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  China controls the rare earths the world buys - can Trump's new deals change that? US President Donald Trump has signed a flurry of deals on his Asia visit to secure the supply of rare earths, a critical sector that China has long dominated. The deals with Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia differ in size and substance and it's too early to assess their tangible impact. But they all include efforts to diversify access to the minerals that have become essential for advanced manufacturing, from electric vehicles to smartphones. The agreements, which aim to lock partners into trading with the US, are a clear bid to reduce dependence on China, ahead of a key meeting with its leader Xi Jinping. They could eventually challenge Beijing's stranglehold over rare earths, but experts say it will be a costly process that will take years. "Building new mines, refining facilities, and processing plants in regions such as Australia, the United States, and Europe comes ...
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Deaf choir felt 'proud and brave' to sing at MOBOs


A deaf choir who signed a music video which was played at the MOBO Awards have said they felt "proud and brave".

Thirteen students from Jesmond's Northern Counties school performed at the ceremony in Newcastle on Tuesday.

The MOBO Awards was founded in 1996 and celebrates black culture and music in the UK and beyond.

Student Liam said he would "remember it for the rest of my life", while pupil Kameron said "to feel included was great".

Arya Starr became the first African woman to win best international act as well as the first woman to be recognised as best African music act in 16 years, while Central Cee made history by becoming the first artist to win the best male act award three times.

Northern Counties School, part of the Percy Hedley Foundation, is a specialist school for children with disabilities aged three to 19 years old.

The students recorded a video to God Gave Me Feet For Dancing by Ezra Collective which was played to the musicians in the Utilita arena.

The pupils were among other local schools invited by Newcastle and Gateshead councils to get involved in the video and eight of the 13 attended the awards.

Liam, 15, said he "felt proud and brave to be a part of it", adding that the "atmosphere was buzzing".

Sophie, 17, who also went to the awards, said she felt "included".

Kameron, 14, said he was not involved in things previously because of his autism and added it was "great to be included".

Choir leader Mandy Davison said: "The attendance of our students at the MOBO Awards highlighted the importance of inclusivity, proving to the students that their talent deserves a spotlight, no matter their differences.

"The MOBOs coming to Newcastle is a fantastic moment for the North East, and having our students in the spotlight makes it even more special."

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