Business downturn fuels fears of recession

By John-Paul Ford Rojas

Updated: 16:50 EDT, 22 September 2023

Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.

By Chris Wheeler for MailOnline

Published: 08:30 EDT, 22 September 2023 | Updated: 09:41 EDT, 22 September 2023

• Almost 30 tons of ground beef were recalled in Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio
• A sample of the meat contained the bacteria Shiga toxin-producing E. coli 
• READ MORE: Eyedrops recalled by FDA due to fears they contain deadly germs

By Emily Joshu Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com

Published: 12:08 EDT, 19 September 2023 | Updated: 14:48 EDT, 19 September 2023

US health officials are looking into reports that the iPhone 12 emits harmful levels of radiation — after sales were temporarily halted in Europe due to safety fears.

A spokesperson for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — which is partly responsible for making sure cellphones are safe — told DailyMail.com the agency was ‘reviewing the available information’.

It comes after a regulator in France this week asked Apple to stop selling the 2020 iPhone 12, claiming tests found the handset emits radiation levels that exceed EU restrictions. 

Germany, Belgium and Spain have all signaled they could follow suit. Apple has disputed the findings, but the news has reignited deep-rooted fears about health and cellphone usage.

More than 81million iPhones were sold in the United States in 2021, the year after the model’s release. It is unclear how many Americans still own a device that is now three years old.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, a spokesman said: ‘In general, the FDA does not comment on specific studies or test results, but evaluates them as part of the body of evidence to further our understanding about a particular issue and assist in our mission to protect public health.

‘The FDA is reviewing the available information.’

The agency is responsible for regulating the safety of phones along with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The FCC declined to comment when contacted by DailyMail.com.

The Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) initially raised the alarm on Tuesday, claiming that the iPhone 12 had failed its latest round of routine testing – with radiation levels 40 percent above what the regulator says is acceptable.

But most experts say even if the higher radiation levels are true, they are ‘not sufficient’ enough to harm people.

There are old fears about the effects of phones on health, having previously been linked to brain cancer and fertility issues, but these have never been proven conclusively. 

Dr Devra Davis, an epidemiologist who has been studying the dangers of radiofrequency released from phones since the early 2000s, told DailyMail.com the FDA should ‘absolutely’ investigate the iPhone 12.

‘Why should French people be more protected than Americans?,’ she added.

Dr Joel Moskowitz, who researches the adverse effects of cellphone radiation at the University of California, Berkeley, said he hoped the reports from France prompted an investigation.

He told DailyMail.com: ‘I hope the French Apple 12 emissions debacle triggers an independent investigation in the US regarding SAR testing procedures for authorization for all wireless devices. 

‘In 2012, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report at the request of the Congress which raised major concerns about the SAR testing protocol, but it was ignored by the FCC.’

In routine testing, French regulators found the iPhone 12 emitted radiation levels that were 40 percent above permissible levels when it was next to a human.

Radiation from cellphones is measured in Europe using the specific absorption rate (SAR), or the amount of power absorbed by the body from a particular source per kilogram of body-weight.

More than 100million iPhone 12’s have been sold worldwide, while in the US an estimated 135million people own an iPhone.

In 2021, a year after the iPhone 12’s release, the number of iPhone owners sat at around 116million users. 

French digital minister Jean-Noel Barrot stressed the iPhone 12’s radiation levels were much lower than those that scientific studies say could cause harm.

He added that a software update would be able to solve the issue.

Dr Rodney Croft, a neurophysiologist in Australia and chair of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, said: ‘From a health and safety point of view, it is not as if this is putting anyone at risk.’

The safety levels — based on the risks of burns or heatstroke from the phone’s radiation — are already set ten times below the level where scientists found evidence of harm.

Dr Croft added that France’s findings may differ from those of other regulators because measurement methods vary between different regulators.

France has previously stopped the sales of 42 smartphones in the country over radiation concerns. This is the first time Apple has been hit.

Apple currently has two weeks in which to respond but has already said it will issue a software update to fix the issue.

French regulators say they will need to test the software before they can put the phone back on the market.

The software update will only affect phones in France, and not those in other countries, they added. 

Previous research has suggested exposure to radiation from phones can cause everything from cancer to fertility issues.

But many researchers seek to pour cold water on these results, saying the tests were done in animals and exposure levels were very high in order to cause the issue.

