey.
 
With Kimi and I, both Junior Programme graduates, racing in F1 for the team this year, it shows what is possible. I am sure every one of the juniors will be giving it their all this year and I look forward to seeing their success on track."
 
Kimi Antonelli added: "The Junior Programme helped me develop so much, not only as a driver but also as a person. I'm so grateful to the team for the opportunity and the support as without it, I don't think I would be sat here as a works Mercedes driver in F1. It's great to see the programme going from strength-to-strength and I look forward to playing my part in helping all 12 drivers on their motorsport journey."
 
Noah Strømsted
 
A rare breed in modern motorsport, 17-year-old Noah came into single-seater racing with no previous karting experience. His talent was immediately obvious though and, following a testing programme, he finished as runner-up in the 2021 Danish F4 Championship.
 
After gaining experience in further European F4 series, the Dane competed in the Formula Regional European Championship in 2024. Noah claimed one pole and four podiums, finishing sixth overall and becoming rookie champion. For 2025, he steps up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Trident.
 
Noah said: "It feels really good to join the programme. My goal this season is to obviously learn a lot, but hopefully also fight for wins and potentially the championship. There will be lots of new tracks for me to drive this year, so I will have to adapt quickly."
 
Doriane Pin
 
One of the foremost female racing talents, Doriane is set for an F1 Academy title challenge in 2025, along with competing in the Formula Regional European Championship.
 
The Frenchwoman progressed through karting and initially made her way in the world of sportcars, winning in the European Le Mans Series and competing in the World Endurance Championship. 2024 marked her first full season in single-seaters, where she scored three wins and five podiums en route to the runners-up spot in F1 Academy. In 2025, the 21-year-old is looking to go one better.
 
Doriane said: "I'm really excited for the new season. I have been working hard to prepare this one. I'm determined to give it everything I've got and to push myself even further than before. I have one goal in mind and that is winning the title at the end of the year."
 
Rashid Al Dhaheri
 
Emirati driver Rashid joins the Junior Programme for 2025. The 16-year-old will compete in the Formula Regional European Championship with Prema Racing.
 
Rashid's motorsport journey began at the age of three, and he quickly rose through the ranks, winning the WSK Super Master Series and the South Garda Winter Cup in the 60 Mini category. In 2023, he made his single-seater debut with Prema Racing in the Italian F4 Championship, finishing 10th overall and taking P3 at Macau. Rashid continued to impress in 2024, competing in the Formula 4 UAE Championship and the Euro 4 Championship.
 
Rashid said: "I'm very proud to be joining the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team's Junior Programme, which has been so strong in recent years.
 
"Formula Regional this year will be a new experience, new tracks, with a new car, so there's a lot of learning to do. My biggest goal is to always give 100% and to keep developing. I'm still at an early point in my career and we never stop learning."
 
Yuanpu Cui
 
Hailing from Xi'an, China, Yuanpu steps up to the GB3 Championship for Argenti with Prema in 2025. The 17-year-old completed his first season in single-seaters in 2024, claiming one win and one further podium in the competitive British F4 Championship.
 
Yuanpu joined the team's Junior Programme in 2021, having impressed in European karting. That year, he won the ROK Cup Super-Final before showing strongly in the OK category ahead of his graduation to circuit racing.
 
Yuanpu said: "I'm so excited to be able to carry on as a member of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Junior Programme. It's been a pleasure being on this journey so far. I'm very looking forward to a lot of exciting, historic tracks this year. Let's see what the season brings!"
 
Alex Powell
 
Jamaican-American Alex will once again take part in the Italian F4 Championship in 2025, along with competing in his sophomore season in Euro 4.
 
Alex joined the team's Junior Programme in 2019 and enjoyed notable success in karting in the following years. Highlights include winning the 'Champions of the Future' series, finishing P2 in the FIA KZ2 World Cup and P3 in the FIA Karting European Championship. Alex stepped up to single-seaters in 2024, claiming the rookie title in Italian F4 and race wins in F4 Middle East and Euro 4. To start 2025, Alex finished as runner-up in F4 Middle East with five wins and four further podiums.
 
