Google, Justice Department make final arguments about whether search engine is a monopoly
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Google's preeminence as an internet search engine is an illegal monopoly propped up by more than $20 billion spent each year by the tech giant to lock out competition, Justice Department lawyers argued at the closings of a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit. The government and Google made their closing arguments in the 10-week lawsuit to U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who must now decide whether Google broke the law in maintaining a monopoly status as a search engine. Much of the case has revolved around how much Google derives its strength from contracts it has in place with companies like Apple to make Google the default search engine preloaded on cellphones and computers. Evidence showed that Google spends more than $20 billion a year on such contracts. Google responds that customers could easily click away to other search engines if they wanted, but that consumers invariably prefer Google. Mehta has not yet said when he will rule, though there is an expectation that it may take several months.
#Google #JusticeDepartment #Antitrust #SearchEngine #Monopoly
https://apnews.com/article/google-antitrust-closings-trial-monopoly-aa1c5b9f859e9428aec15bb0a61bcaa8
Yellen says threats to democracy risk US economic growth, an indirect jab at Trump
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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen argues that a fractured democracy can have destructive effects on the economy, indirectly referencing Donald Trump. Yellen uses economic data to illustrate how disregard for democratic processes and institutions can lead to economic stagnation. Her remarks serve as a warning to business leaders who may overlook Trump's disregard for democratic norms in favor of his economic policies.
#JanetYellen #DonaldTrump #Democracy #Economy
https://apnews.com/article/yellen-treasury-federal-feserve-democracy-a14d6154d292f0f5bee34b29a9976eab
'Hell's Kitchen' and 'Stereophonic' lead Tony Award nominations, shows honoring creativity's spark
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The musical 'Hell's Kitchen' and the play 'Stereophonic' have each earned 13 Tony Award nominations. The nominations also saw a record number of women nominated for best director. Other notable shows include 'The Outsiders' with 12 nominations, a revival of 'Cabaret' with nine nominations, and 'Appropriate' with eight nominations. The Tony Awards celebrate creativity in the theater industry.
#TonyAwards #Broadway #Musical #Play #Nominations
https://apnews.com/article/tony-nominations-2024-5a34692b23991e09e68b3c88bb310bef
Stock market today: Asian benchmarks mostly climb despite worries about US economy
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Asian shares mostly rose despite worries about the economic outlook and inflation in the US and the rest of the world. The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged. Japan's Nikkei 225 added 0.8%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 dropped 1.4%. South Korea's Kospi jumped 1.1%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 2.3%. The Shanghai Composite rose 1.1%. Wall Street was lower with concerns about high inflation and a weak economy. Facebook's parent company dropped 10.6%. The S&P 500 fell 0.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1%. The Nasdaq composite sank 0.6%. The US economy slowed to a 1.6% annual rate in Q1 2024. Treasury yields rose. Benchmark US crude edged up to $83.94 a barrel. Brent crude gained to $89.41 a barrel.
#StockMarket #AsianBenchmarks #UsEconomy #Inflation
https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-inflation-economy-earnings-4775e405f59a664add5dd9daf995dcd5
The summer after Barbenheimer and the strikes, Hollywood charts a new course
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Hollywood is entering a new summer movie season after the strikes and the success of films like 'Barbie' and 'F9'. The industry has learned to pivot quickly and is releasing films through the pandemic. The fallout from the strikes led to the loss of big summer titles like 'Mission: Impossible 8' and 'Captain America: Brave New World', but also resulted in the release of films like 'The Bikeriders' and 'Deadpool & Wolverine'. The summer of 2023 saw a box office of $4 billion, the first time since 2019. This summer, there are 32 wide releases and over 40 movies opening in 500+ theaters. Notably, only two of them are Marvel movies. Family films, horrors, and thrillers are also part of the summer lineup. Streamers are also releasing big summer movies, including 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' and 'The Instigators'. The movie business remains unpredictable, but following taste and instincts is paramount.
https://apnews.com/article/2024-summer-movie-preview-dd4640580b4d32cb235996eb69665ea9
Insider Q&A: Trust and safety exec talks about AI and content moderation
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Alex Popken, a former trust and safety executive at Twitter, discusses AI and content moderation. Popken left Twitter in 2023 after a decade at the company. She is now the vice president of trust and safety at WebPurify, a content moderation service provider. Popken was the first employee at Twitter dedicated to moderating the platform's advertising business. She emphasizes the importance of AI in content moderation and the need for human oversight. Popken also discusses the challenges of moderating content at scale and the role of technology companies in addressing harmful content. She highlights the need for collaboration between technology companies, governments, and civil society to create effective content moderation policies. Popken believes that transparency and accountability are crucial in building trust with users and ensuring the responsible use of AI in content moderation.
#Ai #ContentModeration #Twitter #Webpurify
https://apnews.com/article/alex-popken-webpurify-twitter-ai-content-moderation-28e540b1021d6bb7ecd5fe7584db2976
The Latest | 3 wounded in Jerusalem in car attack
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Israeli police said a car slammed into pedestrians in Jerusalem, wounding three people lightly. Footage of the incident showed a car plowing into three ultra-Orthodox Jews. Palestinians have carried out periodic attacks on Israeli cities and towns since the country’s war against Hamas began on Oct. 7. Over the weekend, a funeral in the West Bank commemorated 14 Palestinians killed during an Israeli raid on the Nur Shams refugee camp. The Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, at least two-thirds of them children and women. The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $26 billion aid package on Saturday that includes around $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza. Israeli authorities said they had arrested a suspect in the killing of a 14-year-old Jewish West Bank settler. The teen’s disappearance earlier this month sparked rampages by Israeli settlers in a number of Palestinian communities. Three people were injured when a car ran them over in the neighborhood of Romema, northeast of the city center. Police said they were searching for the two attackers, who they said had exited the vehicle with a submachine gun and fled the scene.
https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-hamas-latest-04-22-2024-979b85863a6899acc2d4cbb09e423225
The Latest | 3 wounded in Jerusalem in car attack
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Israeli police said a car slammed into pedestrians in Jerusalem, wounding three people lightly. Footage of the incident showed a car plowing into three ultra-Orthodox Jews. Palestinians have carried out periodic attacks on Israeli cities and towns since the country’s war against Hamas began on Oct. 7. Over the weekend, a funeral in the West Bank commemorated 14 Palestinians killed during an Israeli raid on the Nur Shams refugee camp. The Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, at least two-thirds of them children and women. The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $26 billion aid package on Saturday that includes around $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza. Israeli authorities said they had arrested a suspect in the killing of a 14-year-old Jewish West Bank settler. The teen’s disappearance earlier this month sparked rampages by Israeli settlers in a number of Palestinian communities. Three people were injured when a car ran them over in the neighborhood of Romema, northeast of the city center. Police said they were searching for the two attackers, who they said had exited the vehicle with a submachine gun and fled the scene.
https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-hamas-latest-04-22-2024-979b85863a6899acc2d4cbb09e423225
Climate change concerns grow, but few think Biden's climate law will help, an AP-NORC poll finds
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A poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that 45% of adults in the United States say they have become more concerned about climate change over the past year. President Joe Biden’s signature climate change policy, the Inflation Reduction Act, was intended to address some of those fears, investing billions in incentives for consumers and businesses to move toward clean energy sources. About one-quarter of Americans say tax credits for renewable energy projects such as wind power have benefited people like them so far, with similar numbers for incentives for companies to manufacture clean energy technologies in the U.S. rather than abroad, tax credits for individuals to add solar panels to their homes, or subsidies and tax credits for energy-efficient appliances like heat pumps. Generally, U.S. adults also aren’t confident the IRA will have an impact even in more time. The poll found that only between 23% and 35% of U.S. adults say the law’s key components will eventually help address climate change. Biden still has an advantage over his opponent, former President Donald Trump, when it comes to climate change generally. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults and two-thirds of Democrats have “a lot” or “some” trust in Biden on climate change. But one of Biden's major pitches for the IRA — that it will help the American economy and U.S. workers — doesn't seem to be resonating. According to the poll, only about 2 in 10 Americans say the law has done more to help the U.S. economy, while about one-quarter think it's done more to hurt the economy, and about half think it either made no difference or don't know enough to say. Broadly, a majority of Americans say the federal government is currently doing “too little” to address climate change.
