Bernie

The new stake in the tech giant aims to increase US semiconductor chip production.

United States Senator Bernie Sanders has thrown his support behind US President Donald Trump’s plan to convert US grants to chipmakers, including $10.9bn for Intel, into government stakes in the companies.

The senator for the state of Vermont announced his support on Wednesday.

“If microchip companies make a profit from the generous grants they receive from the federal government, the taxpayers of America have a right to a reasonable return on that investment,” Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, said in a statement to the Reuters news agency.

The awards were part of the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which sought to lure chip production away from Asia and boost American domestic semiconductor output with $39bn in subsidies.

The acronym CHIPS in the name of the legislation stands for “Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors”.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is now looking into the government taking equity stakes in embattled Intel and other chipmakers in exchange for the grants as the Trump administration seeks “equity” in return for “investments”.

Rare bipartisanship

The unusual alignment between Sanders and Trump on government ownership stakes in private companies highlights a marked shift by Trump toward policies of state intervention in the economy that are typically associated with the left.

Since Trump took office for a second time in January, he agreed to allow AI chip giants Nvidia and AMD to sell AI chips to China in exchange for the US government receiving 15 percent of revenues from the sales.

The Pentagon is also set to become the largest shareholder in a small mining company to boost the output of rare earth magnets. And the US government negotiated for itself a “golden share” with certain veto rights as part of a deal to allow Nippon Steel to buy US Steel.

Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, had proposed an amendment to the CHIPS Act that would have forbidden the Commerce Department from granting a CHIPS Act award without the Treasury Department receiving a warrant, equity stake or senior debt instrument issued by the recipient company.

“I am glad the Trump administration is in agreement with the amendment I offered three years ago,” Sanders said. “Taxpayers should not be providing billions of dollars in corporate welfare to large, profitable corporations like Intel without getting anything in return.”

Much of the funding for CHIPS Act award recipients such as Micron, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and Samsung has not been disbursed.

Trump’s interest in Intel is also being driven by his desire to boost chip production in the US, which has been a focal point of the trade war that he has been waging throughout the world. By lessening the country’s dependence on chips manufactured overseas, the president believes the US will be better positioned to maintain its technological lead on China in the race to create artificial intelligence.

Earlier this month, Trump called on Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign.

The demand was triggered by reports raising national security concerns about Tan’s past investments in Chinese tech companies while he was a venture capitalist. But Trump has since backed off after Tan professed his allegiance to the US to Intel employees and went to the White House to meet with the president, who applauded the Intel CEO for having an “amazing story”.

This comes as Intel is also in talks with other large investors to receive an equity infusion at a discounted price just days after the chipmaker got a $2bn capital injection from the SoftBank Group, according to CNBC.

On Wall Street, investors have not responded well to the government’s potential new role. Intel stock is down 7.1 percent from the market open as of 1:30pm in New York (17:30 GMT).

It was an emotional night in EastEnders tonight as Bernie Taylor and Felix Baker said goodbye to Albert Square following announcement of their departures earlier this year

EastEnders fans were left in tears during tonight’s episode, as cousins Bernie Taylor and Felix Baker said goodbye to Walford.

However, fans were left disappointed that the two had been “underused” as characters prior to their exit announcements, despite being big characters when they first joined.

Bernie, who arrived in 2017, was part of a hard-hitting surrogate storyline where she suffered a tragic miscarriage. She also played a huge part in the The Six storyline during Christmas 2023.

Felix was brought in as the soap’s first show’s first regular drag queen character in 2022, although fans hadn’t seen much of him, or Tara before the lead up to his exit.

Tonight, fans were left fearing for Bernie, after it was revealed she had been stealing from the Panesars business accounts – but luckily, she managed to escape for Spain before Ravi got to her. Although Felix initially planned to stay in Walford with his boyfriend Johnny, he was left heartbroken when he caught him kissing Callum in the Albert.

He then confronted him about Keanu Taylor’s murder, in which he admitted he knew his mum Linda was the one to end Keanu’s life. It all got too much for Felix, as he ran to join Bernie in the taxi dressed as drag queen alter-ego Tara Misu. “Tara’s too big for this town,” he said.

Bernie’s departure also signalled a seeming end for EastEnders‘ The Six storyline, as Suki asked her to give the money she had stolen from her family back before leaving. However, Kathy, Denise and Linda persuaded Suki to let her go, after they were involved in the death of her brother Keanu.

