President Donald Trump has renewed his calls for a lower interest rate cut, saying that if Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell “understood what he was doing,” rates would be coming down too. The President’s latest comments come as the White House has ramped up its criticism of Powell in recent days. Trump argued that lowering … Read more
Maine residents are in for a treat as the Lyrid meteor shower peaks next week. The shower is caused by Earth passing through the dusty trails left behind by Comet Thatcher, which will be visible nightly until April 26. The peak activity is expected on the night of April 21-22, with the best viewing time … Read more
A federal judge has intervened in the dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), blocking mass layoffs for over 1,400 employees. The move comes after a group of employees sued the Trump administration, citing concerns that the agency’s activities have pushed beyond its jurisdiction. Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled on Friday that the Trump … Read more
A US federal panel of medical experts has recommended expanding RSV vaccinations for adults and introducing a new meningitis combination shot as an alternative protection option for teens. However, due to the absence of a permanent CDC director, the decision will be made by Matthew Buzzelli, an ex-prosecutor without medical background. The scientific panel suggested: … Read more
Asian stock markets exhibited mixed performance on Good Friday, with Japan’s stocks rising and China’s flatlining. Investors took a breather as they await updates on US-China trade negotiations led by US President Donald Trump. Source: https://www.barrons.com/articles/asia-china-japan-stock-market-503041b4
Venice has brought back its entrance fee to limit day tourism on peak days, charging visitors five euros (or 10 euros for spontaneous travelers). The measure aims to dissuade tourists from visiting the city’s landmarks with packed lunches, leaving behind trash, and not spending much money. The fee is enforced on up to 54 days … Read more
US-based truck manufacturer Mack Trucks has announced plans to lay off between 250 and 350 employees at its Lehigh Valley Operations center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, due to economic uncertainty caused by US tariffs. The move is expected to be completed over the next three months. According to a company spokesperson, heavy-duty truck orders have been … Read more
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its endorsement of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, allowing more people to receive the shot. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the CDC, had previously recommended the vaccine only for those aged 75 and older or 60-74 years old with … Read more
Japan’s core inflation accelerated last month, with rice prices almost doubling from a year earlier, according to official data released Friday. The price increase has prompted the government to release emergency stockpiles into the market. Excluding fresh food, consumer prices rose 3.2% in March compared to February, while excluding energy, prices increased by 2.9%. However, … Read more
The ongoing US-China trade war has overshadowed another key issue: the impact of US tariffs on global steel and aluminum suppliers. While auto tariffs have drawn significant attention, some companies say the Trump administration’s move to impose duties on these metals is causing them greater concern. Source: https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/an-tariffs-steel-aluminum-derivatives-logistics-0418