June 2024 - Page 2 of 11

The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation shows signs of cooling

29

Jun

Business

The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation shows signs of cooling

More news - Breaking news The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge continues to show signs of cooling, accompanied by moderate growth in consumer spending - good news for central banks as they aim to control rising prices and curb demand. In May, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index rose 2.6% from a year earlier, in line with economists' expectations and down slightly from April's 2.7% increase. Excluding more volatile food and fuel prices, the measure of "core" inflation also rose 2.6% year-on-year, down from 2.8% in April. On a monthly basis, inflation remained particularly moderate, with overall prices showing no…

Rising Drug Costs: Are Pharmaceutical Benefit Managers to Blame?

29

Jun

By William Lee

Health

Rising Drug Costs: Are Pharmaceutical Benefit Managers to Blame?

Related media - News 24 hours For many Americans, the rising tide of prescription drug prices seems like an implacable force, threatening to overwhelm family budgets and access to health care. While pharmaceutical companies often shoulder public responsibility, the web of influence on drug costs is far more intricate. Today, we shine a spotlight on a key, but typically hidden, player in this system: pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs. Rebecca Robbins, a leading investigative journalist specializing in pharmaceuticals for the New York Times, will take us on a deep dive into the world of PBMs. We will explore their role…

Colombia’s Peace Accord Creates Birdwatching Paradise

28

Jun

By William Lee

Colombia’s Peace Accord Creates Birdwatching Paradise

Related media - News 24 hours The 2016 peace treaty, which ended decades of civil conflict in Colombia, has transformed the country into a birdwatcher's paradise. This agreement has liberated vast swathes of forests previously dominated by armed groups, making them accessible to both wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. For years, Colombia’s rich biodiversity was hidden behind the barriers of a long-running civil war. The nation’s forests, home to an astonishing array of bird species, were largely off-limits due to the presence of guerrillas and the associated dangers. However, the peace agreement has opened up these once-inaccessible areas, revealing a treasure…

Iran’s presidential candidates are united on one thing: Trump’s return

28

Jun

By William Lee

New miscellaneous

Iran’s presidential candidates are united on one thing: Trump’s return

More news - News 24 hours During the Iranian presidential campaign, one recurring theme dominated debates, rallies, and speeches: the long-awaited return of Donald J. Trump. The six presidential candidates have repeatedly suggested that Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election is inevitable. The central question for Iranian voters as they head to the polls on Friday is which candidate is best equipped to handle a Trump presidency. Interestingly, President Biden is barely mentioned and the numerous polls indicating a close US election are ignored. Instead, Trump's name is often invoked. “Wait and see what happens when Trump comes,”…

Anthony O’Reilly, the Irish tycoon who ran Heinz, has died at the age of 88

28

Jun

By William Lee

Business

Anthony O’Reilly, the Irish tycoon who ran Heinz, has died at the age of 88

More news - Latest news Anthony J. F. O'Reilly, a charming, ambitious, Irish-born former chairman of the H. J. Heinz Company who also owned newspapers, luxury brands and trophy houses in France and the Bahamas, only to lose almost everything in his eighth decade, died May 18 in Dublin. He was 88. The Irish Times and other Irish newspapers, quoting a family spokesman, said he died in hospital. No cause was given. From his earliest days, Mr O'Reilly, known as Tony, showed an embarrassment about gifts. He was a top-flight rugby player as a teenager: "the red-headed pin-up boy of…

American travelers in Europe face phone outage

27

Jun

By William Lee

American travelers in Europe face phone outage

Related media - News 24 hours US mobile carriers AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile suffered an outage that impacted travelers in Europe. Many vacationers have lost access to essential phone functions such as data, calls and texts. Social media is full of frustrated travelers from Great Britain to Turkey, unable to connect for up to 24 hours. The cause of the outage is unclear, but it appears to be related to an issue with a third-party provider used for international roaming. Carriers have recognized the problem: AT&T says their network is operating normally, but some international customers may experience outages due…