#ClimateChange #Biden #ClimateLaw #Poll
https://apnews.com/article/america-ap-norc-poll-climate-change-election-f9943ab6a37674ef2345f4041618cf5e
How immigrant workers in U.S. have helped boost job growth and stave off a recession
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The influx of immigrant workers in the United States has helped boost job growth and prevent a recession. The availability of immigrant workers has filled the labor shortage and allowed companies to continue adding hundreds of thousands of jobs each month. The immigration boom was a surprise, with the actual number of net immigration in 2023 being 3.3 million, compared to the estimated 1 million. The new immigrant arrivals have allowed the U.S. to generate jobs without causing inflation, as the supply of workers has increased. Economists estimate that monthly job growth could be twice as high this year without exerting upward pressure on inflation. Immigrant workers have been crucial in industries such as dairy farming in Maine, where they make up half the staff. Overall, the contribution of immigrant workers to the U.S. economy has helped solve the puzzle of strong job growth despite aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
#Immigration #Jobs #Economy #Wages #Gdp #Trump #Biden
https://apnews.com/article/immigration-jobs-economy-wages-gdp-trump-biden-9d468330973502761647c961162917c5
New study calculates climate change's economic bite will hit about $38 trillion a year by 2049
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A new study by Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research predicts that climate change will reduce future global income by about 19% in the next 25 years compared to a fictional world that's not warming. The economic cost of climate change is estimated to be around $38 trillion a year by 2049, with the financial cost potentially doubling by 2100. The study shows that the poorest areas and those least responsible for heating the atmosphere will be the most affected. The damages caused by climate change are mainly driven by average warming and overall temperature increases, which harm crops and hinder labor production. The study also reveals that countries with historically lower greenhouse gas emissions per person and less financial ability to adapt to warming weather will experience the biggest financial harms. The world's poorest countries are projected to suffer a 61% bigger income loss than the richest ones. The study concludes that emission cuts will only produce small changes in income reduction over the next 25 years, but cutting carbon emissions now will pay off in the second half of the century. If carbon pollution is curbed and warming is limited to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, the financial hit will stay around 20% in global income. However, if emissions increase in a worst-case scenario, the financial impact could be closer to 60%. The study highlights the importance of taking action to mitigate climate change and the potential economic benefits of doing so.
#ClimateChange #EconomicImpact #GlobalIncome #EmissionCuts #GreenhouseGasEmissions
https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-damage-economy-income-costly-3e21addee3fe328f38b771645e237ff9
Iran fires air defense batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
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Iran fired air defense batteries near Isfahan following a drone-and-missile assault on the country. It is unclear if the country was under attack, but tensions have remained high since Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza and its strikes in Syria. Air defenses fired at a major air base in Isfahan, which is home to Iran's fleet of American-made F-14 Tomcats. The sound of blasts was reported, and state television described all sites in the area as 'fully safe.' Commercial flights in Tehran and across western and central regions were grounded. Several small drones were shot down, and explosions were heard in Baghdad.
#Iran #Isfahan #AirDefense #Explosions #Israel #Hamas #Syria #F14Tomcats #Drone #Missile #Tehran #CommercialFlights #Baghdad
https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-mideast-tensions-4-19-2024-a7ccbae2e2844bab089e8e4377a24ddb
Armenian victims group asks International Criminal Court to investigate genocide claim
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A human rights organization representing ethnic Armenians has submitted evidence to the International Criminal Court arguing that Azerbaijan is committing an ongoing genocide against them. Lawyers for the California-based Center for Truth and Justice (CFTJ) have submitted a communication urging the court’s chief prosecutor Karim Khan to look into alleged atrocities. The evidence includes the testimony of more than 500 victims and witnesses. The court will now consider the evidence and decide whether to open an investigation. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at odds over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, and are already facing off in a separate legal case stemming from that conflict. The CFTJ's request comes amid two weeks of proceedings between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the International Court of Justice, where each country has accused the other of violating a racial discrimination treaty.
#Armenia #Azerbaijan #Genocide #InternationalCriminalCourt #HumanRights #Nagornokarabakh
https://apnews.com/article/armenia-azerbaijan-genocide-claim-international-court-4331781a6213e82a78b9ce152ed8d27c
Stock market today: Wall Street drifts in mixed trading following a four-day losing streak
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The S&P 500 was 0.1% lower, coming off its fourth straight loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 117 points, as of 9:45 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.3% lower. Elevance Health climbed 4.2% after raising its profit forecast for the full year. Homebuilder D.R. Horton rose 3.5% after reporting stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Equifax dropped 8.2% after reporting weaker revenue for the latest quarter than expected. Yields in the bond market are rising, putting pressure on stocks. Traders are now forecasting just one or two cuts to rates this year, down from expectations for three cuts at the start of the year. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62% from 4.59% late Wednesday. The two-year Treasury yield rose to 4.97% from 4.94%. Comerica rose 2.7% after giving better-than-expected profit forecasts for 2024. Alaska Air took a $162 million hit in its most recent quarter after grounding its entire Boeing 737 Max fleet, but it projected better-than-expected profits for the current quarter. Las Vegas Sands dropped 6.9% despite reporting better results than expected. Indexes in Europe were moving only modestly, while South Korea's Kospi jumped 2%.
#StockMarket #WallStreet #Trading #S&p500 #DowJonesIndustrialAverage #Nasdaq #ElevanceHealth #DrHorton #Equifax #BondMarket #TreasuryYield #Comerica #AlaskaAir #LasVegasSands #Europe #SouthKorea
https://apnews.com/article/stock-market-shares-rates-treasury-c8cc2e5f5ac2b5cd47143dd2ee0920ea
Biden is seeking higher tariffs on Chinese steel as he makes an election-year pitch to union voters
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President Joe Biden is calling for a tripling of tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum to protect American producers from cheap imports. The current tariff rate is 7.5% for both steel and aluminum but could climb to 22.5%. The Biden administration also promised to pursue antidumping investigations against countries and importers that try to saturate existing markets with Chinese steel. The move is largely symbolic as China accounted for just 2.1% of U.S. steel imports last year. Higher tariffs could increase the costs of cars, construction materials, and other goods for U.S. consumers. Biden's turn toward protectionism echoes the playbook of his predecessor, Donald Trump. The first step to the higher tariffs is the completion of a review of Chinese trade practices.
#Biden #China #SteelTariffs #UnionWorkers
https://apnews.com/article/biden-china-steel-tariffs-union-workers-0399b0450b67086ca86edc43ac45e5e9
New leader of Jesse Jackson's civil rights organization steps down less than 3 months on the job
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The Rev. Frederick Haynes III, a Dallas pastor, has resigned as the head of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the civil rights organization founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson. Haynes, who took over the leadership role less than three months ago, cited 'challenges that continue to exist' as the reason for his resignation. Rev. Jackson announced in July that he would step down from the organization and introduced Haynes as his successor. Haynes, who was formally installed as president and CEO in February, expressed his admiration for Rev. Jackson and his intention to collaborate with Rainbow PUSH in the future. Rev. Jackson, who has faced health issues and has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, has not commented on Haynes' resignation.
#JesseJackson #RainbowPushCoalition #FrederickHaynesIii #Resignation #CivilRights #Chicago
https://apnews.com/article/jackson-chicago-dallas-pastor-civil-rights-3cf14917c9264948494c50aee974e6b2
Massachusetts official warns AI systems subject to consumer protection, anti-bias laws
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The Massachusetts attorney general has issued an advisory cautioning developers and business users of artificial intelligence that they must comply with state laws governing data privacy as well as consumer and anti-discrimination protections. The advisory emphasizes that existing state consumer protection, anti-discrimination, and data security laws still apply to emerging technologies, including AI systems. Falsely advertising the usability of AI systems, supplying a defective AI system, and misrepresenting the reliability or safety of an AI system could be considered unfair and deceptive under the state's consumer protection laws. Misrepresenting audio or video content for the purpose of deceiving others or engaging in fraud could also violate state law. The advisory aims to encourage companies to ensure that their AI products and services are free from bias before entering the market. Regulators also emphasize the importance of transparency in disclosing when consumers are interacting with algorithms. The advisory notes that the state's anti-discrimination laws prohibit the use of AI technology that discriminates against individuals based on protected characteristics. AI developers, suppliers, and users must also safeguard personal data used by AI systems and comply with data breach notification requirements.
#ArtificialIntelligence #ConsumerProtection #Antidiscrimination #DataPrivacy #Massachusetts
https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-consumer-protection-massachusetts-attorney-general-b0d2ff3addba47204cab2a49ebdd3092
NASA confirms mystery object that crashed through roof of Florida home came from space station
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NASA has confirmed that a cylindrical object that crashed through the roof of a home in Naples, Florida, on March 8, 2024, was a chunk of space junk from equipment discarded at the International Space Station. The object, weighing 1.6 pounds (0.7 kilograms) and measuring 4 inches (10 centimeters) tall and roughly 1 1/2 inches (4 centimeters) wide, was a metal support used to mount old batteries on a cargo pallet for disposal. The pallet was jettisoned from the space station in 2021, and while the load was expected to burn up on reentry into Earth's atmosphere, this piece survived. The homeowner, Alejandro Otero, discovered the object after returning from vacation and finding it had ripped through his ceiling and damaged the flooring. No injuries were reported.
#Nasa #SpaceStation #SpaceJunk #Florida #Home #Debris
https://apnews.com/article/space-station-debris-florida-home-8c5cd89b0d9db0f5c274ab9ed1f0713c
McCormick gets Trump's endorsement in Pennsylvania's Senate race despite awkward history
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Former President Donald Trump has endorsed U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick of Pennsylvania, urging his supporters in the state to "go out and vote for him" in one of the year's most hotly contested Senate races. This endorsement comes two years after Trump helped sink McCormick in Pennsylvania's Senate GOP primary, creating an awkward history between the two men. McCormick, a former CEO of hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, is trying to unseat Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, who is seeking his fourth term. McCormick had sought Trump's endorsement in 2022 but refused to say the 2020 election was stolen, leading to Trump endorsing another candidate and repeatedly criticizing McCormick on the campaign trail.
#DonaldTrump #DavidMccormick #PennsylvaniaSenateRace #Endorsement
https://apnews.com/article/trump-mccormick-endorsement-senate-pennsylvania-casey-d8f09864dc6f02f967ad56981dfa1e7d
Chase Elliott ends 42-race winless streak with overtime victory in NASCAR Cup race at Texas
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Chase Elliott ended a 42-race winless streak by winning the NASCAR Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. Elliott pulled ahead and cleared Ross Chastain on the first lap after the second restart in overtime. The race ended on the 16th caution after Elliott had taken the white flag for the 276th lap in a race scheduled for 267 laps. It was the fifth win this season for Hendrick Motorsports and the 306th win for NASCAR's winningest team. Elliott's victory in the No. 9 Chevrolet was his first since Talladega in October 2022. Denny Hamlin, who was racing all-out with Elliott, got loose on the outside going into Turn 4 and crashed into the wall, bringing out the 14th caution and sending the race to overtime. Brad Keselowski finished second, William Byron finished third, and Harrison Burton was wrecked within a half lap in the first restart in overtime. Ford is still winless this season with its new Mustang. The next race is at Talladega.
#ChaseElliott #Nascar #TexasMotorSpeedway #HendrickMotorsports #DennyHamlin #BradKeselowski #WilliamByron #HarrisonBurton #Ford #Talladega
https://apnews.com/article/nascar-texas-chase-elliott-f2b94b76acf211090a66b1c357f0a8e7
A healthy US economy's secret ingredient: Immigrant workers, eager to fill jobs
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The influx of foreign-born adults in the United States has helped solve the mystery of how the economy has managed to prosper and add hundreds of thousands of jobs despite the Federal Reserve raising interest rates to fight inflation. Immigrants, whether living in the US legally or not, have filled the labor shortage and increased the supply of available workers, driving economic growth and creating more job openings. The availability of immigrant workers has eased the pressure on companies to raise wages and pass on higher labor costs to customers, resulting in lower inflation. Immigrants accounted for a record 18.6% of the labor force in 2023. However, the role of immigrants in the economy has become a contentious issue in the election-year debate over the control of the nation's Southern border.
#UsEconomy #ImmigrantWorkers #Jobs #Inflation #LaborShortage #Wages #SouthernBorder
https://apnews.com/article/immigration-jobs-economy-wages-gdp-trump-biden-fbd1f2ec89e84fdfaf81d005054edad0
U.S. stocks soar above global markets, giving investors solid path for growth
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U.S. stocks have been outperforming global markets in 2024, continuing a trend of strong growth. The S&P 500 is up 10% for the year, compared to just 4% for developed markets outside the U.S. Since 2019, the S&P has gained 48%, while other developed markets have only seen a 10% increase. Earnings per share growth is the main driver of this trend, with earnings for the S&P 500 nearly 47 times that of the broader global market over the last 17 years. Earnings growth for companies in the S&P 500 is expected to jump 11% in 2024. The U.S. economy's consumer-driven nature, strong consumer spending, and a solid jobs market have contributed to steady earnings growth for U.S. companies. Stock buybacks and the dominance of big tech companies in the S&P 500 have also skewed growth for the benchmark index. The strong economic data in the U.S. bodes well for investors focused on earnings growth. In contrast, weak consumer spending and lackluster income growth could continue to hamper China's economy.
#UsStocks #GlobalMarkets #S&p500 #EarningsGrowth #ConsumerSpending #JobsMarket #StockBuybacks #BigTechCompanies #China'sEconomy
https://apnews.com/article/off-charts-global-markets-89ac7ec845b64e2e4cd41d6fb57f33d4
Stock market today: Wall Street falls after hot inflation report burns hopes for a June rate cut
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U.S. stocks are sinking on worries that what seemed like a blip in the battle to bring down inflation is turning into a trend. The S&P 500 was 1.2% lower in a wipeout where nine out of 10 stocks in the index fell. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 514 points, or 1.3%, as of 11:45 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 1.2% lower. Treasury yields also leaped in the bond market, raising the pressure on the stock market, after a report showed inflation was hotter last month than economists expected. The fear now is that inflation may be stuck after February and March’s inflation reports all came in hotter than expected. Traders sharply cut back on bets that the Fed could begin cutting rates in June. They now see less than a 19% chance of that, down from nearly 74% a month ago, according to CME Group’s FedWatch tool. Real-estate stocks in the S&P 500 fell 4.2% for the biggest loss by far among the 11 sectors that make up the index. The hope on Wall Street is that the resilient U.S. economy could help prop up profits, even if it does diminish hopes for rate cuts.
#StockMarket #Inflation #InterestRates #FederalReserve #Economy
https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-inflation-interest-china-7ca5eb565702bbae5d2049a18d950123
Stock market today: Wall Street holds steadier after last week's bumpy ride
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U.S. stocks are holding steadier after a roller-coaster end to last week left them a bit shy of their records. The S&P 500 was virtually unchanged in early trading, coming off a stretch where a 1.2% drop immediately flipped to a 1.1% gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 51 points, or 0.1%, as of 9:35 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was basically flat. The focus has been on interest rates and when the Federal Reserve will lower them to ease pressure on the economy and financial system. This upcoming week has several flashpoints that could further swing expectations. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has said recently he still expects cuts to interest rates this year, but the central bank first needs additional confirmation inflation is heading toward its target of 2%. Traders now see roughly a coin flip’s chance of the Fed cutting interest rates at its meeting in June, down from a better than 70% probability a month ago. Cuts to interest rates not only make borrowing easier for U.S. households and companies, they also encourage investors to pay higher prices for stocks and other investments. Stock prices have already leaped in part on such expectations. Critics say stock prices already look expensive given their huge run of more than 20% from November into March. This week will bring the start of the latest earnings reporting season. Delta Air Lines, JPMorgan Chase and other banks will headline the earliest days of the reporting period, and analysts are expecting companies across the S&P 500 to deliver a third straight quarter of growth from the prior year.
#StockMarkets #InterestRates #FederalReserve #S&p500 #DowJonesIndustrialAverage #NasdaqComposite #JeromePowell #Inflation #EarningsReportingSeason
https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-inflation-earnings-812eda3ed641e66e438a6d59944ea43f
Pepiot strikes out a career-high 11 in Rays' 3-2 victory Rockies
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Ryan Pepiot struck out a career-high 11 batters in six shutout innings as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2. Pepiot, who came to the Rays in an offseason trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, topped his previous high of nine strikeouts. He allowed three hits and didn’t walk a batter. The Rays gave him the lead with two runs in the second and another in the third. Dakota Hudson allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings for Colorado. Shawn Armstrong got the save for the Rays. Zach Eflin starts the opener of a three-game home series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night.
#RyanPepiot #TampaBayRays #ColoradoRockies #Mlb
https://apnews.com/article/tampa-bay-rays-colorado-rockies-score-e2f97ad9831c418d608714b5dc48a806
Yellen says US-China relationship on 'more stable footing' but more can be done to improve ties
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and highlighted the improvement in relations since her visit to China last year while recognizing that major differences remain. Yellen emphasized mutual cooperation and the need for further efforts to improve the U.S.-China relationship. The meeting with Li focused on the broader U.S.-China relationship after discussing trade and economic issues in the first two days of Yellen's visit. Yellen's visit to China started in one of China's major industrial and export hubs before she arrived in Beijing. The talks aimed to address American concerns about manufacturing overcapacity in China and create a structure for dialogue between the two nations. Yellen's message of mutual cooperation suggests that the U.S.-China relationship is on a more stable footing, but there is still work to be done to improve ties.