“And you have got it all. Everything that you ever wanted. You can be who you are with the woman that you love. This money is a drop in the ocean to get away with what you did, to move on, to finally let me, my mum, my family, to be finally free of this,” Bernie could be heard telling Suki and The Six.

Bernie and Felix then headed off in a taxi in the midst of the Pride celebrations as the tune Proud played in the background. Ravi was seen attempting to run after the taxi – but it seemed like he was too late. However, fans were left disappointed that it was Ravi who got the ‘duff duff’ not Bernie and Felix.

After the episode aired, fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter to express their sadness over Felix and Bernie’s departure. “A beautiful episode and exit for Bernie. A real force of nature who’ll be missed so much. I wish she was given a better exit storyline and I really wanted Bernie to have another relationship. I miss the Taylor family,” wrote one.

Another wrote: “Phenomenal performances from @clair_norris + @matt_james_morr this wk – am so sad this is how it all ended for the Taylor-Bakers, such a brilliant family + such a waste to lose them all – but they’ve both been amazing to the end + should be so proud of themselves,” as a third dissapointed fan penned: “It’s a bit disappointing that Bernie and Felix didn’t get the duff duff for their final episode.”

“Bernie and Felix were absolutely brilliant today – they’ve been so underused really, but I’m glad Clair and Matthew got time to really shine this week,” said a fourth.

Clair took to social media to address her exit today, as she wrote: “My last ep airs tonight, and with that comes a flood of memories.

“EastEnders was my first audition, and my first job. Having come from college & having no experience in this industry, Julia, Wayne & Sean all took a chance on me to play Bernadette Taylor & for that, I can’t be thankful enough. 8 years later and honestly this job, has changed my life.

“It’s true what they all said at the beginning, Eastenders is one big family & I’m so lucky to have met and worked with some amazing people,” she continued.

“I will always have an attachment to Bernie, she represents so many girls out there who wear their heart of their sleeves and don’t quite fit in…no offence to anyone who wear purple coats. …I have adored playing her and she will forever hold a special place in my heart. This has been the best first role ever!”

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. *

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EastEnders fans were left gutted when it was announced Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) would be leaving the show – and next weeks spoilers have teased a possible exit storyline

Last month, it was revealed that Clair Norris would be leaving EastEnders after playing the role of Bernie Taylor for eight years. Now, in spoilers for next week, the soap appears to have teased the star’s upcoming exit storyline.

Bernie arrived in Walford in 2017 alongside mum Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and late brother Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).

However, she’s the last one of her family members left on the Square with her mum Karen leaving EastEnders in 2023, shortly followed by the murder of her brother Keanu on Christmas Day.

Lately, fans have noticed a lack of the character on their screens, but spoilers for next week reveal a huge storyline for the star – which could be teasing towards her exit.

We’re revisiting The Six storyline once again at the start of the week. It starts when Bernie’s cousin Felix wants him to give Johnny her seal of approval, unaware that he helped cover up Keanu’s murder.

Denise then fears that if Johnny doesn’t win Bernie over, it could bring the past back to haunt them all.

However, that’s not Bernie’s only problem – as she’s tied up with the Panesars. Vicki notices some unusual invoices, although Bernie dismisses her concerns. However, Bernie isn’t getting away with things too quickly, as she’s later confronted by Ravi and Suki about the irregularities.

We know Bernie will be making her exit from the soap soon – but could next week’s dramatic storylines be leading to her departure?

Following Bernie’s exit, an EastEnders spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Clair will be leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish her all the best for the future.” Clair remained silent on her departure for a couple of weeks, until she attended the British Soap Awards at the end of last month.

Taking to her Instagram to post a picture of herself all glammed up in a teal dress on the night, Clair penned: “My last @thebritishsoapawards with my EE family. We [broom emoji] up last night, 8 awards & I couldn’t be prouder to be apart of this team! What a way to end this amazing journey, head held high & beaming from ear to ear.”

Clair was supported by both fans as colleagues in her post, with James Farrar, who plays Zack Hudson writing: “Head held HIGH,” along with a number of red heart emojis.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, speaks during a press conference on March 6, 2025. Sanders will support a pair of progressive candidates running in Democratic primaries against more established candidates. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo

June 17 (UPI) — Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has thrown support to a pair of progressive candidates running in Democratic primaries against more established candidates.

Sanders is expected to officially endorse Zohran Mamdani in the party’s mayoral primary in New York City on Tuesday.