Alex said: "It is great to be part of the Junior Programme for another year. To have all the support and backing from the team is great and I am really truly grateful for that.
 
"I am excited for the year ahead and confident it is going to be another good season. There is a lot of work to do, but I am ready for the challenge."
 
Ethan Jeff-Hall
 
British racer Ethan is another new incumbent of the Junior Programme in 2025. The 16-year-old will be making his debut in single-seaters this year, competing in the British F4 Championship with Argenti Motorsport.
 
Ethan enjoyed a stellar karting career, winning the 2022 Rotax Max European Junior Championship and the British Open 'O Plate' Junior Championship. He then became the youngest winner of the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy in 2023 and won it again the following year. 2024 also marked a milestone moment as Ethan went onto secure the FIA World Karting Championship title in the OK category. Alongside his karting, Ethan also moved into car racing and claimed the Ginetta Junior Championship in his rookie season.
 
Ethan said: "Being a part of a Formula One team junior programme is something you dream of as a kid, so I am super delighted to be joining Mercedes.
 
"My focus is on doing as well as I possibly can this year in British F4. Hopefully that will give me a good foundation to progress from."
 
Andy Consani
 
15-year-old Frenchman Andy joins the Junior Programme for 2025, making his debut in single-seaters by competing in the French F4 Championship.
 
Motorsport very much runs in Andy's blood, with various family members involved in the industry, so it is no surprise that his first laps in a go-kart came at the age of four. Since starting to race on the international karting scene in 2021, Andy has achieved top 10 finishes in the 32° Andrea Margutti Trophy (60 Mini), FIA Karting World Championship (OK Junior) and in 2024 was top 20 in the FIA Karting European Championship (OK).
 
Andy said: "It is so exciting to be part of the Mercedes family and part of the team's Junior Programme. Wearing the colours of the Silver Arrows for this 2025 season in French F4 will be really cool. I am really looking forward to it and can't wait to get started."
 
Luna Fluxa
 
Spaniard Luna continues in karting for 2025, having last year become the first woman to win an FIA-sanctioned international karting championship since 1966 when she won the Champions of the Future series in OK-Senior.
 
Luna began racing in 2017 and rose through the ranks quickly, joining the team's Junior Programme in 2022. Last year, alongside her Champions of the Future success, Luna showed strongly in both the FIA European and World Championships, received F1 Academy's Rising Star Award, and was chosen to be part of the famed Iron Dames initiative.
 
Luna said: "Having the support of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Junior Programme has impacted my career so much. It's been a great journey so far and I am excited for it to continue. My objectives for this year are to finish top 10 and be consistent. Icannot wait to get going."
 
Kenzo Craigie
 
British racer Kenzo starred in 2024, becoming OK-Junior World Champion, claiming the IAME World Final X30 trophy, and was P3 in the Champions of the Future Euro Series. It was a breakout year for the 14-year-old who, for 2025, steps up to race in the OK-Senior category.
 
Kenzo's ascent up the karting ranks has been rapid, dominating national karting in 2021 before making the step up to European and World levels in 2022 en route to his dominant season last year.
 
Kenzo said: "Last year was a good season for me, and moving up a category this year will give me a great chance to learn. I am aiming to recreate the results from 2024, and I am looking forward to racing on some new tracks in 2025."
 
James Anagnostiadis
 
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, James joined the team's Junior Programme midway through 2024. He immediately showed why he is so highly rated, finishing as vice-champion in the OK-Junior category at the FIA Karting World Championships and taking the title in the same category in the Champions of the Future Academy series. For 2025, he steps up to the OK-Senior category.
 
James made the move to European karting having dominated in his native Australia, winning eight state titles and several national crowns.
 