#JanetYellen #UschinaRelationship #China #Trade #Economics
https://apnews.com/article/treasury-yellen-china-economics-trade-cbeef6b23ffb6c6cf6cb11dab25ed08b
Winning Powerball jackpot ticket worth $1.3 billion sold in Portland, Oregon
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A Powerball player in Oregon has won a jackpot worth more than $1.3 billion, ending a winless streak that had stretched more than three months. The single ticket matched all six numbers drawn: 22, 27, 44, 52, 69, and the red Powerball 9. The jackpot has a cash value of $621 million if the winner chooses a lump sum. The winning ticket was sold in Portland, Oregon. The winner has a year to claim the top prize. The $1.326 billion prize ranks as the eighth largest in U.S. lottery history. The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 292.2 million. The drawing was delayed and took place in the Florida Lottery studio. Powerball is played in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
#Powerball #Lottery #Jackpot #Oregon
https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-lottery-bbc041bf14b984c38d9f66803394d398
Tennessee hires Marshall's Kim Caldwell as the Lady Vols' 4th coach in NCAA era
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Tennessee has hired Marshall coach Kim Caldwell as the fourth head coach in the NCAA era of the Lady Vols' program. Caldwell, who won the 2024 Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award, will be introduced at a news conference on Tuesday. She replaces Kellie Harper, who was fired after five seasons at Tennessee. Caldwell has a winning track record, including leading Glenville State to the 2022 Division II national title. Tennessee athletic director Danny White said Caldwell is the ideal person to restore the Lady Vols' program to national prominence.
#Tennessee #LadyVols #KimCaldwell #Ncaa #Basketball
https://apnews.com/article/lady-vols-coach-kim-caldwell-d8f236c83e786609c7dd90a6d53539a7
Many cancer drugs remain unproven 5 years after accelerated approval, a study finds
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A study has found that most cancer drugs granted accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not demonstrate clinical benefits within five years. Between 2013 and 2017, 46 cancer drugs were granted accelerated approval, but only 43% demonstrated a clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. The accelerated approval program was created in 1992 to speed access to HIV drugs and now 85% of accelerated approvals go to cancer drugs. The program allows the FDA to grant early approval to drugs that show promising initial results for treating debilitating or fatal diseases. However, drug companies are expected to do rigorous testing and produce better evidence before gaining full approval. The study raises concerns about whether cancer patients understand the uncertainty surrounding drugs with accelerated approval. Congress recently updated the program, giving the FDA more authority and streamlining the process for withdrawing drugs when companies don't meet their commitments.
#CancerDrugs #Fda #AcceleratedApproval #ClinicalBenefits #ConfirmatoryTrials #HivDrugs #DrugCompanies #Congress
https://apnews.com/article/cancer-drugs-fda-accelerated-approval-d5adffd124e0d038a8fd0357ced59546
Top-ranked Korda cruises to T-Mobile Match Play final and will face Maguire
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Nelly Korda, the top-ranked player, defeated Narin An 4 and 3 in the semifinals of the T-Mobile Match Play, putting herself one match away from her fourth straight LPGA Tour victory. She will face Leona Maguire in the final. Korda is aiming to become the first LPGA Tour player to win four consecutive starts since Lorena Ochoa in 2008. The record is five consecutive wins, set by Nancy Lopez in 1978 and matched by Annika Sorenstam in 2004-2005. Korda has taken seven weeks off and a victory this weekend would be her third consecutive in a scheduled event. Maguire, who has a 3-1 record against Korda in team matches for Europe in the Solheim Cup, described Korda as the best in the world right now and expects a tough battle in the final. The temperature during the tournament was 42 degrees Fahrenheit, but the winds were reduced to a breeze and temperatures were in the 60s for the afternoon play.
#NellyKorda #NarinAn #LeonaMaguire #LpgaTour #TmobileMatchPlay #Golf
https://apnews.com/article/lpga-tmobile-match-play-korda-36b05870a1579d85d222a84b8a283885
A Russian drone attack kills 4 people and wounds 12 in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city
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A nighttime Russian attack using Iranian-designed drones killed four people and wounded 12 in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Three first responders in Kharkiv were killed when Russia struck a multistory building twice in quick succession, local authorities said. Another 14-story building was hit by a drone, killing a 69-year-old woman. Ukrainian soldiers shot down 11 of the 20 drones Russia launched against Ukraine during the night. Some 700,000 people in Kharkiv lost power last week after a massive missile attack hit the city’s thermal power plant.
#Russia #Ukraine #DroneAttack #Kharkiv
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kharkiv-drones-23d1922a82fd8ac605b5f95d6d69291a
Beneath the calm, Hong Kong's new security law drives deeper, quieter changes
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Life in Hong Kong appears unchanged on the surface after the new national security law took effect. The law, enacted in 2020, drew protests and arrests, but this time there have been no arrests or newsroom raids. However, beneath the calm, the law is driving deeper and quieter changes in the city. Critics argue that the law is eroding Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy, while supporters believe it is necessary for maintaining stability and national security. The impact of the law is still unfolding, and its long-term effects on Hong Kong's political and social landscape remain uncertain.
#HongKong #NationalSecurityLaw #Protests #Arrests #Freedom #Autonomy
https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-new-security-law-impact-ca4e181da02e5eed23a8f31dbcc1cef1
Stock market today: Wall Street gains ground following surprisingly strong US jobs report
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Stocks on Wall Street posted solid gains following a strong US jobs report. The S&P 500 rose 1.1% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.8%. Technology companies, including Nvidia and Alphabet, contributed to the rally. The gains were broad, with every sector in the S&P 500 finishing in the green. The US added a surprisingly strong 303,000 workers to their payrolls in March, fueling consumer spending and earnings growth. The job market has also sparked concerns about inflation, but Friday's report showed that wages rose modestly, putting less upward pressure on inflation. The bond market signaled concern about interest rates staying higher for longer, but the stock market accepted the strong jobs report as good news. The S&P 500 rose 57.13 points to 5,204.34, the Dow added 307.06 points to 38,904.04, and the Nasdaq gained 199.44 points to 16,248.52.
#StockMarket #WallStreet #UsJobsReport #S&p500 #DowJonesIndustrialAverage #TechnologyCompanies #Nvidia #Alphabet #Inflation #BondMarket
https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-inflation-cdeea722367b960f1a87b0b3d287fedd
Stock market today: Wall Street rises toward records as it prepares for Friday's jobs report
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U.S. stocks are rising Thursday and climbing back toward record heights, as Wall Street makes its final moves ahead of a jobs report that could shake the market on Friday. The S&P 500 was up 0.7% in early trading and sitting just below its all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 250 points, or 0.6%, as of 9:40 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.9% higher. Conagra Brands climbed 4.1% after the company behind such food brands as Birds Eye and Duncan Hines reported a milder drop in revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Levi Strauss jumped 16.3% after its latest quarterly results likewise topped expectations. One of the big reasons the U.S. stock market stormed more than 20% higher from November through March was the expectation that the Fed would cut its main interest rate several times. But Fed officials have said they need to see additional proof inflation is heading down toward its 2% target before acting, a message Chair Jerome Powell reiterated. Wall Street is looking for the job market to cool enough to remove upward pressure on inflation, but not so much that it throws too many people out of work and causes a recession. Treasury yields were holding relatively steady in the bond market and gave up earlier gains following the release of the jobless claims report. The yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.32% from 4.35% late Wednesday. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe after rising in much of Asia.
https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-inflation-c044d61408190a1a283ecbe3959272c1
NASA wants to come up with a new clock for the moon, where seconds tick away faster
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NASA is working on developing a new clock for the moon that takes into account the difference in gravity, which causes time to move slightly faster on the moon compared to Earth. The White House has instructed NASA to collaborate with international agencies to create a moon-centric time reference system. On the moon, time moves 58.7 microseconds faster every day. The new clock will provide a frame of reference for timekeeping on the moon.
#Nasa #Moon #Timekeeping #Clock
https://apnews.com/article/moon-time-apollo-faster-space-gravity-0ed02d33a53bc39f58cf46f95a816bf6
Stock market today: Global shares drop after Wall Street sinks on rate worries
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Global shares mostly declined after Wall Street had its worst day in weeks. France's CAC 40 edged up 0.1% in early trading, Germany's DAX rose 0.3%, and Britain's FTSE 100 dropped 0.6%. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 slid 0.8%, Sydney's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 1.3%, South Korea's Kospi dropped 1.4%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 1.1%, and the Shanghai Composite fell 0.2%. Worries are growing that the turbulence in Wall Street might spread to Asia. China has set a target of around 5% economic growth this year. Moody's Ratings report says China's slowing economy will aggravate difficult business conditions for Japanese manufacturers. Traders have reduced their expectations for how many times the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this year. In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude added 4 cents to $85.19 a barrel. The U.S. dollar rose to 151.71 Japanese yen from 151.54 yen.
