China's exports tumble 7.5% in March and imports also fall as demand slows
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China's exports contracted 7.5% in March, while imports slipped 1.9%. In the January-February period, exports rose 7.1% year-on-year while imports climbed 3.5%. China posted a trade surplus of $58.55 billion in March. The decline in exports partly reflected a higher base of comparison with March 2023. Weakness in exports would be a further drag on growth. Export volumes are expected to rise more slowly this year, while imports are expected to gain momentum. China has set a target of around 5% for economic growth this year. The latest data belie worries that China might ramp up its exports to help meet its growth target. Exporters have been slashing prices to increase their sales abroad. Consumer prices grew only 0.1% in March while producer prices declined 2.8%, suggesting weakness in demand relative to supply.
#China #Exports #Imports #Demand #EconomicGrowth
Consumers would be notified of AI-generated content under Pennsylvania bill
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Pennsylvania state representatives have approved a bill requiring that consumers be notified when artificial intelligence is used to generate content. The bill would change the state's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to require "clear and conspicuous disclosure" when artificial intelligence has been used to create written text, images, audio or video. Violators would have to knowingly or recklessly post AI content. Another provision of the bill prohibits defendants from arguing that child sexual abuse material created by artificial intelligence isn't illegal under criminal laws. Public disclosure of AI’s use is an emerging theme across hundreds of state bills in U.S. legislatures that seek to regulate the new technology.
#Ai #Pennsylvania #Legislation
A look into the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has a long history dating back to the early 1900s. In 1917, the Balfour Declaration promised a 'national home' for Jewish populations in Palestine. The region was placed under British rule after World War I, leading to clashes between Palestinian Arabs and Jewish migrants. In 1947, the United Nations adopted a resolution to partition Palestine into two states, leading to the creation of Israel in 1948 and the displacement of Palestinians. The Six-Day War in 1967 resulted in Israel capturing Palestinian territories. In 1987, the first Palestinian uprising occurred, followed by a second uprising in 2000. Israel disengaged from the Gaza Strip in 2005, leading to Hamas taking control. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and has led to humanitarian concerns in Gaza. In 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in a bombing campaign and siege of Gaza.
#IsraelipalestinianConflict #History #BalfourDeclaration #Partition #SixdayWar #Uprising #GazaStrip #Hamas
A look into the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has a long history dating back to the early 1900s. In 1917, the Balfour Declaration promised a 'national home' for Jewish populations in Palestine. The region was placed under British rule after World War I, leading to clashes between Palestinian Arabs and Jewish migrants. In 1947, the United Nations adopted a resolution to partition Palestine into two states, leading to the creation of Israel in 1948 and the displacement of Palestinians. The Six-Day War in 1967 resulted in Israel capturing Palestinian territories. In 1987, the first Palestinian uprising occurred, followed by a second uprising in 2000. Israel disengaged from the Gaza Strip in 2005, leading to Hamas taking control. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and has led to humanitarian concerns in Gaza. In 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in a bombing campaign and siege of Gaza.
#IsraelipalestinianConflict #History #BalfourDeclaration #Partition #SixdayWar #Uprising #GazaStrip #Hamas
At a rally for freeing the Israeli hostages, a call for peace in Israel and Gaza: Reporter's notebook
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The article discusses the ongoing hostage crisis in Israel and Gaza, six months into the Israel-Hamas war. It mentions that more than 200 Israelis were presumed to have been taken captive in Gaza after a terror attack by Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023. So far, 112 hostages have been released, leaving an estimated 131 hostages remaining in Gaza. The article covers various rallies and protests calling for the release of the hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. It highlights the concern within the American Jewish community for the hostages and the calls for peace in Gaza. One speaker at a rally called for American political pressure on the Israeli government to accept a proposed hostage release and ceasefire deal. The speaker also emphasized the need to ease the hunger and suffering in Gaza. The article concludes by mentioning the dire situation in Gaza and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
#Israel #Gaza #HostageCrisis #Peace #Rally
Internet providers must now be more transparent about fees, pricing, FCC says
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New FCC rules require internet providers to be transparent about the cost and performance of their internet service packages. The rules, similar to nutritional labels on products, will provide easy-to-understand information about pricing, data allowances, speeds, and fees. The labels will be required to appear at any point of sale, including online and in stores. The Biden administration has been cracking down on 'junk fees' across industries. Providers that do not comply with the rules may face consumer complaints filed with the FCC. Some providers with less than 100,000 subscribers have until October 10, 2024, to comply.
