- Published on
04-20-2023
- Authors
- Name
- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
Unemployment Claims Rise, But U.S. Job Market Remains Strong
Despite a rise in unemployment claims, which is a proxy for layoffs, the United States job market is still strong. Employers added 236,000 jobs in March, and unemployment was at 3.5% in the same month. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate nine times in just over a year since the tight job market is believed to put upward pressure on wages and overall prices; this is despite the rate of inflation edging lower, but remaining well above the Fed's 2% target. Economists believe that the United States may enter a recession later this year, while the Fed is hoping for a 'soft landing', lowering growth enough to bring inflation under control without causing a recession.
6-year-old girl and parents shot by man over a basketball
A North Carolina man has allegedly shot a young girl, her parents, and an additional neighbor after a basketball rolled into his yard. The suspect was charged with assaulting his girlfriend with a sledgehammer in December, and is still on the loose. Law enforcement officials have multiple warrants for his arrest, with a statewide search enlisting the U.S. Marshall’s Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Michelin recalls tires that don't meet US safety standards
Michelin is recalling certain Agilis CrossClimate C-Metric tires that do not meet U.S. safety standards due to limited traction, which can increase the risk of accidents. Affected tire owners will receive free replacements and notifications starting from June 12. Initial tire testing was done with the wrong tire pressure, but later tests by Michelin discovered the problem.
Exhaustive search fails to locate missing sailors from California
Three Americans have disappeared since 4 April while sailing from Mazatlán to San Diego in a 41-foot sailboat. The Coast Guard has failed to locate Kerry O'Brien, Frank O'Brien and Harry Gross, despite help from the Mexican Navy and Coast Guard. The trio are believed to have encountered significant weather issues, with intense waves and winds up to 30 knots upping the challenge of the trip. There is no onboard GPS tracking or satellite navigation, leaving family members of the missing sailors uncertain where they are.
IRS whistleblower alleges Biden administration could be obstructing justice for Hunter Biden
An IRS criminal supervisory special agent, who has been overseeing an ongoing and sensitive investigation of a high-profile, controversial subject since early 2020, has written to lawmakers to make protected whistleblower disclosures to Congress. While he does not name Hunter Biden specifically, lawmakers have been made aware he is the 'high profile, controversial' subject that the lawyer is referring to. The letter refers to preferential treatment that Hunter Biden has allegedly received.
Florida Republicans choose Trump over DeSantis for 2024 presidential race
Republican members of Congress from Florida are split between former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the 2024 presidential race, with many believing Trump is the best suited to win. Despite DeSantis' reputation for turning Florida red, Trump is winning the endorsements battle with more members of the Florida delegation backing him. DeSantis has only received one endorsement from Rep. Laurel Lee. Some members of the delegation have chosen to stay neutral and support whoever the party picks.
Man to be executed in Singapore for drug trafficking despite calls for clemency
Tangaraju Suppiah, a man detained for drug consumption and failure to report for a drug test, will be executed next Wednesday for conspiring to traffic 1 kilogram of cannabis; he has been denied access to justice, according to anti-death penalty activists. Singapore executed 11 people last year for drug offenses, but critics argue that the death penalty has mostly snared low-level mules and done little to stop drug traffickers and organized syndicates. This case has brought Singapore's capital punishment under deeper scrutiny; however, Singapore's government defends it as necessary to protect its citizens.
Deadly tornado hits Oklahoma town amid severe weather
One person is dead and significant damage has been reported after a large tornado hit the town of Cole, Oklahoma. The severe weather is expected to continue moving eastwards, with the risk of isolated tornadoes in certain areas. Hundreds of first responders are on the scene, and residents in the affected areas are advised to stay indoors. Severe weather threats are expected to continue from Austin, Texas, to St. Louis, Missouri, with damaging winds and large hail forecasted.
California Home Depot employee fatally shot confronting suspected shoplifter
A Home Depot employee, Blake Mohs, lost his life while trying to stop an armed shoplifter who reportedly shot him at a store in Pleasanton, CA. The accused shooter, 32-year-old Benicia Knapps, was taken into custody after fleeing the crime scene, while her alleged accomplice, David Guillory, was arrested soon afterward. They were detained by the police in Oakland, and the authorities have recovered the handgun allegedly used in the shooting. Mohs' family and colleagues have been left behind to morn an untimely loss.
Washington State Bans Sale and Manufacturing of Semi-Automatic Guns
Washington State has passed a law banning the sale, distribution, manufacture and importation of more than 50 gun models, including AR-15s, AK-47s and similar style rifles. Despite opposition from Republican lawmakers, the measures were approved to reduce gun violence. Governor Jay Inslee said that the state will no longer accept gun violence as normal. The law includes exemptions for sales to law enforcement and military but does not bar possession by those who already have them. The ban is similar to those enacted in nine other states, including California and New York.