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🗞️ Turtles and straws
Donald Trump has previously dismissed climate change as “mythical,” “nonexistent” and “an expensive hoax.” So, it’s no surprise that he has signed an order pushing the US back toward plastic straws.
Pick & Scroll News
February 12, 2025
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Good morning. Donald Trump has previously dismissed climate change as “mythical,” “nonexistent” and “an expensive hoax.”
So, it’s no surprise that he has signed an order pushing the US back toward plastic straws.
He made some interesting points at the White House announcement: “I don’t think that plastic is going to affect the shark very much as they’re… munching their way through the ocean.”
One group celebrating the decision is the Plastics Industry Association. President and CEO Matt Seaholm commenting, “Straws are just the beginning—‘back to plastic’ is a movement we should all get behind.”
Trump clearly wasn't one of the 110 million viewers that watched the turtle and straw video!
All the headlines and more below...
AUSTRALIAN NEWS
25% of Australian students fail to complete Year 12
The Productivity Commission reports 25% of Australian students fail to complete Year 12, with government schools showing lowest retention. LINK
Sydney's planned train slowdown has been postponed for 48 hours as negotiations continue between NSW government and transport union. LINK
The Australian federal government has passed $13.7B in tax credits for green hydrogen and critical minerals production from FY27 to FY40. LINK
QLD floods are expected to reduce Australia's GDP by 0.1% in the March quarter as agricultural production suffers. LINK
Australia's Big Four banks have agreed to pause regional branch closures until FY27 following government pressure. LINK
The Inspector General of Taxation is reviewing complaints about the ATO's aggressive debt collection practices and taxpayer inflexibility. LINK
GLOBAL NEWS
France and EU promise to cut red tape on tech
French President Macron announced the EU will ease AI regulations to boost investment and competitiveness. LINK
US President Trump has considered exempting Australia from new 25% steel tariffs after speaking with PM Albanese. LINK
US President Trump signed an executive order to reverse plastic straw restrictions whilst overturning a Biden administration environmental policy. LINK
COMPANY NEWS
Retail Food Group to shut down Michel’s Patisserie brand, opting to convert stores
Retail Food Group is discontinuing its Michel's Patisserie brand following quality issues and a class action settlement. LINK
Clarity Pharmaceuticals has announced a new breast cancer treatment amid an industry-wide sector decline. LINK
Monash University has developed an AI tool to rapidly detect and analyse microplastic pollution in waterways. LINK
APRA is investigating Cbus over spending and governance concerns, including $4.5M in union payments and insurance mismanagement. LINK
Disney+ will introduce an ESPN hub in Australia with 10,000 hours of live sports content. LINK
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman rejected a $155B takeover bid from Elon Musk's investor consortium whilst tensions rise over the company's direction. LINK
Tesla's Shanghai Megapack battery factory has commenced production, expanding its energy storage presence in China. LINK
Breville has reported a 16.1% profit increase whilst shifting production from China amid US-China trade tensions. LINK
Macquarie Group has maintained steady earnings through December whilst experiencing weaker commodity and investment banking income. LINK
CSL has reported a 7% profit increase to $1.9B for the December half as strong plasma performance offset declining flu vaccine sales. LINK
Seven West Media has met first-half forecasts through digital TV growth and cost savings despite advertising weakness. LINK
ONE MORE SCROLL
Editor’s Pick: Court in Spain says woman should get 32 weeks of leave – the amount given to a couple – rather than 16 weeks.
Odd Pick: Jump rope pro saves neighbour and dog from ice pond – with jump rope.
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Keyboard warrior
The string of symbols below contains only 4 symbols: $, &, @ and #.
# $ # & & @ # $ & @ $ # @ & # & @ @ $ @ & @
What is the only one of these 4 symbols that can be added on the right-hand side of the string to ensure that there is no repetition of three consecutive symbols anywhere in the string?
A) $
B) &
C) @
D) #
Answer below
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