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Warsh nomination moves ahead, putting Trump's competing Fed plans on a collision course
Politics

Warsh nomination moves ahead, putting Trump's competing Fed plans on a collision course

Ủy ban Ngân hàng Thượng viện Mỹ dự kiến tổ chức điều trần phê chuẩn Kevin Warsh làm Chủ tịch Cục Dự trữ Liên bang (Fed) vào ngày 16/4/2025. Đồng thời, một cuộc điều tra hình sự về Chủ tịch Fed hiện tại Jerome Powell liên quan đến cáo buộc nói dối về chi phí cải tạo tòa nhà đang diễn ra. Thượng nghị sĩ Thom Tillis đe dọa phong tỏa bổ nhiệm Warsh cho đến khi điều tra Powell được giải quyết, trong khi Tổng thống Donald Trump ủng hộ cả hai. Thẩm phán liên bang James Boasberg đã bác yêu cầu của chính phủ xem xét lại quyết định hủy trát hầu tòa, khiến tình trạng điều tra trở nên mơ hồ. Các thay đổi nhân sự tại Bộ Tư pháp dưới thời Trump có thể ảnh hưởng đến vụ án. Tình hình này làm dấy lên lo ngại về sự độc lập của Fed và tác động đến chính sách tiền tệ quốc tế.

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Pope Leo XIV Rejects Divine War Justification
World

Pope Leo XIV Rejects Divine War Justification

Pope Leo XIV has publicly opposed the war with Iran, directly urging President Donald Trump and Israeli leaders to seek peace and reject violence. He condemned the use of biblical justification for war, emphasizing Jesus as a figure of peace, and called for an Easter truce. The Pope engaged in diplomatic efforts through phone calls to Israeli and Ukrainian presidents. Cardinals McElroy and Broglio supported his stance, arguing the conflict violates Catholic 'just war' doctrine. His actions are compared to Pope John Paul II's opposition to the Iraq War, highlighting his emerging role as a moral voice in global conflicts.

Artemis II Shares New Moon Images as Mission Passes Halfway Point
Tech

Artemis II Shares New Moon Images as Mission Passes Halfway Point

NASA's Artemis II mission, with four astronauts on the Orion spacecraft, has passed the halfway point to the Moon. The mission has shared new images, including the first direct human view of the Moon's Orientale basin. Earth photos from the mission offer unique angles reminiscent of the Apollo era. A lunar flyby is scheduled for Monday. Crew members are capturing life in space and taking selfies with celestial bodies. The mission continues to provide valuable visuals and data.

Pope Leo Rejects Divine War Justification, Targets Hegseth's Rhetoric
World

Pope Leo Rejects Divine War Justification, Targets Hegseth's Rhetoric

Pope Leo XIV has explicitly opposed using religious doctrine to justify war, specifically criticizing U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's scriptural defenses. During Holy Week, he called for an "Easter truce," cited President Trump by name to seek an end to the U.S.-Iran conflict, and contacted Israeli and Ukrainian leaders. Church officials, including Cardinals McElroy and Broglio, support his stance, arguing the war fails Catholic just war criteria. Observers draw parallels to Pope John Paul II's anti-Iraq War efforts, noting similar disregard for papal advice. As the first American pope, Leo's interventions highlight a growing divergence between Vatican diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy, with potential long-term impacts on global peace efforts.

Trump Appeals Court Order Halting White House Ballroom, Citing Security Risks
Politics

Trump Appeals Court Order Halting White House Ballroom, Citing Security Risks

A federal judge temporarily halted the $400 million White House ballroom construction, citing President Trump's lack of congressional authority for the project. The Trump administration appeals, arguing the halt creates national security risks due to the vulnerable state of the grounds with temporary tents. Judge Richard Leon exempted security-related construction and suspended his order for 14 days. The administration claims the ballroom's fortified design is critical for protection against modern threats. They seek a swift appeals court decision and possible Supreme Court review. The case underscores conflicts over executive power and federal property management.