#StockMarket #WallStreet #GlobalShares #RateWorries #EconomicGrowth #FederalReserve #EnergyTrading #UsDollar
https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-inflation-ae64cbb7a42eb0b9d050a09da68d7c7b
Romania and Bulgaria partially join Europe’s Schengen travel zone, but checks at land borders remain
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Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone, allowing free access for travelers arriving by air or sea from both countries. However, land border checks will remain in place due to opposition primarily from Austria over illegal migration concerns. The Schengen Area, the world’s largest free travel zone, now includes 25 of the 27 EU member countries. Austria vetoed Romania and Bulgaria’s admission into the Schengen zone in 2022 but allowed Croatia full accession. Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 and Croatia in 2013. The lifting of border control is expected to facilitate operations at Bulgaria’s four international airports and positively impact the tourism sector. However, concerns have been raised about long queues at the EU’s land borders and the impact on trade in the bloc’s single market, as well as the health and safety of drivers.
#Romania #Bulgaria #SchengenTravelZone #EuropeanUnion #BorderControl #Tourism #Trade
https://apnews.com/article/romania-bulgaria-schengen-eu-c8290cf515e6755f1fa57cf7be09abcb
Harrison Barnes keys big 3rd quarter that carries the Kings past the Jazz 127-106
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Harrison Barnes scored 24 points and led a big third-quarter run for the Sacramento Kings, helping them secure a 127-106 victory over the Utah Jazz. Keegan Murray also contributed 25 points for the Kings, while De'Aaron Fox had 24 points and 12 assists, and Domantas Sabonis recorded his 57th straight double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. This win marked the Kings' first season sweep against the Jazz since the 2001-02 season.
#HarrisonBarnes #SacramentoKings #UtahJazz #KeeganMurray #De'aaronFox #DomantasSabonis #Nba
https://apnews.com/article/jazz-kings-score-cba72228c373e57fd68920073360b488
Many Americans say immigrants contribute to economy but there's worry over risks, AP-NORC poll finds
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A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that many Americans believe immigrants contribute to the country's economic growth and offer important contributions to American culture. However, concerns about legal immigrants committing crimes have increased, particularly among Republicans. The poll also revealed that U.S. adults see fewer major benefits and more major risks from legal immigration compared to the past.
#Immigration #Poll #Economy #Risks #Republicans #Benefits
https://apnews.com/article/immigration-poll-border-security-biden-fentanyl-39246ef896ebccc51b67f6ed46de8061
Stock market today: S&P 500 sets a record after Wall Streets breaks out of its lull
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The S&P 500 climbed 44.91 points, or 0.9%, to 5,248.49, setting a new record. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 477.75, or 1.2%, to 39,760.08. The Nasdaq composite gained 83.82, or 0.5%, to 16,399.52. Merck climbed 5% after federal regulators approved its treatment for adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cintas jumped 8.2% after reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter. Trump Media & Technology Group rose another 14.2%. Robinhood Markets climbed 3.7% after unveiling its first credit card. Nvidia slumped 2.5%. GameStop tumbled 15%. Treasury yields slipped, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury falling to 4.19%. The U.S. government will release the latest monthly update on consumer spending on Friday. The S&P 500 is on track for a fifth straight winning month. Stocks generally tend to do the best when more than half the world's central banks are easing interest rates. Indexes were mixed across Europe and Asia, with Chinese stocks performing poorly.
#StockMarket #S&p500 #Record #WallStreet #Merck #Cintas #TrumpMedia&TechnologyGroup #RobinhoodMarkets #Nvidia #Gamestop #TreasuryYields #ConsumerSpending #InterestRates #China
https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-inflation-china-rates-0ce28d7b2b92a6e7d43d67525d80558a
The Latest | Mexican president highlights contributions of migrant workers
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Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador highlighted the contributions of migrant workers to the US economy in response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Three Mexican workers were among those on the bridge when it collapsed, with two missing and one injured and rescued. López Obrador criticized the treatment of migrants by certain US politicians, stating that they deserve better treatment given the risks they take in performing difficult jobs. The bridge collapse occurred after a ship crashed into it, causing major damage and leading to the closure of the port in Baltimore. Recovery efforts are underway to search for the missing workers, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the collapse.
#MexicanPresident #MigrantWorkers #BridgeCollapse #Baltimore
https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-bridge-collapse-latest-live-cf49bc860af7ba949961d8aeffa09901
Police had about 90 seconds to stop traffic before Baltimore bridge fell. 6 workers are feared dead
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During the middle of the night, a cargo ship lost steering capabilities and headed towards the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Police officers had about 90 seconds to stop traffic in both directions, but the bridge collapsed before they could fully respond. At least eight people went into the water, with two rescued and six missing and presumed dead. The collapse is causing disruptions to shipping and trucking, diverting traffic from one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. The crash is believed to be an accident, and investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances. The loss of the bridge is expected to impact commuter traffic and disrupt the shipping port. The search for the missing workers is complicated by the twisted metal and debris in the water. The crash is likely to create logistical challenges along the East Coast for months, if not longer. The Port of Baltimore has suspended ship traffic indefinitely. The ship involved in the crash is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and was chartered by Danish shipping giant Maersk. The vessel had passed inspections in June and September 2023. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. President Joe Biden plans to visit Baltimore and expects the federal government to cover the cost of rebuilding the bridge.
#Baltimore #BridgeCollapse #CargoShip #FrancisScottKeyBridge #Accident #Investigation #Shipping #Trucking #PortOfBaltimore #LogisticalChallenges #GraceOceanPrivateLtd #Maersk #PresidentJoeBiden
https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-key-bridge-collapse-03-27-2024-6a95340e5daeff6551fc999d23feb278
China's Xi issues a positive message in meeting with U.S. business leaders as relations improve
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China's nationalist leader Xi Jinping has called for closer trade ties with the U.S. during a meeting with top American business leaders in Beijing. Xi emphasized the mutually beneficial economic ties between the two countries, despite heavy U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports and accusations of undue Communist Party influence, unfair trade barriers, and theft of intellectual property. China's economy has struggled to recover from self-imposed COVID-19 restrictions, but Xi stated that China was contributing to world economic growth. The meeting included Stephen A. Schwarzman, the head of investment firm Blackstone. Trade and tariffs have been a focus in the run-up to the U.S. presidential election, and the Biden administration has shown little sign of moderating punitive measures against Chinese imports. China's economy has been affected by a crisis in its property market, an aging population, and high youth unemployment. However, foreign firms, including Apple, rely on China-based manufacturers and its consumer market. China's tone towards the U.S. has softened in recent months, and officials from both countries have visited each other. However, China maintains a hard line on issues it considers its 'core interests,' including its claims in the South China Sea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang. Xi aims to maintain strict party control while attracting foreign investment to support the economy.
#China #Us #Trade #Economy #XiJinping
https://apnews.com/article/china-us-trade-economy-xi-jinping-62568f1f1ba1f5d722e0e7795bb0bac6
Live Updates: All six workers missing after bridge collapse are presumed dead
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A cargo ship lost power and rammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and plunge into the river. Six workers who were repairing potholes on the bridge are missing and presumed dead. The search for the workers has been suspended until Wednesday morning. The bridge, part of I-695, spanned the Patapsco River and was a vital artery for shipping on the East Coast. The cargo ship, called Dali, lost power just before striking a column on the bridge. The ship's operator, Synergy Marine Group, and owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd, have been sued in the past for negligence and worker injuries. The cause of the collapse is under investigation, but terrorism is not suspected. The bridge collapse has disrupted shipping and trucking around the Port of Baltimore, leading to potential delays and shortages of goods. President Joe Biden plans to travel to Baltimore and offer federal resources for the search and rescue efforts. The bridge collapse is a major transportation emergency for Baltimore, and the mayor has declared a state of emergency. The collapse of major bridges due to ship collisions has resulted in 342 deaths worldwide since 1960. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. The bridge was rated as being in fair condition before the collapse. The Baltimore Orioles have canceled a rally and workout event in response to the collapse. The collapse of the bridge has caused traffic disruptions and warnings of delays. The ship involved in the collision, the Dali, was inspected in 2023 and found to have no deficiencies. The collapse of the bridge has led to concerns about the impact on supply chains and potential shortages of goods. The head of a supply chain management company warns of disruptions to ocean container shipping and East Coast trucking logistics. The collapse of the bridge has prompted offers of assistance from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and President Joe Biden. The collapse of the bridge is a developing mass casualty event, with at least two people pulled from the water and several others still missing. The bridge collapse is a major blow to transportation and commerce in the area. The collapse of the bridge is a tragic and unforeseen event, and the search and rescue efforts are ongoing. The collapse of the bridge has raised questions about the safety of bridges and the need for pier protection. The collapse of the bridge is a significant loss for the community, and the rebuilding process will be challenging. The collapse of the bridge has led to a state of shock and grief in Maryland. The collapse of the bridge has disrupted vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore. The collapse of the bridge has caused a decline in Maersk shares. The collapse of the bridge is being investigated by federal authorities, and there is no evidence of terrorism. The collapse of the bridge has prompted President Joe Biden to offer federal resources for the search and rescue efforts. The collapse of the bridge has resulted in the closure of all lanes on I-695 Key Bridge. Emergency responders are searching for at least seven people who are missing. The ship involved in the collision, the Dali, was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The collapse of the bridge is a major transportation emergency for Baltimore, and the mayor has declared a state of emergency. The collapse of the bridge is a developing mass casualty event, with several people still unaccounted for. The collapse of the bridge is a significant loss for the community, and the rebuilding process will be challenging. The collapse of the bridge has disrupted vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore. The collapse of the bridge has caused a decline in Maersk shares. The collapse of the bridge is being investigated by federal authorities, and there is no evidence of terrorism. The collapse of the bridge has prompted President Joe Biden to offer federal resources for the search and rescue efforts. The collapse of the bridge has resulted in the closure of all lanes on I-695 Key Bridge. Emergency responders are searching for at least seven people who are missing. The ship involved in the collision, the Dali, was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
#BridgeCollapse #Baltimore #FrancisScottKeyBridge #CargoShip #SearchAndRescue #SupplyChain #Transportation #Emergency
https://apnews.com/live/baltimore-key-bridge-collapse-latest-2024
Chevron manager jailed in Venezuela amid crackdown on government critics
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Alejandro González, a former Venezuelan fighter pilot and employee of U.S. oil firm Chevron, was jailed in Venezuela on February 9, 2024. His arrest came hours after his ex-wife, human rights attorney Rocío San Miguel, was also arrested. The arrests are part of a larger crackdown on dissent by Nicolás Maduro's government, which threatens to unravel a political accord negotiated between Maduro, the Biden administration, and a U.S.-backed opposition coalition. Chevron, the only major U.S. oil company in Venezuela, stated that González's arrest was not related to the company. The arrests have raised concerns about the prospects of free and fair elections in Venezuela.
