Category Archives: World/National

Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged even as Trump demands cuts

Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged even as Trump demands cuts

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is leaving its key short-term interest rate unchanged for the fifth time this year, brushing off repeated calls from President Donald Trump for a cut. The Fed’s decision Wednesday leaves its key short-term rate at about 4.3%, where it has stood after the central bank reduced it three times last year. Chair Jerome Powell has said the Fed would likely have cut rates already if not for Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Powell and other Fed officials say they want to see how Trump’s duties on imports will impact inflation and the broader economy. Two Fed governors dissented in favor of a cut.… Continue Reading

Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor in 2026

Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor in 2026

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor next year, leaving open the possibility that she could mount a third run for the White House in 2028. The Democrat’s decision, announced Wednesday, extends a guessing game about her political future that started after she lost last year’s presidential election to Donald Trump. She has not ruled out another run for president, after unsuccessful bids in 2020 and 2024. It’s not known when she will make that decision.… Continue Reading

Trump administration is launching a new private health tracking system with Big Tech’s help

Trump administration is launching a new private health tracking system with Big Tech’s help

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is pushing for Americans to upload personal health data to new apps run by private tech companies. This initiative aims to make accessing health records and monitoring wellness easier. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump is expected to discuss this at an event with leaders from companies like Google and Amazon. The system will focus on diabetes, weight management, and digital tools for patient check-ins. While officials say patients must opt in and data will be secure, experts warn of ethical and legal concerns. Critics worry about data privacy and potential misuse of sensitive information.… Continue Reading

8.8-magnitude earthquake sends small tsunami into coasts of Russia, Japan and Alaska

8.8-magnitude earthquake sends small tsunami into coasts of Russia, Japan and Alaska

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s meteorological agency says that a powerful earthquake has hit near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and issued a tsunami advisory for Japan. The agency said the quake registered a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 when it hit early on Wednesday. It issued an advisory for a tsunami of up to 1 meter (yard) along the Pacific coast of Japan. The quake was about 250 kilometers (160 miles) away from Hokkaido and was felt only slightly. That’s according to Japan’s NHK television. So far no damage has been reported. A tsunami watch, which is a relatively low-level warning, has been issued for Hawaii.… Continue Reading

Wall Street coasts for now ahead of a week packed with potential flashpoints

Wall Street coasts for now ahead of a week packed with potential flashpoints

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks coasted to a quiet finish to begin a week full of potentially market-moving events. The S&P 500 edged up by less than 0.1% on Monday to set an all-time high for a sixth straight day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.3% to its own record. Stocks held steady after the United States and European Union agreed on the framework for a trade deal, one that still has many details to be worked out. Later this week will come Big Tech profit reports, a decision on interest rates by the Federal Reserve and other highly anticipated updates.… Continue Reading

US-EU deal sets a 15% tariff on most goods and averts the threat of a trade war with a global shock

US-EU deal sets a 15% tariff on most goods and averts the threat of a trade war with a global shock

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — The United States and the European Union have agreed to a trade framework setting a 15% tariff on most goods. President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Sunday after meeting with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland. This deal prevents higher import taxes that could have impacted global economies. Trump described the negotiation as beneficial for both parties. Von der Leyen noted the deal brings stability and predictability for businesses. The agreement includes major U.S. energy purchases and investments by the EU. Some strategic products will have zero tariffs, but details are still being finalized.… Continue Reading

Trump plays golf in Scotland while protesters take to the streets and decry his visit

Trump plays golf in Scotland while protesters take to the streets and decry his visit

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — President Donald Trump has played golf at his course on Scotland’s coast while protesters around the country took to the streets to decry his visit and accuse United Kingdom leaders of pandering to the American. Trump and his son Eric played on Saturday near Turnberry, a historic course that the Trump family’s company took over in 2014. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the U.S. Consulate about 100 miles away in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Protests were planned in other cities. While in Scotland, Trump is set to talk trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president.… Continue Reading

In Epstein furor, Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his allies once stoked

In Epstein furor, Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his allies once stoked

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump faces ongoing questions about the Jeffrey Epstein case, overshadowing his administration’s achievements. On Friday, reporters pressed the Republican president about pardoning Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, but he deflected, emphasizing his administration’s successes. Despite enacting significant policies, Trump’s past ties to Epstein continue to stir controversy. Supporters demand transparency, believing Epstein’s death in a New York jail cell six years ago hides a larger conspiracy. Administration officials who previously fueled theories now claim there’s nothing more to reveal. Trump denies prior knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and urges supporters to move on. But the Epstein case remains a challenging distraction.… Continue Reading

Trump’s USDA to scatter half its Washington staff to field offices. Critics see a ploy to cut jobs

Trump’s USDA to scatter half its Washington staff to field offices. Critics see a ploy to cut jobs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to move thousands of employees out of Washington, D.C., aiming to save money and bring them closer to farmers and ranchers. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Thursday that around 2,600 workers will relocate to five hubs from North Carolina to Utah. The plan is part of President Donald Trump’s effort to make the federal government more efficient. Critics worry about losing connections to Congress and potential disruptions. The union representing federal workers criticized the move as a ploy to cut jobs. The union also pointed out that some 95% of the department’s employees already work outside Washington.… Continue Reading

Justice Department will meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s imprisoned girlfriend

Justice Department will meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s imprisoned girlfriend

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department officials will meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned girlfriend of financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter. The person tells The Associated Press the meeting is Thursday in Florida, where Maxwell is held. The meeting is part of a Justice Department effort to cast itself as transparent following backlash from parts of President Donald Trump’s base over an earlier refusal to release additional Epstein records. A Justice Department spokesman hasn’t returned a message seeking comment. A lawyer for Maxwell says she’ll “always testify truthfully.” Maxwell was convicted of helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. Epstein died in a New York jail awaiting trial.… Continue Reading

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