James said: "I am excited to be in a new category this year. There is always a lot to learn but it feels good to have a new challenge and a fresh start. I am aiming for podiums and hoping to place high up at the World Championship again. I am focused on improving and see where I get."
 
Julia Montlaur
 
Julia is another new addition to the Junior Programme in 2025. The 12-year-old makes the move up to the OK Junior category this year, racing in the Champions of the Future Academy Program and the FFSA Academy in France.
 
Julia began karting at the age of eight and has been racing in national series since then. This year marks her graduation into European racing.
 
Julia said: "It is an incredible feeling to be joining the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Junior Programme this year. I am looking forward to finding the limits of my performance this year and continuing to learn."
 
Many Nuvolini
 
Italian Many Nuvolini also joins the Junior Programme this year having shown promise in his early karting career. He will compete in the OK-Junior category in 2025, aiming to continue his upward trajectory.
 
Many began karting at the age of six and has since competed in numerous national and international championships. He has achieved several notable results, including podium finishes in the WSK series and the Italian Karting Championship.
 
Many said: "I am really happy to be joining the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Junior Programme. It is one of the best programmes to be on as a young driver so I am excited for what is ahead. I want to keep improving this year and hopefully I can win a championship."
 
About the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
 
Mercedes was born to race - and we've been doing it since 1901. Today, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team competes at the pinnacle of motorsport: the FIA Formula One World Championship.
 
The pioneering spirit of our company founders lives on in our commitment to innovation and performance. As the world's original automobile manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz has defined the cutting edge of technology for over a century. Today, our F1 team exists to demonstrate the best of the brand's performance on the global stage.
 
Based in Brackley and Brixworth, UK, over 2,000 committed team members work with a singular mission: to win the world championship. From 2014 to 2021, we secured a record eight consecutive Constructors' Championships, and we are hungry for more.
 
Our journey is not just about performance on the track; we also strive to make a positive impact on the world and inspire future generations. We are proud signatories of the Climate Pledge, and we are leading the way in building a more sustainable and inclusive sport.

#USA #economy #tariffs - Nobel laureate discusses how tariffs hurt supply chain: Yahoo Finance

x

6 March 2025

The Trump administration will be hosting the first-ever crypto summit at the White House on Friday, March 7, where President Trump is expected to lay out his plans for the future of a US strategic crypto reserve.

Trump announced via a social media post that the new strategic crypto reserve will be comprised of cryptocurrencies ethereum (ETH-USD), Solana (SOL-USD), XRP (XRP-USD), cardano (ADA-USD), and bitcoin (BTC-USD).

Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, joins Morning Brief host Seana Smith and weighs in on the prospect of the US investing in a crypto reserve.

"To the extent that crypto is in widespread use, it's almost entirely for criminal activities, money laundering, extortion payments," Krugman states, going on to add: "And it's true that people have bought crypto and driven the prices way up. But you ask, well... why are we investing in something where it's still not at all clear what the point is? And what does it even mean to have a crypto reserve? It's not like a reserve of oil that you can use..."

Also catch Paul Krugman comment on the "destructive" nature of President Trump's tariffs that he is planning to levy against Canada and Mexico

To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action,

check out more Morning Brief here: https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/seri...

#youtube #stocks #stockmarket

#USA #oligarths - Murphy Breaks Down Trump And Musk's 'Rampage Of Open Corruption', Likens Them To Russian Oligarchs: Forbes Breaking News

6 March 2025

During remarks on the Senate floor Thursday, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) spoke about the 'open corruption' of Elon Musk and President Trump during the first six weeks of the Trump Administration.

Christopher Scott Murphy (born August 3, 1973) is an American lawyer, author, and politician serving as the junior United States senator from Connecticut ...