#Venezuela #Chevron #GovernmentCrackdown #HumanRights #Arrest #Dissent #Elections
https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-chevron-arrest-repression-election-642bd28577e5bf8df7e2ff00173a73a1
Hong Kong lawmakers unanimously approve second law that gives government more power to curb dissent
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Hong Kong lawmakers unanimously approved a new national security law on Tuesday that grants the government more power to quash dissent. The Safeguarding National Security Bill was passed during a special session of the Legislative Council. The law expands the authorities' ability to prosecute citizens for offenses including 'colluding with external forces' to commit illegal acts, as well as charge them with treason, insurrection, espionage, and disclosing state secrets. This law comes on top of a similar security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Critics are concerned that the new law will further erode civil liberties in Hong Kong. The law threatens stringent penalties for a wide range of actions authorities call threats to national security, with the most severe offenses punishable by life imprisonment. Lesser offenses, including the possession of seditious publications, could also lead to several years in jail. The law allows for criminal prosecutions for acts committed anywhere in the world. The legislative process was rushed through, with daily meetings held for a week following an appeal by Hong Kong leader John Lee to push the law through 'at full speed.' The law is set to take effect on Saturday. The passing of the law has been met with criticism from human rights organizations and foreign governments. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights denounced the accelerated adoption of the bill, stating that it is a regressive step for the protection of human rights in Hong Kong. The chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee also condemned China's takeover of Hong Kong's legal, economic, and political system, stating that Hong Kong is no longer a place safe for democracy or global business. Businesspeople and journalists have expressed concerns that the broad law will affect their day-to-day work. The passing of this law marks another step in the political crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong that began with the pro-democracy protests in 2019.
#HongKong #NationalSecurityLaw #Dissent #LegislativeCouncil #CivilLiberties #HumanRights #Pro-democracyProtests
https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-china-legislative-council-national-security-law-37e1aca2daef8a4f9f998f389ff3d7f5
Alec Baldwin seeks dismissal of grand jury indictment in fatal shooting of cinematographer
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Defense attorneys for Alec Baldwin are seeking the dismissal of a grand jury indictment against the actor in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie 'Rust' in New Mexico. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter. His attorneys argue that prosecutors unfairly stacked the deck against Baldwin in the grand jury proceedings, preventing the jury from hearing exculpatory evidence and witnesses. The motion also claims that the grand jury received inaccurate and one-sided testimony about the revolver involved in the shooting. The 'Rust' armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted in the shooting and is awaiting sentencing. Baldwin is scheduled for trial in July.
#AlecBaldwin #GrandJuryIndictment #FatalShooting #Cinematographer #Rust #InvoluntaryManslaughter #DefenseAttorneys #Prosecutors #ExculpatoryEvidence #Witnesses #HannahGutierrez-reed #Trial
https://apnews.com/article/baldwin-wants-indictment-dismissed-fatal-shooting-4862eabf74c8121c188a6684dd286f2b
Biden orders US military to set up temporary aid port for Gaza as famine threatens
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President Joe Biden has ordered the U.S. military to establish a temporary port off the coast of Gaza to deliver food and aid to Palestinian civilians affected by the Hamas-Israel war. The announcement was made during Biden's State of the Union speech, where he called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow more aid into Gaza and protect humanitarian workers. The move comes as the U.N. warns of near-famine conditions in Gaza and as efforts to reach a cease-fire before Ramadan appear stalled. The U.S. operation will likely take weeks to become operational and may involve the use of a floating pier. The U.S. is working with international partners, including Cyprus, to establish a maritime sea route for aid deliveries. The Biden administration's decision reflects frustration with Israel's response to calls for increased humanitarian access and protection for civilians in Gaza. The World Food Program reports that only one-fifth of the needed aid trucks entered Gaza in February. Critics argue that the temporary port is an expensive and inefficient solution to the crisis and that the U.S. should use its leverage to influence Israel's conduct in the war.
#Biden #UsMilitary #TemporaryAidPort #Gaza #Famine #Hamas-israelWar #BenjaminNetanyahu #HumanitarianAid #Cease-fire #Ramadan #MaritimeSeaRoute #Cyprus #WorldFoodProgram
https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-07-24-5657eedc005040694a9ab935ce3e39e5
Stock market today: Another winning week for Wall Street ends with more records
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Wall Street closed its latest winning week with more gains, pushing U.S. stocks to new heights. The S&P 500 rose 40.81 points, or 0.8%, to 5,137.08 a day after setting an all-time high. It’s been on a tremendous run and has climbed in 16 of the last 18 weeks because of excitement about cooling inflation and a mostly resilient U.S. economy.
#StockMarket #WallStreet #S&p500 #U.s.Stocks #Gains #Inflation #U.s.Economy
https://apnews.com/article/stock-market-rates-japan-record-096e6bab846437343ebaabeaf5275ae4
Stock market today: Wall Street drifts lower from record highs reached last week
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Stocks on Wall Street drifted lower, slightly below the record highs reached last week. The S&P 500 slipped 0.4%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Domino’s Pizza reported stronger profit than expected, leading to one of the market's biggest gains. Amazon officially joined the Dow, replacing Walgreens Boots Alliance. Japanese stocks set more records. Treasury yields ticked higher, but the bond market was mostly quiet.
#StockMarket #WallStreet #S&p500 #DowJonesIndustrialAverage #Nasdaq #Domino'sPizza #Amazon #JapaneseStocks #TreasuryYields #BondMarket
https://apnews.com/article/stock-market-inflation-earnings-trading-285393710c170aaff6ede8ec5c7f5e90
What recession? Professional forecasters raise expectations for US economy in 2024
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The U.S. economy is expected to grow 2.2% in 2024, up from the previous prediction of 1.3%. Despite high interest rates, the job market and household spending have remained resilient. Factors behind the upgrade include government and household spending. Economists have also doubled their estimates for job gains this year. Inflation has been cooling since its peak two summers ago, and most forecasters expect interest rate cuts to begin by mid-June. However, high rates are still seen as the most significant risk to the economy, according to a survey by the National Association for Business Economics (NABE).
#UsEconomy #Recession #Forecasters #EconomicGrowth #InterestRates #Inflation #JobMarket #HouseholdSpending #Nabe
https://apnews.com/article/us-economy-recession-forecasters-strength-ed49d9bfa9a26b6301065b990169d387
Russian opposition figure Kara-Murza urges Russians from court not to give up after Navalny's death
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Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent Russian opposition figure serving a 25-year sentence for treason, urged Russians not to give up after the death of Alexei Navalny. Kara-Murza alleged the existence of a state-backed hit squad taking out opponents of President Vladimir Putin. He claimed there were two poisoning attempts against him in 2015 and 2017, and accused the Federal Security Service (FSB) of participating in his poisoning, as well as Navalny's poisoning in 2020 and the surveillance of Boris Nemtsov before his killing in 2015. Other opposition figures are either in prison, abroad, or dead. Navalny's family is campaigning to have his body returned to them, and his mother filed a lawsuit to contest officials' refusal to release his body. Russian authorities have said the cause of Navalny's death is still unknown and have refused to release his body for the next two weeks.