‘Currently there is no strong evidence that exposure to electromagnetic fields during mobile phone use is associated with adverse health effects,’ Maria Feychting, a professor of epidemiology at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, said.

‘However, there are still some uncertainties and further research is needed, especially regarding the higher frequencies that will be used by 5G.’

It is worth pointing out that the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is an offshoot of the WHO, has previously claimed that certain radio frequencies at extreme levels are ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’.

However, this is thought to be unlikely.

Apple said in a statement that its phone complied with standards worldwide but that it would ‘issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators’.

They added: ‘This is related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern.’ 

The iPhone 12 was first released in September 2020 and is still sold worldwide, although Apple is now seeking to phase it out following the release of the iPhone 15.

Apple tech support staff are being told not to volunteer any information about the phones.

DailyMail.com contacted Apple for comment. 

BUSINESS LIVE: Fears of 3,000 job losses at Port Talbot’s Tata steel plant

By Live Commentary

Updated: 02:51 EDT, 15 September 2023

Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.

Holly Willoughby probably would rather have been elsewhere last night than sashaying down a red carpet with millions watching – before being booed by the audience for the second NTA ceremony in a row. 

She spent considerable time warding off questions about her own future, Phillip Schofield and allegations of a toxic atmosphere at ITV’s This Morning.

After a lacklustre return to screens alongside Alison Hammond after eight weeks off for her annual summer break, and losing 200,000 viewers, she knew there was no way she could get away with being a no-show at last night’s National Television Awards.

But Holly didn’t seem too worried by the ratings drop-off, telling MailOnline she ‘just wants the future to continue as it is.’

As she admitted, however, whether that future comes to pass is not down to her, or any of her co-hosts – instead it is down to the viewers, many of whom have become disillusioned by the show and its attempts to distract from claims of a toxic culture.

Despite admitting fan support has been ‘up and down’, she still seems to have a loyal base of supporters who give her a sense of optimism for the future.

‘If I’m honest it’s been really up and down. But what’s lovely is people rallying around you. The support is there. People want us to do well. It all feels good again.’

‘I just want to the future to continue as it is. We are very blessed we have a great team of people we really do.’

She sought to focus on enjoying the NTAs on the red carpet, dodging questions around her former co-host and his ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a younger male colleague.

‘Everybody has been so lovely tonight and everyone is so happy to meet you. I mean you’re in their living room everyday it’s not like meeting someone from Coronation Street.

‘I know there’s been a lot of talk about things and for me personally, I don’t want to speak on behalf of other people, it’s a world I don’t recognise. 

‘For me, I look around and see the team getting ready and giving it all. I just want to come to work and have more of that.’ 

For the second year running after the now-infamous queuegate scandal, Holly was shunned from being shortlisted for best presenter.

It was also the first time since she, as the host of the ITV show she joined in 2009, had attended without Phillip Schofield since they began working together 14 years ago.

Holly supported Alison, who is described within television circles as her ‘bestie’, as she went up against Ant and Dec for the best presenter title – with the Geordie duo winning the award for the 22nd time.

She told MailOnline: ‘Alison doesn’t need any advice tonight. She’s wonderful, exactly what she’s like on the tele. 

‘She came into the office today and said I know you’re wearing a dress but I brought you a belly chain I think it will really suit you.’

‘We’ve known each other for a really long time she’s been on this morning longer than me. It’s a really natural home for her.’

Asked whether she would like Alison to remain her on-screen partner, Holly added: ‘Ideally but I mean I ask myself who it will be but it’s not down to me, people seem to think I have a lot to say on a lot of issues, but it’s really down to the public.’

Holly spent 15 minutes on the red carpet at London’s O2 – a stark contrast to her usual awards regime.

She walked separately from Alison, who arrived 20 minutes later.

Those close to Ms Willoughby said she had to speak out last night in the hope that she can ‘start again tomorrow’.

The presenter has for some time been wrestling with how Schofield’s exit affected This Morning and that it is her job to ‘turn things around’ after she – as the strong woman that she has vowed to be – took the helm of This Morning.

Sources close to Ms Willoughby say that she decided that the best thing she could do to deal with the criticism was to be honest.

It coincides with her agreement to stay with This Morning, which lost out to The Repair Shop last night in the best daytime show category.