#Fcc #InternetServiceProviders #Transparency #Pricing #Fees
Some states are seeking to restrict TikTok. That doesn't mean their governors aren't using it
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Efforts to ban TikTok from government devices have picked up steam in the past year in state legislatures and Congress even as politicians continue to use it to connect with and expand their base. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, is a prolific TikTok poster, with his efforts beginning on the campaign trail through a personal account. Other governors use TikTok accounts — among verified accounts, only Democrats — even in states that have banned the app from state devices and networks. TikTok is part of the government's outreach strategy to reach the youth vote. The app was banned in Michigan from government devices, but Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has an exemption for her promotional account. In New Jersey, a government-affiliated app posts jokes and memes. TikTok is seen as a personal and engaging way for politicians to connect with voters. Researchers found over 100 TikTok accounts for those running for Congress in 2022, with a majority being Democrats.
#Tiktok #GovernmentDevices #StateLegislatures #Governors #YouthVote
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/states-seeking-restrict-tiktok-governors-108921050
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. Yellen stated that while more needs to be done, the bilateral relationship has been put on a more stable footing. The U.S. has restricted China's access to advanced technology, citing concerns about military use, while China accuses the U.S. of trying to constrain its economic development. Yellen's visit aims to build on the fragile stability that has been established. The U.S. and China agreed to hold intensive exchanges on more balanced economic growth and combating money laundering. Yellen also addressed the U.S. relationship with China on the subject of Russia, stating that there has been meaningful progress in cooperation. Yellen also met with Beijing Mayor Yin Yong and emphasized the critical role of local governments in China's economy.
In war-torn Ukraine, officials and businesses voice concern about job vacancies
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Ukraine is facing a shortage of workers as it aims to mobilize up to 500,000 troops in the war against Russia. The government needs to find three million taxpayers to support the troops. Businesses are struggling to find a workforce, with a shortage of qualified specialists and a significant number of employees leaving the country or being called up for mobilization. Ukraine needs at least 4.5 million workers, with the biggest deficits in defense industries, construction, medical services, agriculture, and retail. The Silpo supermarket chain has faced challenges in finding employees in front-line cities due to Russian missile strikes. The company has implemented a support center for employees and changed its training programs to adapt to the situation. Small businesses are also struggling to find people for vocational jobs. The unemployment rate in Ukraine remains at the pre-war level, but some professions are not in high demand or offer lower salaries. Despite the challenges, businesses in Ukraine remain optimistic about their future and are investing in reconstruction and development. The government aims to stimulate Ukrainians to return home from abroad but has not yet implemented a comprehensive program for bringing them back.
#Ukraine #JobVacancies #Workforce #Mobilization #Businesses #Silpo #Unemployment
Joe Brennan, Democratic former governor of Maine and US congressman, dies at 89
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Joe Brennan, a Democratic former governor of Maine and US congressman, died at the age of 89. Brennan, who served two terms as governor and two terms in the US House, passed away at his home in Portland, Maine. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood and entered politics at age 29. Brennan was an Army veteran, attended Boston College and the University of Maine Law School, and served as a county district attorney and state attorney general. He played a role in negotiating the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1980 and implemented education reforms as governor. Brennan appointed Janet Mills as the first woman to serve as district attorney, who later became Maine's first female governor. He also appointed George Mitchell, who went on to become majority leader in the Senate. Brennan was remembered as a man of integrity and a dedicated public servant.
#JoeBrennan #Maine #UsCongressman #Governor #Death
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. However, there is a deeper wave of adaptation among residents who are living under the threat of more extensive restrictions. The law has led to an increase in inquiries about emigration, with more than half of those asking citing the new ordinance as a reason. Many pro-democracy activists have been arrested, silenced, or forced into exile since the 2020 law was imposed. Civil society groups have been disbanded and outspoken media outlets have been shut down. The law targets colluding with external forces, unlawful disclosure of state secrets, sabotage, and espionage. Sedition offenses carry a sentence of up to seven years, or 10 years if working with foreign governments or organizations. The law has prompted adjustments in the legal and business communities, with some companies restricting access to global databases and reviewing whether sensitive roles should be moved elsewhere. Hong Kong's government defends the law, stating that it improves the city's legal framework for safeguarding national security. However, critics argue that it infringes on freedom of speech and press freedom. Residents are adopting coping strategies seen on mainland China, avoiding voicing opinions that might get them in trouble. The U.S.-funded news outlet Radio Free Asia has closed its Hong Kong bureau due to safety concerns under the new legislation. Overall, there is a desire among some residents to move on from the topic of national security and focus more on the real economy and business.
