Latest news with #J1
Kyodo News
7 days ago
- Sport
- Kyodo News
Football: Marinos' 2-time J1 top scorer Lopes leaving for Singapore
TOKYO - Anderson Lopes, the J-League first-division top scorer for the past two years, is leaving Yokohama F Marinos to join Lion City Sailors in Singapore, the J1 club announced Thursday. The 31-year-old Brazilian helped Marinos win the league title in his first season at the club in 2022 before bagging 22 and 24 goals in the following two seasons. The forward also played for Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2016 and 2017 as well as Consadole Sapporo between 2019 and 2021 in Japan, scoring 101 goals in 221 games in the J1 in total. "It's been three and a half years since I joined Marinos and I'm filled with a sense of gratitude toward our fans and supporters," Lopes said on Marinos' website. "My feeling is it's not 'goodbye,' but 'see you again.'" "I'll always support Marinos and have them in my heart forever."
RTÉ News
14-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
EU to publish expanded list of US tariff countermeasures
Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the European Commission will later publish an expanded list of tariff countermeasures which the EU would consider introducing should an agreement with the US not be reached. Speaking after a meeting with the new US ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh, he said the Government would analyse the list once it was published. "Tariffs always hurt. Tariffs are never good. So there's time between now and 1 August to arrive at the very least, at a framework deal, a declaration that can deescalate this situation, provide certainty for businesses, protect jobs and investment," he said. Mr Harris, who described the new ambassador as a close contact and friend of US President Donald Trump, said that Ireland and the EU now has to prepare for all situations. The Tánaiste said: "He (Mr Trump) is negotiating in the way he wishes to. It's not the way we'd like to do it. "We prefer to do things like sitting around the table, thrashing out the detail and then getting to a good place. "I think we were very close to that last week of having at least a short framework agreement to calm things down. "It's incredible that that didn't get over the line, but I still remain confident it can happen in the days ahead." His meeting with Mr Walsh at the Department of Foreign Affairs was described as constructive and substantive. Mr Harris also raised the issue of stricter guidelines around the future issuing of J1 visas which will examine students online content. "I was making the point that we live in a country where young people have very, very strong views.... and they've every right to express their views. Freedom of speech matters," he added. Harris says there is landing zone for tariffs agreement Earlier, Mr Harris said he believes there is a landing zone for an agreement in principle that could be reached with the US on tariffs in advance of the imposition of higher rates on 1 August. Mr Harris said an agreement in principle on trade and tariffs would avoid the imposition of the higher tariffs referenced in Mr Trump's high stakes letter to the European Commission President over the weekend. His remarks come as European Commissioner Michael McGrath said that in the event of 30% tariffs being introduced by the US, the European Union's response will be "firm, quick and robust". Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr McGrath, who is the Commissioner responsible for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said that the EU remains in a process of intense negotiations with the US. He added that he believes that progress had been made over the course of the talks, as they work towards the revised deadline of 1 August. "We are particularly conscious of the need, insofar as possible, to remove uncertainty for businesses, because we know how damaging that is to international trade, to the prospects and the investment decisions of companies," Mr McGrath said. "Tariffs are ultimately paid for by somebody along the supply chain, most likely by the end consumer, and tariffs are also damaging to workers because they undermine the viability of companies," he added. Mr McGrath described the trade relationship between the EU and US as "mutually beneficial, supporting millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic". "We are negotiating very professionally, in good faith, and we are seeking the best possible deal for European companies because we recognise the importance of trade peace, the importance of stability and of certainty around terms of trade," he said. Mr McGrath said that the EU and the US need to work together to tackle issues surrounding global trade and added that the EU stands ready to intensify dialogue. "But let me be clear, in the event of that not being successful and of the 30% tariff threat that was issued by President Trump coming to pass in two and a half weeks' time, then the European response will be firm, it will be quick, and it will be robust," he said. Mr McGrath said that the EU has been preparing for a range of different scenarios and stressed the importance of unity on behalf of all of the member states. He said: "There are two different sets of packages of countermeasures that amount to the imposition of tariffs of exports from the US into the EU of over €90 billion; we do not wish for that to come to pass. "We have a range of instruments and tools, the EU is in a strong position, and these negotiations are ongoing, and we're doing everything we possibly can to get a good outcome for European companies." Regarding whether the EU might be willing to relax the rules on the regulation of big tech companies as a compromise, Mr McGrath said that the rules are not part of the trade negotiations. "As an EU, we have to uphold our own autonomy and integrity and our right to set our own rules - those rules apply not just to big US tech companies, but also to Chinese companies and indeed to European companies as well," he said. Mr McGrath said that there have been discussions with the US administration surrounding the