One source said: ‘Holly knows she needs to answer questions about This Morning face on and tell the story. It has been difficult. She knows this is a tricky time but she has made a pact with herself to take the rough with the smooth and deal with it.

‘Hence why she is here tonight and actually dealing with what has been hard for her and hard for the show.’

Away from the tribulations of morning television, it was a joyful night for BBC1’s Happy Valley as it won the returning drama award.

And the night only got better for lead Sarah Lancashire who beat co-star James Norton to win the best dramatic performance after the NTAs scrapped separate categories for best actor and best actress.

Ms Lancashire said: ‘It’s a wonderful thing to have, we didn’t know if we would win it. It’s a great accolade – great for Sally Wainwright.’

Graham Norton beat Piers Morgan to best TV Interview while his ex Good Morning Britain co-host Susanna Reid paraded the red carpet in a red dress while debuting her new short hair.

Meanwhile, Line of Duty’s veteran cop-drama actress, Vicky McLure also stunned at the event – held at London’s O2 Arena – in a black Versace frock.

One Show host, Alex Jones, also pulled out the stops in a white feathered mini-dress.

Big Brother host Davina McCall, 55, beamed on the red carpet in an E Stott jumpsuit with her latest boyfriend, the hairdresser Michael Douglas, 48.

With the launch of iPhone 15 is around the corner, owners of older iPhones are bracing for their devices to slow down – but there are some tricks to counter the dreaded slowdown.

Apple previously faced fines and a $115 million settlement over a ‘batterygate’ controversy where older phones were deliberately made sluggish – although Apple said that this was in order to preserve their batteries.

Apple fans have long been convinced that iOS updates (in particular ones around the launch of a new handset) can slow older devices – but there are steps to take, a phone refurbishment expert has told DailyMail.com.

Kewin Charron, Senior Lead Refurbishment Operations Manager at Back Market said, ‘As the cost of smartphones continues to rise, opting to repair and prolong the life of your device not only presents a more sustainable alternative to purchasing new technology but is also a significantly more economical choice.’

If your iPhone is slowing down, Charron recommends taking the following steps: 

Stop apps slowing your phone down

Today’s iPhones contain more apps than ever before – and if you’ve installed lots, they could be slowing your device down, Charron said.

These apps tend to consume substantial amounts of RAM and CPU resources (which can slow your phone) while operating in the background, often without the user’s awareness.

Charron said: ‘A simple hack for speeding up your old iPhone is to go into your Settings> General > Background App Refresh and select Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi & Cellular Data, or Off to stop Background App Refresh entirely.

‘This quick fix means that iPhone users can adjust their settings to automatically control and stop apps running in the background; allowing the phone to run smoother.’

Check your battery health

Your slow iPhone might be due to an issue with the battery, Charron said.

Even newer batteries can malfunction if they’re defective or have been over- used.

If you’re using iPhone 6 or later (with an up-to-date version of iOS), go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to view your battery’s maximum capacity.

This should fall somewhere between 0 and 100%.

Charron said, ‘A typical Apple battery should maintain up to 80% of its original capacity.

‘As the battery ages, this percentage may decrease, resulting in the battery no longer being able to hold charge.’

If it’s below that, you should consider taking it to a repair store and replacing the battery, Charron said.

Check peak performance

There’s another statistic buried in iPhone’s menus which it’s well worth checking out, Charron advised.

Charron said, ‘Under the ‘Battery Health’ segment, it’s also worth taking a look at ‘Peak Performance Capacity.’ 

This particular metric offers valuable information about the battery’s performance status, showing if the battery is operating correctly or not. 

Should you observe any malfunction in your battery, it could be wise to consider opting for a replacement.’

Unclog your memory

Slow iPhone performance can stem from limited storage capacity, with full or nearly full storage resulting in reduced available memory and impacting CPU performance, which slows your phone down, Charron said.

Charron said: ‘iPhones need around 10 percent of available storage for caching and temporary files that facilitate smooth app operation and software updates.

‘To enhance your iPhone speed, allocate time to review installed applications and uninstall those no longer needed. 

‘Sorting through old photos and videos and eliminating unnecessary content is also beneficial.’

The nuclear option

If your phone isn’t responding to the other tips, restore it to its default settings – ie to how it was before you started using it, Charron said.

This can clear out ‘hidden’ data which could be slowing your device, Charron said.

