July 2025 - Page 12 of 46

Trade deal on US tariffs within reach, says EU, as 1 August deadline nears

Jul

Deadline nears: EU and US close to reaching tariff trade deal

As the calendar moves closer to August 1, high-level trade talks between the European Union and the United States appear to be making tangible progress. Officials on both sides have indicated that a potential agreement to resolve long-standing disputes over tariffs is within sight. The negotiations, which have spanned months, could finally yield a solution that would ease economic tensions and reset the tone of transatlantic trade relations.At the heart of the discussions is the pressing issue of tariffs imposed by the United States on a range of EU exports. These duties were initially introduced under previous trade policies that…

U.S.-funded contraceptives for poor nations to be burned in France, sources say

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Health

U.S.-backed contraceptives for poor nations targeted for burning in France, sources say

A large shipment of U.S.-funded contraceptives, valued at nearly $10 million and initially intended to support family planning efforts in low-income countries, is now slated for destruction in a medical waste facility in France. The decision comes after months of political and logistical gridlock that left the supplies—ranging from birth control pills to long-acting reversible contraceptives like implants and intrauterine devices—stranded in a European warehouse.The birth control supplies, acquired via an American foreign aid initiative aimed at enhancing worldwide access to reproductive health, became entangled in the aftermath of policy modifications subsequent to a change in U.S. administration. The current…

King meets Modi after India-UK trade deal signed

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Investments and Business

After India-UK trade deal, King meets with Modi

Following the recent completion of a significant trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom, a diplomatic meeting took place between the King and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This interaction, seen as a gesture of mutual respect and strategic alignment, highlights the evolving nature of economic and political ties between the two nations, especially in the context of the newly formalized trade framework.The encounter took place amid a backdrop of growing bilateral cooperation, as both countries seek to deepen their partnership across various sectors, including commerce, technology, climate initiatives, and security. With the trade pact now formally in place,…

Trump bickers with Powell over Fed renovation costs

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Investments and Business

Trump and Powell spar over Fed renovation costs

Tensions have once again surfaced between former President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell—this time, over the projected expenses associated with modernizing the Federal Reserve’s infrastructure. As discussions about potential reforms to the central banking system intensify, Trump has voiced sharp criticism over what he views as excessive costs tied to proposed upgrades, setting the stage for yet another round of friction between the two prominent figures.The controversy revolves around a proposal focused on modernizing and enhancing multiple aspects of the Federal Reserve system. This encompasses technological frameworks, supervisory protocols, and occasionally, the refurbishment of structures or sites…

The U.S. fertility rate reached a new low in 2024, CDC data shows

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Health

CDC: 2024 marks record decline in U.S. fertility rate

The fertility rate in the United States keeps decreasing, hitting its lowest level in many years by 2024. This persistent pattern, indicative of wider societal changes, underscores how economic challenges, cultural shifts, and evolving personal preferences are transforming the dynamics of family planning throughout the nation. Recent demographic data shows that the average number of children born per woman has dropped to levels well below what is considered necessary to sustain the population. This metric, often referred to as the total fertility rate, is a key indicator used to understand population dynamics and long-term societal trends. The latest figures confirm…

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls for a review of 'the entire' Federal Reserve

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Economy

Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, calls for full Federal Reserve assessment

In a development sparking considerable debate among financial and political groups, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged a comprehensive evaluation of the Federal Reserve’s organization, decision-making procedures, and policy structure. The announcement reflects increasing worry about the central bank’s involvement in sustaining the nation's economic stability amidst intricate global and domestic issues.Bessent, speaking at a recent financial summit in Washington, emphasized the need to reassess the Federal Reserve’s broad mandate and its tools for executing monetary policy. He underscored that the goal of such a review would not be to undermine the institution’s independence, but rather to ensure that…

Alcohol use is up among women — and health consequences have followed

Jul

By Kyle C. Garrison

Health

More women are drinking alcohol — and facing new health concerns

Throughout the United States, there has been a marked rise in alcohol consumption among women in recent years, leading to heightened worries about the associated health effects. Historically drinking less than men, women's drinking patterns have not only matched men's in frequency but also present greater biological dangers—even with lower consumption. This trend is particularly significant among women in their 30s and 40s, who have escalated their binge drinking and reported more symptoms related to alcohol use disorders compared to earlier generations.Various factors seem to be contributing to this increase. There have been shifts in societal norms; women are now…