terms of trade. "We have been generous in our offers, we have put forward proposals around zero for zero tariffs for a whole range of different goods," he said. The European Commissioner said: "The EU is a world leader in international trade ... the US relationship is critically important, we want to continue to invest in it and support it. "But we were we are also getting our own house in order by ensuring we diversify our trade relationships, improve the competitiveness of the European economy and break down the remaining barriers in the single market." He described it as "vital", in addition to the track which the EU is already taking to get "the best deal we can with the US". Countermeasures 'ready to be used' EU spokesperson on Trade Olof Gill said Mr Trump's surprise announcement threatening the tripling of tariffs does not "substantially change" the EU's approach. He said the bloc was given advance warning by the US Administration that it would be making the move. "Different parties use different approaches in negotiations - carrot and stick is a standard approach, I suppose you could interpret this 30% threat as the American stick," he said. "We also have a stick on the EU side and that is the substantial rounds of countermeasures we've been preparing," he added. Mr Gill said such measures are "on the table and they're ready to be used if we need them". However, he said the EU is focusing on negotiations, rather than taking a more aggressive approach. "For the moment, we need to really focus on getting an agreed solution over the line," he said. Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, Mr Gill said: "We were very close to doing so last week, we believe such an agreement is within reach, and I think you'll see that the alternative ... is ready to go. "We don't need to do anything more in that sense, if and when we need to deploy it, we can deploy it, but we don't feel we're at that stage just yet." The EU spokesperson said countermeasures are not a priority for the EU and described tariffs as a "terrible idea". "We believe we should be doing everything we can to avoid this and that's going to continue to be our approach," he added. Mr Gill said Mr Trump's tariff threats should be taken seriously, adding "the repercussions are perfectly serious".
Irish Examiner
14-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
EU-US trade: Simon Harris holds constructive meeting with new US ambassador
Tánaiste Simon Harris has held what he described as a constructive and substantive meeting with the new US ambassador amid trade war fears. Mr Harris met with Ed Walsh on Monday as EU trade ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss a response to Donald Trump's warning of a 30% tariff on goods coming from the EU if a deal is not reached by August 1. The minister for foreign affairs used the meeting to underline Ireland's strong support for EU efforts to reach an agreement. At what was labelled a critical moment in the talks, Mr Harris told the new ambassador that there is a "landing zone" in terms of an agreement in principle that could be reached before the deadline. The meeting also saw the issue of the pharmaceutical sector raised with Mr Harris emphasising that it is an area of significant concern for Ireland. The Trump administration launched a Section 232 investigation in April to determine which drug manufacturers are operating in countries that pose a national security threat to the US. There could be a distinction between US Section 232 tariffs for countries that pose national security concerns versus localities like Ireland. Beyond the ongoing trade tensions, the pair discussed both countries' desire to see a ceasefire in the Middle East as well as the continuing conflict in Ukraine. Closer to home, Mr Harris and Mr Walsh spoke about the success of Ireland's J1 visa programme after a temporary pause was put on new student visa appointments earlier this year. The pause was lifted last month but it was announced that young people applying for J1 visas will undergo 'comprehensive and thorough vetting' of their social media.
Irish Examiner
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Me and My Travels: Amy Huberman on Wexford, America and food fare in Valencia
One of Ireland's best-loved actors and writers, Amy Huberman has a love for life and the world around her. From summers in Wexford to beach days in Australia, her favourite trips have always been about fun, a little bit of mooching around, and a glass or two of wine. Here, she shares the holidays that shaped her, and ponders where she'd like to go next. Favourite childhood holiday memory When I think of holidays, I think of Rosslare and Wexford. We spent most of our summers down there. It was freedom, playing with our pals, getting chipper chips, going down for a 99. My granny was from Wexford, so we'd go into town, and that always felt special. Then we'd keep going down to Rosslare. We also did trips abroad, to campsites in France. I remember the car packed up, wedged with everything. My dad had The Furey Brothers on repeat. It was a lot of time listening to that, but it was so exciting. You'd just spend full days on the beach, probably getting sunburned and sand whipped into your face, but they were such happy memories. Most memorable trip The Whitsundays, Australia The one I was most excited about was my J1. I'd never been to the States before, and I nearly lost my mind with excitement. We even slept out overnight to make sure we got our place. It was such a formative trip. The summer before, I went to Jersey — the Channel Islands, not New Jersey! — to work in a hotel. We thought we'd be earning a fortune, but I think we were making about a pound an hour! We had no clue what we were doing, but it was so much fun. Later, I went to Australia for the first time with my best friend. We did the Whitsundays, and I've never been on beaches like that: white sand, snorkelling, everything. Those trips were the furthest I'd ever been, and they felt like a real adventure. Most surprising destination Ghent at evening, Belgium Ghent was a real surprise. We'd gone to Bruges for my husband, Brian's birthday. We