He said, ‘For a more thorough storage clear out, firstly create a backup of your phone data. 

‘Then, restore the device to its default settings before reapplying the backup. This process removes cached data and clears the phone’s ‘other’ storage. Alternatively, uninstall and then reinstall specific apps.’

‘Are you off to Ricky’s house’ asked my taxi driver as he pulled up at the train station. It was clear from the local cab driver’s face that he was proud of Ricky Hatton’s association with Hyde.

During our short drive to the Manchurian’s house, I was inundated with stories about the Hitman and his involvement in the community. We spoke in great detail about Hatton’s five world titles and his unification bout with Carlos Maussa.

But, ask Hatton about his career and he will describe himself as a failure and highlight the depression, addiction and shame that followed his defeats to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

After just 30 minutes in Hatton’s company, I learnt about his suicidal thoughts, the way in which his family grieved his defeat to Pacquiao and his concerns surrounding his son’s involvement in boxing.

Hatton’s story is certainly one of triumph over adversity. His widely publicised struggles with substance abuse didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most influential and beloved figures in British boxing. Now he hopes his son Campbell can enjoy success without the darkness that engulfed him. 

‘There’s a possibility Campbell could experience the same mental health problems as me. I have said to Campbell if there is anything on your mind, come to me. I nearly wasn’t here to enjoy the things that I am loving today. 

‘Spending time with my grandfather and seeing Campbell turn professional. Seeing my girls turning into the young ladies they are today. I nearly wasn’t here to experience that as I was suicidal. So I will hammer him every day asking if he’s okay.’

Hatton pinpointed his defeat to Mayweather as the moment his mental health spiralled out of control. He challenged for the WBC welterweight crown but was stopped for the first time in his career by the former five-weight world champion.

‘When I got beaten by Mayweather I was devastated. I told everyone I was going to win. I got my best pay day and I am fighting the best pound for pound fighter in the world but I didn’t go there just for that though.

‘I thought I was going to beat him. When I didn’t, after telling all those fans that went over I would, it put my head away.

‘After the fight, I couldn’t walk down the street I was so embarrassed. I didn’t want to show my face. I know that seems a bit strong but that’s what was in my mind.

‘I thought everyone was looking at me saying he told us he was going to beat Mayweather and he didn’t. It’s a shame really but was the start of my mental health struggles.’

That wasn’t the only loss Hatton struggled to deal with. Hatton’s aggressive style was no match for Pacquiao’s speed, accuracy, and power, resulting in a crushing second-round knockout. He described the scenes in the changing room after the fight as ‘heartbreaking’.

Hatton was used to basking in the euphoria of victory. There would be an intoxicating mix of elation, relief, and camaraderie. Loved ones would clutch onto his sweat-soaked body and fill the air with a round of applause.

But, not on May 2, 2009. The dressing room became a somber place, filled with silent stares and the occasional sigh following the Pacquiao defeat.

‘It was like a death in the family when we went back to the changing rooms. You don’t see many more brutal knockouts than that.

‘To see your mate or your loved one knocked out in that manor must have been very very hard. I think people were thinking Ricky needs to hang his gloves up now after being knocked out like that.

‘You know, he’s had his day. He’s had 45 fights. The way I was living my life and ballooning up and down in weight wouldn’t have done my body or mental health any good.’

Ricky, like many others, tried to hide his mental health issues from his family as he felt it was wrong to burden them with his problems. 

‘The thing is people never really knew how bad I was in terms of my mental health. I always shielded it from my family and my loved ones.

‘I didn’t want to tell them how bad it was because I didn’t want to worry them. I am certainly not going to go to my mates and say I am crying everyday. I want to kill myself. You just don’t do it. But, they knew I was in a bad place mentally. But, they didn’t know how bad it was.’

‘But, I went through a period where I didn’t care whether I lived or died. I thought to myself, f****ing hell Rick this is bad. You need to sort yourself out. I went and saw a psychiatrist in Manchester and said you need to tell me what to do otherwise I won’t be here next week, I’m going to kill myself.’ 

Ricky believes boxing as a sport needs to do more to protect its athletes.

‘Footballers have a club to look after them. They also have the PFA where they looked after. Promoters are like you’re making money great. Now who is the next prospect? The way that the sport is and the fact you intend on hurting your opponent, it’s hard. 

