Category Archives: World/National

White House says $100K H-1B visa fee won’t apply to existing holders as Trump move stirs anxiety

White House says $100K H-1B visa fee won’t apply to existing holders as Trump move stirs anxiety

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s latest plan to overhaul the American immigration system has left some immigrant workers confused. That left the White House on Saturday scrambling to clarify that its new $100,000 fee on visas for skilled tech workers that soon will go into effect only applies to new applicants and not to current visa holders. The president on Friday signed a proclamation that will require the fee for what are known as H-1B visas — meant for high-skilled jobs that tech companies find hard to fill.… Continue Reading

In Britain, Trump basks in a display of regal splendor with King Charles III at Windsor Castle

In Britain, Trump basks in a display of regal splendor with King Charles III at Windsor Castle

WINDSOR, England (AP) — President Donald Trump is relishing a day filled with British royal pageantry with King Charles III. Wednesday’s start to his two-day state visit included military honor guards, carriage rides and a state dinner. Trump also paid tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb. The visit began with Prince William and Kate welcoming Trump and the first lady at Windsor Castle. The day featured a grand procession, a tour of historical artifacts and a military parade. The visit is designed to strengthen ties amid Trump’s “America First” policies. On Thursday, Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss important issues.… Continue Reading

Starbucks workers sue over company’s new dress code

Starbucks workers sue over company’s new dress code

Starbucks workers are taking legal action against the coffee giant, saying it violated the law when it changed its dress code but refused to reimburse employees who had to buy new clothes. The employees are backed by the union organizing Starbucks’ workers. They filed class-action lawsuits in state court in Illinois and Colorado Wednesday, and complaints with California’s labor agency. Starbucks’ new dress code went into effect May 12. The company has said its dress code will create a sense of familiarity with customers and make stores more welcoming. But some employees say they had to spend more than $100 on new clothes.… Continue Reading

Federal Reserve cuts key rate by quarter-point and signals two more cuts this year

Federal Reserve cuts key rate by quarter-point and signals two more cuts this year

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the nation’s labor market. The move is the Fed’s first cut since December and lowered its short-term rate to about 4.1%, down from 4.3%. Fed officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, had kept their rate unchanged this year as they evaluated the impact of tariffs, tighter immigration enforcement, and other Trump administration policies on inflation and the economy. The only dissenter was Stephen Miran, the recent Trump-appointee.… Continue Reading

Fired CDC chief Susan Monarez warns senators that RFK Jr. is endangering public health

Fired CDC chief Susan Monarez warns senators that RFK Jr. is endangering public health

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fired Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Susan Monarez is warning senators America’s public health system is headed to a “dangerous place” under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his anti-vaccine advisers. Monarez and ex-CDC official Debra Houry describe exchanges in which Kennedy or political advisers rebuffed data supporting vaccine safety and efficacy. Monarez told the Senate health committee Wednesday deadly diseases including polio are poised to make a comeback in the U.S. Monarez says Kennedy demanded she “preapprove” recommendations from a CDC panel or face termination. The panel is expected to vote on new vaccine guidelines this week in Atlanta. Kennedy denies Monarez’s accusations he ordered “rubber-stamped” vaccine recommendations.… Continue Reading

Retail sales up 0.6% in August from July even as tariffs hurt jobs and lead to price hikes

Retail sales up 0.6% in August from July even as tariffs hurt jobs and lead to price hikes

NEW YORK (AP) — Shoppers increased their spending at a better-than-expected pace in August from July, helped by back-to-school purchases, even as President Donald Trump’s tariffs are starting to hurt the job market and lead to price hikes. The performance was also helped by the continued efforts by Americans to keep pushing up purchases ahead of expected price increases. Retail sales rose 0.6% last month from July, when sales were up a revised 0.6%, according to the Commerce Department’s report released Tuesday.… Continue Reading

Israel’s military begins its ground offensive in Gaza City and thousands of residents flee

Israel’s military begins its ground offensive in Gaza City and thousands of residents flee

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military has begun its ground offensive in Gaza City, slowly closing in on the Palestinian territory’s largest city. Tuesday’s operation marked another escalation in the war. Thousands of people streamed out of the city in vehicles laden with their belongings, but hundreds of thousands more remain. The conflict has already decimated much of the Gaza Strip and roiled the Middle East for nearly two years, and the new operation likely pushes any ceasefire farther out of reach. The military wouldn’t offer a timeline for the offensive, but Israeli media suggested it could take months. The military says it aims to “destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure.”… Continue Reading

Wall Street ticks toward another record as Tesla vrooms higher

Wall Street ticks toward another record as Tesla vrooms higher

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street is ticking toward another record. The S&P 500 climbed 0.5% Monday and was on track to top its latest all-time high set last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 31 points, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.9%. Tesla jumped after Elon Musk bought stock worth roughly $1 billion in it, potentially signaling his faith in the electric vehicle company. The week’s main event will arrive Wednesday, when traders expect the Federal Reserve to announce its first cut to interest rates of the year. Perhaps more important will be whether it hints more cuts are coming, as Wall Street also expects.… Continue Reading

After Charlie Kirk’s death, workers learn the limits of free speech in and out of their jobs

After Charlie Kirk’s death, workers learn the limits of free speech in and out of their jobs

NEW YORK (AP) — In the days following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, numerous workers have been fired for their comments on his death, among them MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd. It’s not the first time workers have lost their jobs over social media posts. Laws can vary across states, but overall, there’s very little legal protections for employees who are punished for speech made both in and out of private workplaces. And the prevalence of social media has made it increasingly common to track employees’ conduct outside of work.… Continue Reading

Political leaders confront security concerns — and fear — after Kirk’s assassination

Political leaders confront security concerns — and fear — after Kirk’s assassination

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Some political leaders are canceling public appearances after Charlie Kirk’s killing. Others are relying on a large police presence to keep them safe. And still others insist that the assassination that shook the nation last week won’t have any impact on their plans. Elected officials at every level and in both parties are grappling with tough choices as they move deeper into an election season in which the prospect of further violence lingers. And as they weigh risks to their personal safety, Democrats and Republicans are being forced to confront their own feelings of grief, anger and fear.… Continue Reading

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