#RussianOpposition #AlexeiNavalny #VladimirPutin #Poisoning #State-backedHitSquad
https://apnews.com/article/russia-navalny-death-d5f54cf2aec6892b489c0c0a3a847efc
Robots and happy workers: Productivity surge helps explain US economy's surprising resilience
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Chronic worker shortages in the US have led many companies to invest in machines to do the work they can't find people to do. Batesville Tool & Die in Indiana struggled to attract factory workers to their community and turned to automation to keep up with customer demand. The productivity surge in the US economy has contributed to its surprising resilience. The article discusses the impact of automation on the workforce and the economy.
#Automation #Productivity #UsEconomy #WorkerShortages
https://apnews.com/article/inflation-pay-economy-productivity-workers-technology-prices-3abfb471535a3a2277a346b2480f8ed7
US inflation slows but remains elevated in sign that price pressures are easing only gradually
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Consumer inflation in the United States cooled last month yet remained elevated in the latest sign that the pandemic-fueled price surge is only gradually and fitfully coming under control. The consumer price index rose 0.3% from December to January, up from a 0.2% increase the previous month. Compared with a year ago, prices are up 3.1%. The latest reading is still well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target level. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, core prices climbed 0.4% last month, up from 0.3% in December. On a year-over-year basis, core prices were up 3.9% in January. The drivers of inflation have shifted from goods to services. Fed Chair Jerome Powell singled out persistently high services prices as a concern. The unexpectedly sticky inflation data sent stock and bond prices tumbling. Biden administration officials noted that average hourly pay, adjusted for inflation, rose in January and is 1.4% higher than it was a year earlier. However, the average work week has declined, leaving weekly inflation-adjusted pay slightly lower than it was a year earlier. Economists caution against assigning too much weight to January’s inflation data, noting that many companies impose annual price increases in the first month of the year. Forward-looking data suggests that inflation will continue to cool. The pace of wage growth has slowed, and consumers and business owners expect lower inflation in the coming months and years. Grocery prices rose 0.4% from December to January, the biggest such rise in a year, though compared with 12 months earlier, food prices are up just 1.2%. The costs of services, including auto insurance, apartment rents, and concert tickets, are still rising faster than they did before the pandemic and keeping overall inflation persistently high. The cost of car insurance has soared more than 20% compared with a year ago. Housing costs, particularly the price of home ownership, rose 0.6% from December to January, the biggest one-month jump since April. The Fed raised its key rate 11 times from March 2022 to July of last year in a drive to defeat high inflation. Most economists still think the Fed will start cutting its rate in June from its 22-year-high of roughly 5.4%.
#UsInflation #PricePressures #FederalReserve #Pandemic #Services #Goods
https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-rates-economy-biden-federal-reserve-539b662f32a3cea4a514407ae4389174
Recession risks are fading, business economists say, but political tensions pose threat to economy
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Just a quarter of business economists and analysts expect the United States to fall into recession this year. Respondents to a National Association of Business Economics survey expect year-over-year inflation to exceed 2.5% through 2024. Inflation has fallen from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022 to 3.4% in December. The Fed has stopped raising rates and has signaled that it expects to reduce rates three times this year. Respondents are concerned about the chances of a conflict between China and Taiwan, conflict in the Middle East driving oil prices above $90 a barrel, and political instability in the United States before or after the Nov. 5 presidential election. 57% of respondents say budget policies need to be more disciplined. The most important objectives of government budget policy should be promoting medium- to long-term growth and reducing the federal deficit and debts. 7% cite the goal of reducing income inequality.
#Recession #BusinessEconomists #Inflation #FederalReserve #PoliticalTensions #UsEconomy
https://apnews.com/article/us-economy-interest-rates-federal-reserve-recession-3dc2a271c285ec78d7b889afa1e1f5eb
Family dreams and hopes 'shattered' following the death of Kenyan marathon world record-holder
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Kelvin Kiptum, the Kenyan marathon world record-holder, and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, were killed in a car crash near the town of Kaptagat in western Kenya. Kiptum's family, including his father Samson Cheruiyot and wife Asenath Cheruiyot, expressed their devastation and shared their shattered dreams and hopes. Kiptum had promised to build his father a house and buy him a car through running. He was also planning to run the upcoming Rotterdam Marathon in under two hours and finance his wife's business ventures. Kiptum's father revealed that Kiptum had chosen to focus on running instead of furthering his studies in electrical engineering. Kiptum's record, set at the Chicago Marathon, was ratified by World Athletics just last week.
#Kenya #Marathon #WorldRecord #CarCrash
https://apnews.com/article/kelvin-kiptum-marathon-record-holder-death-family-807a4072e6bb96b11f24ce401c244456
What to know about a shooting at Joel Osteen's megachurch
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A shooting occurred at Joel Osteen's megachurch in Houston, Texas. A woman entered the church and started shooting, resulting in her being killed by two off-duty officers. A young child with the woman was critically injured, and another man nearby was wounded. The shooter's motive remains unclear, and the weapon used was identified as an AR-style rifle. The shooter was identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno. The house of the suspect was searched, and it was located more than 50 miles away from the church. The shooting took place on Sunday afternoon, just before 2 p.m. The shooter entered the church wearing a trenchcoat and backpack, armed with a long rifle. Two off-duty officers confronted the shooter and returned fire. The suspect claimed to have a bomb, but no explosives were found. The shooter's son was shot in the head and is in critical condition. Another victim, a man in his 50s, was wounded in the hip. Worshippers inside the church reacted by taking cover and praying. Joel Osteen is the celebrity pastor of the megachurch and took over after his father's passing. The church is one of the largest megachurches in the U.S., regularly attended by 45,000 people. Osteen is known for preaching the prosperity gospel and has authored best-selling books. The shooting incident remains under investigation.
#Shooting #JoelOsteen #Megachurch #Houston #Texas
https://apnews.com/article/church-shooting-joel-osteen-texas-ea557401f2eef247020e34297159536a
US applications for unemployment benefits fall again despite recent layoff announcements
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The number of Americans filing for jobless claims fell last week despite more layoff announcements from high-profile companies recently. Applications for unemployment benefits fell by 9,000 to 218,000 for the week ending Feb. 3. The four-week average of claims increased by 3,750 to 212,250. Weekly unemployment claims are seen as a proxy for the number of U.S. layoffs in a given week. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate 11 times beginning in March of 2022 in an effort to bring down the four-decade high inflation. U.S. employers added 353,000 jobs in January, topping economists' predictions. Layoffs have increased recently across technology and media companies, including Google, Snap, and Verizon. In total, 1.87 million Americans were collecting jobless benefits during the week that ended Jan. 27, a decrease of 23,000 from the previous week.
#UnemploymentBenefits #JoblessClaims #Layoffs #Labor
https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-cbb095de0d016fe9771f165e0b269fdc
Mexico overtakes China as the leading source of goods imported by US
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Mexico has surpassed China as the leading source of goods imported by the United States, reflecting growing tensions between Washington and Beijing. The value of goods imported from Mexico rose nearly 5% from 2022 to 2023, reaching over $475 billion, while the value of Chinese imports dropped 20% to $427 billion. This is the first time in over two decades that Mexican goods imported by the US have exceeded the value of Chinese imports. The shift in imports reflects US efforts to import from countries that are friendlier and closer to home, as well as supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some Chinese manufacturers have established factories in Mexico to take advantage of the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, which allows for duty-free trade in North America for many products. The drop in US reliance on Chinese goods is also attributed to wariness of Beijing's economic policies and concerns about President Xi Jinping's reliability.
#Mexico #China #Imports #TradeTensions #Us-mexico-canadaTradeAgreement
https://apnews.com/article/china-goods-imports-trade-mexico-tariffs-trump-eaee6cec8bb3cadc1103ba60f986b76e
Stock market today: Wall Street slips from all-time high as cuts to rates look further off
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Stocks slipped following the latest evidence that the economy remains strong, which could delay the cuts to interest rates that Wall Street wants. The S&P 500 fell 15.80 points, or 0.3%, to 4,942.81 from the all-time high set Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 274.30, or 0.7%, to 38,380.12, and the Nasdaq composite edged down by 31.28, or 0.2%, to 15,597.68. Earnings season is near its midpoint, and roughly half the companies in the S&P 500 have reported their latest results. Companies that have been missing analysts’ estimates for earnings this reporting season have been seeing their stocks get punished even more than usual. Stocks broadly felt pressure from another jump for yields in the bond market. The Fed has yanked the federal funds rate to its highest level since 2001 to bring down high inflation. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said again in an interview broadcast Sunday that the Fed may cut interest rates three times this year because inflation has been cooling. But he also said in the interview on “60 Minutes” that the Fed is unlikely to begin in March, as many traders had earlier hoped. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.16% from 4.09% late Friday and from less than 3.80% late last year. The jump accelerated after a report showed U.S. services industries are growing more strongly than economists expected. Such signals of a solid economy could give the Fed more reason to pause before cutting rates, because they could keep upward pressure on inflation. Caterpillar, which is seen as a bellwether of global economic strength, rose 2% after its profit for the latest quarter topped forecasts. Air Products and Chemicals slumped 15.6% after it reported profit and revenue that fell short of analysts’ expectations. Boeing fell 1.3% after the discovery of another problem in some of its 737 fuselages that may delay deliveries of about 50 aircraft. Chinese stocks have struggled on worries about a troubled real-estate industry and a disappointing overall economic recovery. Stocks also fell nearly 1% in South Korea, but index movements were more modest across the rest of Asia and Europe.