flew midweek and stayed the night, but Bruges is quite small, so someone suggested we get the train to Ghent on the way back. I'd never even heard of it. I fell in love with it; it was like a little Amsterdam, the canals, the old buildings, the food. It just had such a lovely vibe. Sometimes all you need is a night away, and it's only an hour flight to Brussels. I really recommend it. Favourite city in the world Amy Huberman in New York It has to be New York. Every time I go, I fall more in love with it. It feels like its own bubble, this really special place. I love the West and East Village, walking the cobbled streets, going to Chelsea Market, the High Line, and the Meatpacking District. A friend of ours has a bar there, Brass Monkey, so we get to go to restaurants we'd never get into otherwise. I love wandering from SoHo up to the Meatpacking District, coffee in hand, just pottering around. One year we went in the spring, and it was perfect. When I'm there, I always feel like I'm somewhere else. Favourite hotel I can't remember its name — sorry! —but there was a hotel in Verona that really stuck out. It didn't feel like a hotel; it felt like staying in an old Italian grandmother's house. Every room was different, and you could just tell the building had hundreds of years of history. It was beautiful. The food was incredible, and you felt like you were part of the fabric of the city. Verona itself is stunning with the Romeo and Juliet balconies, but that hotel felt like stepping into an old Italian film. I'd love to go back. Most memorable food experience That would be Valencia. We visited the vineyard where our Ah! Cava is produced. Drinking our own cava with locally sourced Spanish food was so special. It's such a Spanish thing to order loads of dishes to the table. At first, I'd think, 'What if I don't like it?' But it was amazing, beautiful meats, fish, cheese. That shared experience of eating together, chatting, and drinking cava where it's made; that's what makes travel memorable. Valencia itself is gorgeous. There's a huge old magnolia tree in the middle of the city that I always think of when I remember that trip. Favourite thing to do while travelling It's a mix — pottering around, a bit of mooching. I love cities, but I also love local markets, especially in France. You'll find vegetables, fruit, little clothes, and someone playing guitar. It's that market vibe I love, just seeing what you come across. My bucket list trip Wat Phra Kaew, Temple of the Emerald Buddha. I've never been to Thailand, and I'd absolutely love to go. Maybe when the kids are a bit older. Amy Huberman has launched Ah! Wines, a new range designed to be easy to enjoy and full of personality. The range includes Ah! Sauvignon Blanc (€17.95), with light hints of tropical fruits, apricots and peaches with a long smooth finish, and Ah! Cava Brut Rosé (€24.95), fresh with subtle red berry notes. Both are now available in Tesco, and selected Dunnes Stores nationwide.
Irish Examiner
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
AI screening of J1 students' social media 'prone to error', says Irish-American lobby group
A prominent Irish-American lobby group has hit out at the new requirements for J1 visas, and raised fears that artificial intelligence screening of social media accounts will be 'used extensively and is prone to error'. The Ancient Order of Hibernians said it had 'deep concerns' over the US Government directive requiring a review of up to five years of social media activity for every J1 visa applicant, which gives consular officers 'broad discretionary authority'. 'But without clear, objective criteria — and human oversight of AI screenings — we risk eroding the integrity of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, chilling participation among young applicants, depriving US government, businesses, educational and cultural institutions of essential summer interns, and weakening the longstanding ties that bind our nations,' its political education chair Neil F Cosgrove said. Irish students usually travel in large numbers to the United States each summer on J1 visas but, under the Trump administration, they now have to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to public. The US State Department recently announced it would now 'conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants' under the new guidance. The Ancient Order of Hibernians said given the way this vetting could be applied, this policy threatens one of America's most successful cultural and economic partnerships with Ireland. It said that officers may reach 'inconsistent decisions' as terms like 'hostility' and 'advocacy', which are meant to be flagged during screening, lack objective benchmarks. For students, the five-year look back on their social media will reach back to their early teens and could lead to treating youthful social media activity before maturity as some form of a security threat to the US, it said. It went on: 'Given the volume of applicants and the vast data set — five years of social media activity per person — we anticipate AI screening will be used extensively and is prone to error. 'In April 2025, PhD student Suguru Onda was wrongly flagged by an AI-driven criminal records check over a minor fishing limit citation in his home country of Japan, leading to an abrupt visa cancellation.' In the case of Mr Onda, his visa was reinstated but J1 students could find themselves already sent home before an error is corrected. The group added that the programme helps to fuel critical US sectors such as hospitality and tourism and businesses on the ground would feel the loss of Irish summer workers. It called on congress and policymakers to exclude any social media content from before someone turned 18, while requiring actual human checks of AI-generated flagged content along with a quarterly report on the use of AI screenings. Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (Amlé), formerly the Union of Students in Ireland, has also raised significant concerns about the measures and said they send a "damaging signal". Read More US visa crackdown is an assault on students' rights
