- Published on
04-27-2023
- Authors
- Name
- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
U.S. economy slows down despite investments, consumer spending and government funding
The U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 1.1% in the first quarter of 2023, a decrease from the previous quarter's 2.6% and 3.2%. The decline was seen in business and home buying and construction investments. Despite a rise in consumer spending and federal funding, the economy remains under threat of a recession. Sixty-five percent of economists predict a recession within a year.
Iran seizes commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman, US Navy demands release
Iran has seized a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman, the US Navy's 5th Fleet said. The vessel, identified as the Advantage Sweet, was on its way to Houston, Texas from Kuwait when it issued a distress call. Iran's state-run news agency claimed that the seizure was due to a collision between an Iranian vessel and an unknown ship. The US Navy has demanded the immediate release of the tanker, citing the action as contrary to international law and a threat to maritime security and the global economy.
Search underway for cruise ship passenger from Australia who went overboard off Hawaiian coast
The United States Coast Guard is searching for an Australian man who went overboard from the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship about 500 miles south of Kailua Kona, Big Island. The ship's crew deployed six life rings and remained on scene for two hours to search for the man. The search was then resumed at first light on Thursday morning after the crew returned for fuel replenishment.
US Jobless Claims Drop Despite Economic Uncertainty
According to Labor Department reports, applications for jobless claims in the US fell by 16,000 to 230,000 for the week ending April 22nd, indicating that the state of the labor market remains resilient despite other weak spots in the economy: the job market currently shows noticeable job security for American workers in spite of fears of a looming recession, rising interest rates and economic uncertainty. The Federal Reserve Bank, on the other hand, raised their benchmark interest rate in order to lower growth just enough so as to bring inflation under control but not cause a recession.
Montana House votes to censure politician who opposed ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth
Montana's first transgender legislator, Representative Zephyr, has been censured by the House after she opposed a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The bill in question, SB99, would restrict the use of hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and surgeries for people under the age of 18 for the purposes of gender transitioning. Zephyr, who had previously stated that lawmakers who passed the bill would have 'blood on their hands', has been expelled from the House floor, and calls the decision an attempt to silence her. At least 12 other states including Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee have passed similar policies that restrict gender-affirming care for minors.
One person dead, after Amtrak train collides with car on the tracks in Alabama
A driver named Chadwick Timmons died after his car collided with an Amtrak train at an intersection in Mobile, Alabama. Timmons allegedly attempted to cross the rail crossing despite the safety arms being activated and indicating an oncoming train. It is not clear how many people were on the train at the time of the accident. An investigation is ongoing.
Four seriously injured in New York school bus crash
An unlicensed 16-year-old driver from Bedford Hills lost control when rounding a curve, causing his Honda Accord to crash head-on into a Yorktown Central School District bus in Westchester County, New York. All passengers on the bus were hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver and three passengers in the car received life-threatening injuries. Police are investigating the incident with assistance from the Westchester County District Attorney's office.
Federal appeals panel clears way for Mike Pence to testify before special counsel
A three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected former President Donald Trump's effort to prevent former Vice President Mike Pence from testifying before the special counsel. The order would allow Pence to testify before special counsel Jack Smith should Trump's legal team not seek further appeal before the full Circuit or the Supreme Court. Pence previously argued that he should be shielded from having to testify on certain aspects related to his role as president of the Senate overseeing the certification of the 2020 election on Jan. 6, 2021.
German authorities investigate firearms department over mass shooting negligence
German prosecutors are investigating an official from Hamburg’s firearms department and three members of the Hanseatic Gun Club. This move comes after a mass shooting in March in which a gunman, Phillipp F., killed six people before shooting himself. The firearms official is being investigated after failing to pass on information relating to F.'s psychological state that he received from F.'s family via a member of the gun club. Three members of the board of examiners are being investigated for issuing a certificate falsely stating that F had passed an exam on firearms knowledge.
Former soccer official fined and banned from executive position
Former soccer official, Miroslav Pelta has been fined 5 million Czech crowns and banned from executive position for 5 years. Additionally, a former deputy education minister, Simona Kratochvilova has been sentenced to 6 and a half years in prison, fined 2 million Czech crowns, and banned from working in public offices for 6 years. This is after they were found guilty of being involved in a fraud case connected with state subsidies involving almost 176 million Czech crowns. The case dates back to 2017.