#StockMarket #InterestRates #WallStreet #Economy #FederalReserve #Inflation #EarningsSeason
https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-rates-china-tech-7db8f895604df7a7a15de3edae66b8e9
Biden has few choices as immigration takes center stage in U.S. politics
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President Biden is facing pressure from both Republicans and Democrats to address the immigration issue in the United States. He has reversed some of his predecessor's immigration policies but is now considering asylum restrictions. The 2024 presidential campaign is expected to focus on immigration, with Biden's potential rematch against former President Donald Trump. Democratic governors have called for action to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the influx of asylum seekers. Trump, on the other hand, is eager to rekindle his border message and has criticized Biden's approach. The future of a bipartisan immigration bill is uncertain, but Biden's Democratic allies are urging him to take action.
#Biden #Trump #Border #Immigration #Election
https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-border-immigration-election-c37b1596ecf27d208e94bef592e7e616
Where the jobs are: Strong hiring in most industries has far outpaced high-profile layoffs
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Blockbuster job growth in the past several months has coincided with high-profile layoff announcements by a number of large companies. Recent job cuts have been concentrated mainly in just a few sectors: technology, finance, and media. Layoffs have been dwarfed by consistently vigorous hiring, with a monthly average of 248,000 jobs added over the past six months. In January, American businesses and other employers added 353,000 jobs, the biggest monthly haul in a year. Several well-known companies, including , Spotify, and Facebook's parent Meta, have announced layoffs. Most industries have continued to add workers over the past three months, including manufacturers, restaurants, hotels, entertainment companies, and health care providers. The job cuts have been more concentrated in sectors such as technology. Companies tend to shed jobs for various reasons, such as changes in business strategy or to maintain profit margins. Layoffs even of significant magnitude, such as UPS' announcement to cut 12,000 jobs this year, do not significantly impact the vast U.S. economy. Overall, the job market is fundamentally healthy, with low levels of people seeking unemployment benefits and private-sector companies continuing to add workers.
#JobMarket #Hiring #Layoffs #Economy #Employment
https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-layoffs-unemployment-economy-inflation-29028a515cfd6250f3588254e77e6922
Live updates | 2024 Grammy Awards kick off after glitzy red carpet
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The 66th annual Grammy Awards have begun with the Premiere Ceremony, where several awards are being handed out. SZA and Phoebe Bridgers won the first Grammy of the day for best pop duo or group performance. Other notable moments include Dua Lipa's performance, Meryl Streep's presence at the event, and Taylor Swift's website crashing. The main telecast will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern, featuring performances by Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and more. SZA leads all nominees with nine nominations. The Grammy Awards are being held at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena.
#GrammyAwards #Sza #PhoebeBridgers #DuaLipa #MerylStreep #TaylorSwift #OliviaRodrigo #BillieEilish
https://apnews.com/live/2024-grammy-awards-updates-winners
Biden sanctions Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians and peace activists in West Bank
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President Joe Biden has issued an executive order imposing financial sanctions and visa bans on Israeli settlers in the West Bank who have been accused of attacking Palestinians and Israeli peace activists. The order targets four settlers involved in acts of violence, threats, and attempts to destroy or seize Palestinian property. The penalties aim to block them from using the U.S. financial system and prohibit American citizens from dealing with them. The order comes as violence by settlers has intensified during the Israel-Hamas war. Biden's order is a rare step against America's closest ally in the Middle East. The move reflects Biden's call for greater restraint from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in its military operations against Hamas. Palestinian authorities and rights groups have reported killings, arson attacks, and forced evacuations by settlers. The order aims to address the violence that poses a threat to peace, security, and stability in the region and undermines U.S. foreign policy objectives, including the viability of a two-state solution. Biden has reinvigorated calls for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Netanyahu has rejected the idea. The State Department has identified the four settlers and described the accusations against them. The Treasury Department has been given the authority to impose financial sanctions on settlers engaged in violence. The order is not meant to target U.S. citizens, but it provides an alert to financial institutions to look out for transactions that might benefit extremist settlers in the West Bank. The timing of the order is not related to domestic pressure facing Biden. The move was planned since November. The Israeli government was notified in advance of the sanctions. There are no plans to penalize far-right Israeli ministers who have defended the violence by settlers and called for settlement expansion. The order was released before Biden's campaign rally in a key presidential battleground state, where he faces criticism from Arab and Muslim leaders over his handling of the war with Hamas. The order is part of Biden's efforts to address the violence and work towards a durable peace in the region.
#Biden #IsraeliSettlers #WestBank #Palestinians #PeaceActivists #Violence #Sanctions #VisaBans #FinancialSystem #Two-stateSolution #IndependentPalestinianState #Hamas #BenjaminNetanyahu
https://apnews.com/article/biden-west-bank-israeli-settlers-palestinians-80f9e6be6f6a7bb75dc86360ac2fa6ce
Powell: Federal Reserve is on track to cut rates, though not likely for months
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The Federal Reserve signaled that it is nearing a rate cut, but the first cut is likely months away. The Fed wants to gain greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably to their 2% target before cutting rates. The central bank's key rate remains unchanged at about 5.4%, but the changes to its statement show that it has moved toward considering rate reductions. Most economists expect the Fed to start cutting its benchmark rate in May or June. The Fed wants to see strong growth, a strong labor market, and a continuation of the inflation slowdown before cutting rates. The U.S. economy is outperforming its counterparts overseas, with low unemployment and slowed inflation.
#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #RateCuts #EconomicGrowth
https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-prices-interest-rates-cuts-5880d78c4664484cf366bb1aeb2bb63d
US jobs report for January is likely to show that steady hiring growth extended into 2024
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The U.S. government is expected to report that employers added a solid 177,000 jobs in January. The unemployment rate is forecast to come in at 3.8%, which would mark two straight years of joblessness below 4%. The health of the economy is sure to weigh on voters ahead of the presidential election, with polls showing widespread dissatisfaction despite signs of the economy’s fundamental strength.
#UsJobsReport #HiringGrowth #UnemploymentRate #Economy #PresidentialElection
https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-unemployment-economy-inflation-federal-reserve-f314482e7e9d85e7db0e3f8713bb6273
AP-NORC poll finds an uptick in positive ratings of U.S. economy, but it’s not boosting Biden
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A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that 35 percent of U.S. adults call the national economy good, up from 30 percent a year ago. While 65 percent still call the economy poor, that’s an improvement from a year ago, when 76 percent called it poor. President Joe Biden's approval rating on handling the economy is at 35 percent. Democrats remain far more likely than Republicans to describe the economy as good, 58 percent to 15 percent. The poll of 1,152 adults was conducted Jan. 25–29, 2024.
#U.s.Economy #JoeBiden #Poll
https://apnews.com/article/biden-poll-survey-economy-trump-election-dca1b60f6749d5eb50bc0e7600814855
Baker Mayfield helps NFC to early lead over AFC in revamped Pro Bowl Games
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Baker Mayfield led the NFC to an early lead over the AFC in the revamped Pro Bowl Games. Mayfield won the Precision Passing skills challenge, beating C.J. Stroud. The Pro Bowl Games have a new format that replaced the traditional Pro Bowl tackle football game. The opening night skills winners earned three points each, which count towards their team's overall score. The NFC also won in the Closest To The Pin golf accuracy challenge, Dodgeball, and Snap Shots. The AFC won one of the Dodgeball games and also prevailed in High Stakes. The Pro Bowl Games will conclude with more skill events and a flag football game on Sunday.
#BakerMayfield #Nfc #Afc #ProBowlGames #PrecisionPassing #C.j.Stroud #ComebackPlayerOfTheYear #NfcSouth #JalenHurts #GenoSmith #TuaTagovailoa #GardnerMinshew #ClosestToThePin #Dodgeball #SnapShots #HighStakes #FlagFootball
https://apnews.com/article/pro-bowl-games-nfc-afc-ab53fd622091996bd94a0b65632d7121
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