#HongKong #NationalSecurityLaw #Protests #FreedomOfSpeech #PressFreedom #Emigration
Biden to visit site of Baltimore's Francis Key Scott Bridge collapse
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President Joe Biden will visit the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore on Friday to meet with officials and get an "on-the-ground look at federal response efforts." Biden will meet with the loved ones of the six workers killed during the bridge collapse. The container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, partially collapsing the bridge. Six construction workers are believed to have fallen from the collapsing bridge into the frigid waters of the Patapsco River. Two bodies have been recovered, while four remain unaccounted for and are presumed dead. Biden will be joined by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and other Baltimore officials during his trip. The White House has approved $60 million in emergency funding for Baltimore's rebuilding efforts. The Francis Scott Key Bridge has an annual traffic volume of 11.3 million vehicles. The crash appeared to be accidental, not intentional. The Singaporean company that operates the ship should have "limited liability" in the aftermath of the crash, according to lawyers representing the company.
#JoeBiden #FrancisScottKeyBridge #Baltimore #BridgeCollapse #EmergencyFunding
Biden to visit site of Baltimore's Francis Key Scott Bridge collapse
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President Joe Biden will visit the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore on Friday to meet with officials and get an "on-the-ground look at federal response efforts." Biden will meet with the loved ones of the six workers killed during the bridge collapse. The container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, partially collapsing the bridge. Six construction workers are believed to have fallen from the collapsing bridge into the frigid waters of the Patapsco River. Two bodies have been recovered, while four remain unaccounted for and are presumed dead. Biden will be joined by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and other Baltimore officials during his trip. The White House has approved $60 million in emergency funding for Baltimore's rebuilding efforts. The Francis Scott Key Bridge has an annual traffic volume of 11.3 million vehicles. The crash appeared to be accidental, not intentional. The Singaporean company that operates the ship should have "limited liability" in the aftermath of the crash, according to lawyers representing the company.
#JoeBiden #FrancisScottKeyBridge #Baltimore #BridgeCollapse #EmergencyFunding
Cosmic yoga, portable toilets: Solar eclipse will deliver 'tourism boom' for economy
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The total solar eclipse set to take place on April 8, 2024, is expected to generate a surge of spending to the tune of at least hundreds of millions of dollars. As many as four million people will travel to the path of totality for the eclipse, making it the largest travel day of the year. Travelers will mainly spend money on gas, lodging, and food, generating between $372 million and $1.5 billion in economic activity. The eclipse is expected to bring more than $24 million in spending to Maine and more than $600 million to Texas. Arkansas could see nearly $50 million in economic activity. The economic benefits will be limited by the lodging and restaurant capacity of the regions involved. Portable toilet vendors are experiencing high demand, with one company in Indiana renting out 200 portable toilets on the day of the eclipse.
#SolarEclipse #Tourism #Economy #Travel #Spending
Powell: Fed still sees rate cuts this year; election timing won't affect decision
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Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, plan to reduce the benchmark interest rate later this year despite recent reports of a strong US economy and increased inflation. Powell stated that the recent data does not significantly change the overall picture of solid growth, a strong labor market, and inflation moving towards 2%. Most Fed officials see it as likely to be appropriate to start cutting rates at some point this year. Powell also emphasized that the Fed's interest-rate decisions will not be affected by the timing of the presidential election. The recent pickup in inflation has led some economists to postpone their projections for rate cuts, but many economists predict that the first rate cut won't come until July or later. Powell noted that the Fed is intended to be fully independent of politics and make monetary policy decisions without consideration of short-term political matters. The Fed's goal is to slow inflation to its 2% target, but the strength of the economy, particularly solid consumer spending, could make it harder to achieve this goal. Fed officials forecasted that they could cut the benchmark rate three times this year, but nearly half of the policymakers expect two or fewer rate cuts.
#FederalReserve #InterestRates #UsEconomy #Inflation #JeromePowell
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/powell-fed-sees-rate-cuts-year-election-timing-108806298
Crews carefully start removing first piece of twisted steel from collapsed Baltimore bridge
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Teams of engineers are working on removing the first section of twisted steel from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore; The bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River after a cargo ship crashed into one of its supports; Cranes and cutting torches are being used to cut and lift the steel beams; The steel will be lifted onto a barge and floated away; The process is complicated and will affect the timeline for reopening the ship channel and the blocked Port of Baltimore; Four workers are still missing and presumed dead; The ship involved in the collision is managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., chartered by Maersk; The cause of the collision is still under investigation; The Environmental Protection Agency has not detected any active releases or hazardous materials in the water; The bridge will be rebuilt, with the federal government covering the full cost; The closure of the port and the loss of the bridge will have economic impacts on dockworkers, commuters, and U.S. consumers; The port handles the most cars and farm equipment in the U.S.