A Brooklyn native, Sanders joins Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. in support of Mamdani, a left-wing Democrat who must compete against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the primary. Current mayor Eric Adams is running for reelection as an independent.

“Our nation faces a fundamental choice: Will we continue with a corporate-dominated politics driven by billionaires or will we build a grass-roots movement fueled by everyday people, committed to fighting oligarchy, authoritarianism and kleptocracy?” Mr. Sanders has said about Mamdani.

“The New York City Democratic primary presents a clear choice as to the path forward,” he added.

Sanders has also announced his support for Michigan state Rep. Donavan McKinney, who seeks to unseat current Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich.

“As a Member of Congress, Donavan will fight to raise the minimum wage to a living wage, fully fund our public schools, invest in public housing and support Medicare for all,” said Sanders of McKinney. “A former union leader, he has dedicated his life to standing with working people, and is ready to lead the struggle against Donald Trump, the oligarchy, and the corporate interests who prioritize profits over people.”

McKinney, who also has the support of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., said in a statement that “Senator Sanders has long been a progressive champion for working class Americans, and I am honored to receive his endorsement.”

Sanders had also announced in May he had partnered with the Run for Something young candidate recruitment organization, which posted to X in May that “His message is clear-run for office-and we’re here to make sure new leaders have the tools to win.”

EastEnders for next week’s episodes have revealed drama and danger in the fallout to this week’s big scenes, with discoveries, concern and more than one clash in Walford

There’s more chaos on the way on EastEnders next week, with more than one character taking centre stage.

In the fallout to big scenes this week on the BBC soap, there’s chaos ahead with danger and trouble for some residents. Kat Slater is worrying about how things are with her husband Alfie Moon and she soon confides in someone about their lack of communication.

Alfie isn’t the only one causing concern for Kat, as she soon makes an alarming discovery about her ex Phil Mitchell. Phil’s worried about Nigel deteriorating amid his dementia diagnosis, and some of his actions next week leave Phil struggling.

Phil ends up being injured when he and Nigel grapple over a pan of boiling water. Phil tells Kat he’s exhausted and in over his head, so she suggests he gets some extra support to care for Nigel.

An incident with Lexi later leaves Phil troubled, and Kat once again tells him he needs help for Nigel. Denise Fox also offers guidance to Phil, telling him he needs to look after himself.

READ MORE: Soap stars reveal huge storylines ahead: Epic returns, unexpected twists and sad goodbyes

Elsewhere next week, Elaine Peacock is also sparking concern as she struggles after her split from George Knight. Linda Carter is left overwhelmed as her mother constantly leaves her to hold the fort at the pub.

George steps in to help her, and soon Elaine slams him which destroys any hope of a truce. Things take a bitter turn when George warns Elaine that his new solicitor says he’s got a claim on The Vic.

Things only get worse when Linda and Elaine clash, and it turns out Elaine has given alcohol to the teens leaving children in hospital. The alcohol is consumed by some of the kids who are at the house where a party is taking place, leading to a hospital dash.

Speaking of, Denzel throws a party next week and with Tommy invited, Joel tries to get a way in. He attempts to chat up Amy too only for it to be thwarted as his next target is revealed, after his recent drama with Avani.

With the children upstairs watching a move, Denzel welcomes his friends round and soon he allows Joel in, as they head off to get some booze from the pub. Disaster strikes though when they steal the jug of punch and Raymond and the twins end up drinking it.

Bernadette Taylor’s exit storyline may have been teased too, as she’s asked by cousin Felix Baker for her seal of approval over his new romance with Johnny Carter. But with her reluctant to after him covering up the murder of her brother Keanu, something Felix knows nothing about, will it come back to haunt all those involved?

Theres a strange discovery though when some weird invoices are spotted linked to the Panesar account, which Bernie has access to. She dismissed the concerns, but soon she’s questioned once more.

As Ravi and Suki go to confront Bernie about the irregularities, will they make a discovery and is this linked to Bernie’s looming exit? Finally next week, Nicola Mitchell is enraged when her son Barney’s biological father Zack Hudson gets between them again.

With Barney failing an exam due to stress, Nicola tries to cheer him up and bring the family back together. When Harry invites Zack though, there’s soon drama as Nicola and husband Teddy clash and she trashes the room.

As her party gets underway, Nicola chucks out Zack and Barney storms off. Teddy offers to support his son though if he wants to get to know Zack. But what will he decide? Amid the drama, Nicola and George get closer but will it lead to more

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .