Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this month.
Major retailers, including giants like Target and Walmart, have been flooding their warehouses with inventory in case import disruptions from new tariffs cripple supply lines. This strategy aims to prevent the dreaded sight of empty shelves—an outcome that can erode consumer confidence and pinch company margins. But it’s a tightrope: If consumer demand softens more than expected, firms might be stuck discounting surplus products, risking profitability. Meanwhile, manufacturers and shipping firms watch for a prolonged trade standoff that could further upend delivery schedules and logistics budgets. In a twist, too much stock or none at all can each prove equally damaging.
The US has imposed a 104% tariff on Chinese goods, escalating trade tensions between the two nations. This move follows a series of retaliatory measures from both sides, with neither showing interest in negotiating a resolution. The tariffs are part of President Trump's strategy to pressure China into more favorable trade terms. However, the increased duties could have significant economic repercussions, affecting global supply chains and consumer prices.
Today is Arbor Day, celebrating the value of trees and urging people to plant new saplings. One fun fact: as trees grow taller, the branches you see remain at the same height from the ground as when they first sprouted—meaning that bird feeder you hang won’t magically rise with the trunk. Events worldwide encourage everyone to appreciate forests for their beauty, air quality benefits, and wildlife habitats.
Researchers unveiled an “artificial leaf” that converts carbon dioxide into carbon-carbon molecules using sunlight, a method that could transform fuel and plastic production. In another study, scientists mapped massive iceberg grooves on the North Sea floor, suggesting that giant icebergs once drifted far closer to the UK than previously believed. Each discovery highlights how understanding natural processes—past and present—could guide future climate strategies.
All major U.S. indexes fell more than two percent after President Trump labeled Fed Chair Jerome Powell a “major loser” and threatened to fire him if rates are not cut. Legal scholars note the president likely cannot remove Powell easily, yet the rhetoric rattled investors already uneasy over tariffs.
Russia unleashed its deadliest attack on Kyiv in nearly a year, killing at least 12 and injuring dozens more. President Donald Trump responded with a rare rebuke, urging Vladimir Putin to cease strikes—only to later portray Russia’s forbearance from seizing “the whole country” as a major concession. While US-backed peace proposals call for Ukraine’s acceptance of Russian-held land, Kyiv remains adamant about preserving territorial integrity. Observers see little prospect of a breakthrough as each side accuses the other of stalling.
YouTube just introduced an AI-powered tool that lets you search for music by humming or describing the lyrics. The feature aims to make it easier to find those catchy tunes stuck in your head.
The U.S. House passed a bill today banning the Federal Reserve from issuing a government-backed digital dollar. Supporters say it protects financial privacy, while critics argue it could hold the U.S. back in digital innovation.
Amid fears of price hikes due to new tariffs on Chinese goods, Apple stores across the US are experiencing a surge in panic buying. Customers are rushing to purchase iPhones, anticipating that Apple may raise prices to offset increased manufacturing costs. The tariffs could raise the cost of producing an iPhone from $580 to $850. While Apple has not yet increased prices, the company is exploring options to mitigate the impact, including sourcing more products from countries like India.
Bitcoin jumped almost nine percent overnight, cresting $87,000, while gold set a record $3,430 an ounce and the U.S. Dollar Index hit a three-year low after fresh presidential attacks on Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Analysts say tariff turmoil plus political pressure on the Fed is driving investors toward scarce assets like crypto and bullion.
New research reveals that boosting physical activity between ages 45 and 65 can significantly reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk in older adulthood. A large-scale, multi-country study followed thousands of participants over 20 years, finding that those who regularly exercised—whether brisk walking, cycling, or gardening—had notably lower rates of cognitive decline. Even people who became active later in midlife saw benefits, suggesting it’s never too late to start. Scientists believe increased blood flow to the brain and protective growth factors may slow the buildup of harmful proteins linked to dementia. While family history and genetics remain factors, experts estimate that lifestyle measures could help prevent or delay one-third of Alzheimer’s cases. Health officials see these findings as a catalyst to promote exercise among middle-aged adults, who often feel pressed for time.
The IMF trimmed its 2025 global growth outlook to 2.2 percent, blaming U.S.–China tariff escalation and currency volatility. South Korea added evidence of slowdown, reporting exports down 5.2 percent in April’s first 20 days.