Forbes - Wikipedia

#Russia #Putin #oligarths - Rise and Fall of Putin's Oligarchs | Inside the Russian Elite | ENDEVR Documentary

23 February 2025

Watch 'The Rise of Putin: From KGB Agent to Leader of Russia' here:    • The Rise of Putin: From KGB Agent to ...   When Vladimir Putin came to power in 2000, Russia’s super rich saw him as a technocrat they could control, just as they had dominated his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin.

They had a rude awakening in 2003, when Putin arrested, caged and exiled the richest man in Russia. Looking on from their yachts, jets and castles, the Oligarchs sent the same message to Putin:

“How do I avoid being caged?” His response: “50 percent.” In one bold stroke Putin spread fear across his land, consolidated his power and likely made himself the richest man on earth.

Now, with war raging in Ukraine, the Oligarchs are caught between sanctions in the west and a backlash at home. This is the story of Russia’s super rich and the man who rules over them.

#ENDEVR #FreeDocumentary #russiaukrainewar

#F1 - Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team announces ambitious first steps towards sustainable carbon fibre composites for 2025 Formula 1 season

 

Press Information
6 March 2025


 
F1: Sustainability
 
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team announces ambitious first steps towards sustainable carbon fibre composites for 2025 Formula 1 season

  • This season will be the first time in which innovative sustainable carbon fibre composites will be used in Formula 1 on the W16.
  • Our efforts in this space have been made possible through close partnership between the team and INEOS Nitriles, and collaboration with Toray, Syensqo and Sigmatex.
  • Pioneering sustainable materials projects in Formula 1 will provide a significant opportunity to scale this innovation beyond motorsport, to industries such as aviation and aerospace.
  • Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team said: "When you combine performance and innovation, you create progress. I am proud to lead a team of problem solvers who are committed to driving sustainable change".

Today, we are communicating our first steps on the road towards sustainable carbon fibre composites. In concrete terms, this means that we will qualify and apply sustainable carbon fibre composites to our race cars during the 2025 Formula 1 season, without sacrificing any on-track performance.
 
Carbon fibre composites form approximately 75% of our race car materials, helping us to achieve the highest levels of performance and safety. Innovations in these materials provide a significant opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of our car, supporting our goal to achieve Net Zero across all scopes by 2040.
 
Carbon fibre composites are primarily formed of two key components: the fibres and the resin system. By weight, approximately 60% of the composite material is formed of fibres, with 40% made up by the resin system. Impregnating the fibres with the resin system, followed by curing, creates a lightweight material with outstanding mechanical performance necessary to meet the unforgiving demands of Formula 1.
 
Working closely with the FIA within the scope of the relevant regulations, we aim to demonstrate that sustainable carbon fibre composites can perform to the same technically demanding requirements as traditional materials.
 
To qualify a carbon fibre composite material for use on the race car, it must undergo rigorous laboratory testing to provide understanding of its technical properties and performance. Transferring from the lab to the racetrack requires further trials and verification to ensure the material behaviour aligns with expectations.
 
The identification and subsequent qualification of sustainable materials solutions would not be possible without the continuous innovation and ongoing support of our supply chain; each carbon fibre composite component involves four to eight suppliers to deliver the final product.
 
To achieve a sustainable carbon fibre composite, both components - the fibres and the resin system - must be addressed. Working collaboratively with our supply chain, the team has two separate projects underway for introduction later this year, one of which will address the resin system and one the carbon fibres themselves.
 
Formula 1 is the world's fastest test lab and these innovations represent the latest step in our transition towards a more sustainable sport. As a team, we are committed to pursuing sustainable high performance. We were the first global sports team to invest in and help scale the market for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and in 2024, we successfully powered our European season using HVO100 biofuel.
 
Our work on these pioneering sustainable materials projects in Formula 1 provides a significant opportunity to scale this innovation beyond motorsport. Innovation drives performance, and these developments can shape industry futures from aviation and aerospace to technical performance fabrics.
 
Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
"When you combine performance and innovation, you create progress. I am proud to lead a team of problem solvers who are committed to driving sustainable change. I would like to thank our partners for supporting our drive for material innovation, and to the FIA for enabling us to test these materials. Collectively we are moving the dial on sustainable products and demonstrating that Formula 1 continues to be the fastest laboratory in the world."
 
Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
"We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable innovation within our sport. Leadership must be driven by innovation and our team's efforts in this space are the latest demonstration of our ambition to become one of the world's most sustainable global sports teams. We look forward to exploring the application of sustainable materials this season."


Notes to Editors
 
Collaboration is vital to our success, with advancements in our materials sustainability strategy made possible by close co-operation with our carbon fibre and composites supply chain. We would like to give thanks to our Principal Partner INEOS, fibre manufacturer Toray, fabric weaver Sigmatex and resin formulator and prepreger Syensqo.
 
INEOS
INEOS is a global manufacturer of petrochemicals, speciality chemicals and energy. In recent years, INEOS's scope of operations has diversified with the launch of INEOS Automotive and INEOS Hygienics, acquisition of iconic British brand Belstaff and an ever-expanding sports portfolio. Comprising 30 individual businesses, INEOS operate 173 facilities in 32 countries around the world.
www.ineos.com
 
Toray
Toray Group supplies the most comprehensive range of carbon fibre materials in the market, from high-performance premium fibre for aircraft applications, to affordable large tow for wind turbines. Our capabilities also include fabric, prepreg, intermediary materials, and composite parts thanks to strategic investments in technology and processing capabilities. We manufacture carbon fibre globally, with production sites across Asia, Europe and America.
www.toray.com/global
 
Syensqo
Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils initiated by Ernest Solvay in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation. As an established leader in composites for automotive applications, Syensqo has been developing novel and efficient solutions for motorsport OEMs for nearly four decades.
www.syensqo.com
 
Sigmatex
For over 30 years, Sigmatex has been a pioneer in the design, development and manufacture of carbon fibre textiles to the composites industry. By achieving excellence in innovation, service level, quality and trust, Sigmatex are driven to be the first-choice partner in high performance carbon fibre textiles.
www.sigmatex.com





#amazon #facebook #shopping - How Facebook Marketplace Amassed More Shoppers Than Amazon: CNBC

6 March 2025

Facebook’s losing younger users, but one thing is keeping people hooked: Marketplace. With over a billion users in 70 countries, it’s now one of the biggest resale platforms, bigger than eBay and Craigslist in some places.

Unlike other sites, Facebook doesn’t charge listing fees, making it a top choice for Gen Z, budget shoppers, and secondhand sellers. But how important is Marketplace to Facebook’s future? And is Meta using it to grow its ad business?

#CNBC #ecommerce

#ReArmEurope #eudebates #EUCO - Europe Stands Strong: A Historic Decision That Will Change Everything! EU Debates | eudebates.tv

6 March 2025

"We are coming out of this European Council determined."

These words from President Ursula von der Leyen mark a turning point for Europe. In a time of crisis, leaders have united to take extraordinary measures to strengthen our defense, support Ukraine, and secure our future.

What does this mean for Europe and the world?

Watch now to find out.


#music #musica - Lady Gaga - "Zombieboy" (Official Audio)

7 March 2925

MAYHEM OUT NOW http://ladygaga.com

#Ukraine #defence - EU states discuss air protection zone 'Sky Shield' for Ukraine | DW News

6 March 2925

European military experts have presented a plan that could offer Ukraine protection from Russian missile and drone attacks. Called 'Sky Shield,' it involves deploying a European force of 120 fighter jets to protect Kyiv and western Ukraine from Russian air strikes.

The initiative proposes covering three of Ukraine's operating nuclear power plants and the cities of Odesa and Lviv, but not the frontline or Ukraine's east. Its authors stress that Sky Shield would be an explicitly Europe-led air protection zone operated separately from NATO.