#Baltimore #BridgeCollapse #FrancisScottKeyBridge #PatapscoRiver #CargoShip #Engineers #SteelBeams #Cranes #Tugboats #SalvageVessels
Crews at Baltimore bridge collapse continue meticulous work of removing twisted steel and concrete
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Crews are continuing the meticulous operation of removing the steel and concrete from the fallen Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Divers are assisting in the process, surveying parts of the bridge underwater and checking on the ship to ensure it can be safely floated away once the wreckage is lifted. The bridge collapsed on Tuesday, resulting in the presumed deaths of six workers. Two workers survived, two bodies were found in a submerged pickup, and four more men are presumed dead. The salvage crews are lifting each part of the bridge onto a barge and floating it downstream to be inspected. The removal of the debris and reopening of the ship channel and the blocked Port of Baltimore will depend on the progress of the salvage operation. The cause of the bridge collapse is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. The cargo ship Dali, which caused the collapse, remains tangled in debris. The port is also considering aid packages to help those affected by the closure. The Small Business Administration will open a center to help small businesses get loans to recover from the bridge collapse.
#Baltimore #BridgeCollapse #SalvageOperation #Investigation #PortOfBaltimore
As cranes arrive at Baltimore bridge collapse site, governor describes daunting task of cleaning up
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A crane that can lift 1,000 tons has appeared near the site of a collapsed highway bridge in Baltimore as crews prepare to begin clearing wreckage; Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the Francis Scott Key Bridge's collapse following a freighter collision an “economic catastrophe" and described the challenges ahead for recovering the workers' bodies and clearing tons of debris to reopen the Port of Baltimore; The broken pieces of the bridge weigh as much as 4,000 tons, Moore said, and teams will need to cut into the steel trusses before they can be lifted from the Patapsco River; Equipment on hand will include seven floating cranes, 10 tugboats, nine barges, eight salvage vessels and five Coast Guard boats, Moore said; Water conditions have prevented divers from entering the river, Moore said; The victims of the collapse were from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, officials said; President Joe Biden's administration has approved $60 million in immediate aid, and Biden has said the federal government will pay the full cost of rebuilding the bridge, which carried Interstate 695.
#Baltimore #BridgeCollapse #Cleanup #Cranes #Maryland #PortOfBaltimore
Murder trial of Chad Daybell, husband of 'doomsday' mom Lori Vallow, set to begin
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Chad Daybell, the husband of Lori Vallow, is set to go on trial for the murders of his wife's two children, Joshua 'J.J.' Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16. The trial is scheduled to start on Monday in Ada County with jury selection and is expected to last around nine weeks. Daybell was charged with three counts of murder and faces the death sentence if convicted. Daybell's case will be presided over by the same judge in Vallow's trial, Judge Steve Boyce, who sentenced Vallow to life in prison without parole for the murders of the two children. Vallow and Daybell were also charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Chad Daybell's former wife, Tamara Daybell. Vallow was found guilty of all charges in her trial. Daybell pleaded not guilty to his charges and his attorney stated that he is ready to tell his story. It is unclear if Vallow will testify at Daybell's trial. Both Vallow and Daybell adhered to a doomsday ideology and were charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Vallow's fourth husband, Charles Vallow, was shot and killed by her brother, Alex Cox, in 2019. Vallow also faces charges alleging she killed Charles Vallow and plotted to kill the ex-husband of her niece.
#ChadDaybell #LoriVallow #MurderTrial #Doomsday #Children #JurySelection #DeathSentence #ConspiracyToCommitMurder #TamaraDaybell #NotGuilty #Testify #DoomsdayIdeology #CharlesVallow #AlexCox
https://abcnews.go.com/US/chad-daybell-husband-lori-vallow-murder-trial/story?id=108683350
Debt, trade barriers and uncertainty will drag on Asian economies in 2024, World Bank report says
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Asian economies are forecasted to slow to 4.5% growth in 2024 from 5.1% in 2023 due to debt, trade barriers, and policy uncertainties, according to a World Bank report. The report highlights the need for governments to address long-term problems such as weak social safety nets and underinvestment in education. The region's economies are growing slower than before the pandemic but faster than other parts of the world. The rebound in global trade and easing financial conditions will help offset weaker growth. The report also points out that leading firms in the region are not playing their expected role. Key risks include higher interest rates and trade-distorting measures imposed by major economies. China's growth is expected to slow to 4.5% as it transitions to a more balanced growth path. The report emphasizes the need for efficient policies, stronger social welfare, and increased investment in education. The report also highlights lagging improvements in productivity and the need for more competition and investment in education. Vietnam, despite being a favored destination for foreign investment, is growing at a rate below its potential. The report concludes that the region could achieve better results with improved productivity and greater efficiency.
#AsianEconomies #WorldBank #Debt #TradeBarriers #Uncertainty #GrowthForecast