Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers in the last 24 hours.
What this means for you: • the political spat on tariffs and the slump in consumer sentiment • highlight growing economic jitters in the US. Many worry that continuously elevated prices could dampen discretionary spending, fueling a cycle of slower growth. Companies that rely on consumer demand, from retail to hospitality, are watching closely for signs of a deeper downturn.
Widespread tariff hikes imposed by President Trump have begun to ripple through consumer markets, pushing up the price of everything from clothes to electronics. A recent analysis shows over 1,000 Amazon items saw an average 30 percent price jump. Car manufacturers like Ford have quietly raised sticker prices, while e-retailers such as Temu or Shein warn customers about looming cost increases. With these tariffs hitting a broad range of imports, the added costs are being passed on to end consumers, fueling inflationary pressure just when prices had started to stabilize. Companies say they’re forced to offset higher import fees, while the White House calls labeling the charges “political theater.” Experts note many everyday goods in the US are sourced from China, so consumers may have limited alternatives. The result is an unwelcome return to rising household expenses.
Microsoft smashed Wall Street expectations this quarter with $70.1 billion in revenue and $25.8 billion in net profit—both double-digit increases. Cloud services and AI tools drove the bulk of that surge, as enterprise clients turned to Microsoft Azure for data processing, machine learning, and other tech solutions. CEO Satya Nadella highlighted “record adoption” in both new and existing AI-driven products, from Office apps to development platforms. Investors welcomed Microsoft’s forecast of continued double-digit revenue growth, reinforcing hopes that enterprise spending might remain robust even amid broader economic concerns. Microsoft’s blockbuster numbers also gave a lift to other major tech stocks, easing recession fears and validating bets on AI as a long-term profit engine.
President Trump commemorated his first 100 days back in office with a self-congratulatory rally in Michigan, touting job promises and sweeping executive actions. Critics note that public approval remains shaky, with economic concerns and tariff tensions overshadowing the celebration. Meanwhile, in Montana, Republican lawmakers push legislation to limit the impact of a landmark youth climate lawsuit, which previously mandated the state consider climate factors in energy projects. The proposed measures could curtail environmental litigation and alter how courts handle climate challenges. Both stories illustrate how politics can pivot quickly—Trump’s rapid policy execution underscores the power of the executive branch, while Montana’s legislative pushback reveals friction between judicial climate rulings and legislative agendas.
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.
Russia declared a three-day unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine (May 8–11) citing WWII Victory Day commemorations, asking Kyiv to reciprocate. However, Ukrainian authorities dismissed it as insufficient, demanding a longer break in hostilities. Meanwhile, Canada held a snap federal election overshadowed by US-Canada trade tensions and provocative statements from President Trump about Canada possibly becoming a “51st state.” Early results suggest Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party will form a minority government, maintaining power but lacking a full parliamentary majority. Both events underscore the fragility of global politics: the fleeting pause in Ukraine highlights unresolved conflict, and Canada’s election reveals the significant impact of external trade threats on domestic politics.
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.
Amid ongoing public health challenges, global institutions are celebrating World Immunization Week, spotlighting the transformative power of vaccines in eradicating or controlling infectious diseases. According to the WHO, vaccines have saved about six lives every minute over the past half-century. Experts underscore the importance of reaching underserved populations—millions of children still lack access to basic immunizations. Throughout the week, health advocacy groups are organizing educational events, targeting vaccine hesitancy and promoting catch-up campaigns for missed shots. By maintaining high vaccination rates, communities can head off resurgences of polio, measles, and other preventable ailments.
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.
A deepening humanitarian disaster grips Gaza, with continued Israeli bombardments and a protracted blockade endangering civilians. Local health officials report mounting casualties, including children, as drone strikes and critical shortages push the enclave closer to famine. International legal bodies are scrutinizing whether Israel’s actions breach international obligations, while calls for a ceasefire intensify. Meanwhile, a US Treasury inspector general is investigating possible misuse of private taxpayer data by President Trump or his allies. Allegations suggest the White House or the new Department of Government Efficiency might have sought sensitive IRS records on political rivals. Both situations underline escalating concerns about human rights and civil liberties, whether in a war-torn region or within the realm of domestic governance.
Food scientists have dissected the beloved Roman pasta dish cacio e pepe and discovered that the secret to a silky sauce lies in careful heat control and moisture management. Pecorino cheese is prone to clumping if heated too aggressively, so gradually blending finely grated cheese with starchy pasta water at a moderate temperature is key. Proper pepper dispersion also ensures the flavor melds seamlessly rather than piling up. By applying basic principles of chemistry—like controlling protein coagulation and maintaining an emulsion—home cooks can replicate that velvety finish typical of top Roman trattorias.