‘Don’t forget, boxers don’t come from Cambridge or Oxford either. They come from council estates. We don’t know how to deal with money or mental health. Promoters just move onto the next prospect. I think more should be done to help boxers.’

Despite his ongoing battle, Hatton has turned his life around and embraced a healthier lifestyle. That being said, there’s still a burning sense of injustice following referee Joe Cortez’s performance during his title fight with Mayweather.

When asked whether he felt cheated, Hatton said: ‘Yes, very much so. You have to remember Cortez was from Vegas. Mayweather was from Vegas. I’m not saying he was handed a brown envelope but I just think there was a bit of favouritism towards the hometown boy.’

Despite hanging up his gloves, Hatton’s love for the sport is still there. He found solace and purpose in the ring but made its clear boxers need more support.

‘Footballers have a club to look after them. They also have the PFA where they looked after. Footballers get testimonials, whereas in boxing they are on their own.

‘Promoters are like you’re making money great. Now who is the next prospect. It’s a shame but it’s always been like that boxing.

‘The way that the sport is and the way you have to go through with the intent of hurting your opponent, it’s hard. Don’t forget, boxers don’t come from Cambridge or Oxford either. They come from council estates.

‘We don’t know how to deal with money. We don’t know how to deal with mental health. The promoter just move onto the next prospect. I think more should be done to help boxers.

‘It’s a shame because how many times do you see boxers who win world titles, make their fortunes and then end up with nothing. We do need help, we’re not the brightest buttons in the box.’

Hatton is hoping those changes come into play sooner rather than later as his son Campbell continues to forge his own career in the sport.

‘There’s a possibility he could experience the same mental health problems as me. He was too young when I was going through my bad stage to actually realise what was going on. Now he knows the score and what I went through.

‘I have said to Campbell if there is anything on your mind, whether that’s a relationship problem or a problem at home, come to me.

‘Use my mistakes to benefit you. Just come and tell me. Speak to me and get it off your chest. I say that to everyone. We all have bad days, share it with someone you’ll be better for it.

‘I nearly wasn’t here to enjoy the things that I am loving today. Spending time with my grandfather and seeing Campbell turn professional. Seeing my girls turning into the young ladies they are today. I nearly wasn’t here to experience that.

‘So I will hammer him every day asking him if he has any problems. Whether it’s something I did right in the ring or something I did wrong out of the ring, I have the answer for you.

‘I think he’s proud when he sees what I’ve gone through and where I am now. I think he knows that if anything goes wrong, he has to come to me. I am confident he will do so.’

Our interview wasn’t all doom and gloom. Hatton highlighted his fight with Kostya Tszyu as the standout moment of his career.

Tszyu, a dominant force in the lightweight division, had not been defeated in over a decade until he stepped foot in the ring with Hatton.

The Hitman’s relentless pressure and attacking style saw the Russian boxer quit on his stall after the 11th round.

‘I had come back into the corner and I said to Billy Graham, I have nothing left. I have nothing left. He said, Ricky I don’t want to hear that.

‘He said remember all of those days sitting on the bottom step at the gym in Salford, having a cup of tea and you saying I want to be the best in the world. You saying I want to go to Vegas. I want to fight the best fighters in the world. I want to fight the best pound for pound fighters. He said this is your chance to become the best. This is the day we dreamed of.

‘You’ve got your nose in front now. I don’t want to hear any crap about you have nothing left. All you have to do is dig in and out the finishing touches on to make your dreams come true.

‘A good trainer knows the right words to say at the right time. He brought me back to when I was 16/17 years old sitting on that step. I went yep, yep he’s right. It had reached that stage in the fight where it didn’t matter about a certain punch, or a certain combination. We had gone past the tactic stage. All I needed was him to say something that would get those last couple of rounds from me.

‘I stood up and got off my stool. I looked around him and I saw the referee go like that. I thought, thank god for that. I started crying. I didn’t have much left in my but I would have gotten it out.’

Hatton is available to watch on Sky Documentaries and NOW 

By Tum Balogun For Mailonline

Updated: 06:27 EDT, 23 August 2023

Advertisement

Maui boy found burned to death in car amid fears for hundreds of kids

By Lewis Pennock For Dailymail.Com

Published: 15:37 EDT, 17 August 2023 | Updated: 15:37 EDT, 17 August 2023

Advertisement