The U.S. economy experienced an unexpected contraction of 0.5% annually from January to March, according to the Commerce Department, a revision from the previously estimated 0.2% decline. This downturn was largely driven by a surge in imports as businesses and consumers rushed to purchase goods before potential tariffs were imposed, which had a significant negative impact on the GDP. Consumer spending also slowed considerably, and the Conference Board’s consumer confidence index reflected growing economic pessimism. While a category measuring the economy’s underlying strength showed growth, federal government spending fell sharply, contributing to the overall economic contraction.
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In a recent legal victory for Meta, a judge ruled in favor of the company in a copyright lawsuit filed by authors who alleged their works were used without permission to train Meta’s AI system. The judge determined that the authors failed to provide sufficient evidence of market harm caused by Meta’s AI, classifying the use of copyrighted material as “fair use”. This ruling follows a similar decision in favor of Anthropic, another AI company, though the judge acknowledged the complexities of the copyright issues surrounding AI training. Furthermore, the judge expressed sympathy for the authors’ argument that AI models may undermine the market for creative works.
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A federal vaccine panel has controversially recommended against seasonal influenza vaccines containing thimerosal, a preservative used in some multi-dose vials. This decision, made after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced the panel with members aligned with his anti-vaccine stance, may impact future vaccine availability. Despite a lack of scientific evidence of harm, the panel voted to restrict thimerosal, which is more cost-effective than single-dose formulations, potentially affecting clinics that rely on them. Multiple medical organizations have criticized the move, citing the settled science on thimerosal’s safety, and expressing concern about its global implications.
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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was notably absent from a recent Senate intelligence briefing, raising questions about her standing within the administration. This exclusion follows President Trump’s public disagreement with Gabbard’s past assertions regarding Iran’s nuclear program and a damaging intelligence leak that weakened the White House’s claims about a recent strike. A senior White House official downplayed her absence, while Michael Wolff suggested her position is precarious due to the fallout from the intelligence leak. The original report stated Gabbard’s public backing of Trump’s statements, which contradict intelligence assessments, has been challenged.
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Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, centered on affordability, successfully mobilized a surge of young voters in areas like Astoria, Greenpoint, and Bushwick. Analyzing election data showed significantly higher turnout in these younger neighborhoods compared to previous years. Mamdani’s strategy of holding rallies and directly engaging with voters contrasted sharply with his opponent’s approach, helping him to unexpectedly gain support within Latino and Asian communities. While former Gov. Andrew Cuomo focused on his existing base, particularly in Black communities, Mamdani’s efforts led to a notable shift in voter engagement and demographic representation.
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HuffPost reflects on its two decades of unwavering commitment to truthful, fact-based journalism. The publication acknowledges the crucial role reader support has played in its success and resilience. As HuffPost looks towards the future, it emphasizes the continued need for reader backing to sustain its mission. The article hopes its readers will continue to support them.
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Recent college graduates are facing a challenging job market, with the unemployment rate for degree holders aged 22 to 27 reaching its highest level in over a decade, excluding the pandemic. Economists suggest that this is due to economic uncertainty, specifically stemming from the Trump administration’s tariff increases. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence is speculated to be impacting entry-level white-collar positions, while higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve have also slowed hiring in tech. Despite these difficulties, most economists maintain that holding a college degree still offers lifetime benefits, although the value of a degree has diminished.
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In a historic decision, the High Court of Andhra Pradesh in India has ruled that trans women are legally entitled to be recognized as women. The court rejected the argument that womanhood is solely defined by the ability to bear children, stating such a definition contradicts the constitution’s emphasis on equality. The ruling came in response to a case where a trans woman sought protection from abusive in-laws using a legal provision for women, which her in-laws contested based on her inability to become pregnant. The court ultimately sided with the trans woman, asserting that denying trans women recognition as women constituted discrimination.
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The U.S. Department of Defense will permanently cease processing and transmitting microwave data from its three weather satellites by June 30, 2025, which will significantly impact hurricane forecasts. This decision, motivated by security concerns, means the loss of data from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS) will severely impede hurricane forecasts for the 2025 season. The discontinuation will halve the availability of critical microwave data, increasing the risk of missing important details about rapid intensification, misplacing storms, and degrading forecast accuracy, ultimately impacting tens of millions of Americans.
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John Q. Hosedrinker