Cocoa Prices Drop, But Easter Chocolate Remains Expensive
Business

Cocoa Prices Drop, But Easter Chocolate Remains Expensive

Cocoa prices have dropped significantly from over $12,000 per ton in 2024 to around $3,300 per ton now. However, chocolate prices in the U.S. have increased by 11.6% over the past year. This discrepancy is because Easter chocolate was manufactured when cocoa costs were at their peak, following three years of poor harvests in West Africa due to climate change. Major chocolate companies raised prices last year in response to the cocoa shortage. Despite better growing conditions in 2026, consumers may not see price relief until Halloween or later, as other costs like packaging and shipping remain high. Chocolate demand remains robust, with Easter spending projected at $3.3 billion, though some consumers might opt for cheaper alternatives.

Russia Luhansk Claim vs. Stable Front: Ukraine Denies Full Control
World

Russia Luhansk Claim vs. Stable Front: Ukraine Denies Full Control

Russia's latest claim of fully occupying Luhansk is contradicted by Ukrainian officials and analysts who cite a stable front line. The Institute for the Study of War asserts that Moscow exaggerates gains to mislead about battlefield progress. Meanwhile, Ukraine has achieved territorial advances in Zaporizhzhia and Kupyansk while conducting deep drone strikes into Russia. Russian casualties have surged to record levels, but Ukraine grapples with manpower shortages and potential cuts in US military aid. The conflict persists with limited territorial shifts and ongoing strategic adaptations by both sides.

PWHL Growth Surges After Olympic Success
Sports

PWHL Growth Surges After Olympic Success

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has seen exponential growth following the 2026 Winter Olympics, setting records in attendance and revenue. The league is expanding to larger venues and planning to add up to four new teams, despite challenges in securing arena dates. Financially, it remains unprofitable but is closing the gap with increased sponsorships and media deals, aiming for profitability by 2031. Players are advocating for better salaries and facilities while embracing the league's new role in women's hockey. This momentum represents a sustainable shift for professional women's hockey.

401(k) Balances Rise, Advisors Warn of Retirement Pitfalls
Business

401(k) Balances Rise, Advisors Warn of Retirement Pitfalls

Average 401(k) balances increased over 10% in 2025, fueled by market growth and auto-enrollment, according to Fidelity and Vanguard. Financial advisors warn that over-concentration in pre-tax accounts can lead to being 'retirement rich but cash poor,' with record hardship withdrawals incurring taxes and penalties. Required minimum distributions may force unwanted taxable income, raising tax brackets and Medicare costs. Experts advocate diversifying savings across Roth IRAs, taxable accounts, and other vehicles to ensure flexibility for emergencies or early retirement. Proper planning is crucial to balance long-term security with immediate cash needs.

U.S.-Iran war 'tax' hits US businesses, consumers
Business

U.S.-Iran war 'tax' hits US businesses, consumers

The U.S.-Iran war has sparked a surge in diesel and jet fuel prices, imposing an economic "tax" on American businesses and consumers. Large companies like United Airlines, JetBlue, and Amazon are implementing fuel surcharges, while small firms face margin pressures without similar flexibility. Economists warn of broad cost increases that could reduce consumer spending and economic growth, with the Federal Reserve constrained by inflation concerns. This energy supply disruption is expected to cascade across industries, from transportation to retail, with prolonged effects on the economy.

Warren Buffett Reassessing Gates Foundation Donations Over Epstein Ties
Business

Warren Buffett Reassessing Gates Foundation Donations Over Epstein Ties

Warren Buffett announced a new charity auction with Stephen and Ayesha Curry to fund the Glide Foundation and the Eat, Learn, Play Foundation, while indicating he might stop annual donations to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation due to Jeffrey Epstein ties. Berkshire Hathaway maintains over $350 billion in cash, with Buffett finding few investment opportunities in the current market. He highlighted nuclear risks and banking system fragility as major concerns. Buffett learned new details from the Epstein files and anticipates possible legislative changes to foundation regulations. Despite the controversy, he supports the Giving Pledge and has no regrets about past philanthropy.

European Ministers Demand Windfall Tax on Energy Firms Amid Iran Price Surge
Business

European Ministers Demand Windfall Tax on Energy Firms Amid Iran Price Surge

Finance ministers from Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Austria have called on the European Commission to introduce an EU-wide windfall tax on energy companies. This follows Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has spiked oil prices and contributed to rising inflation. Eurozone inflation increased to 2.5% in March 2026, up from 1.9% in February, partly due to higher fuel costs. The ministers emphasize Europe's energy import dependency and propose a fair mechanism to share economic burdens. They reference the EU's 2022 solidarity contribution as a model for current action. The aim is to mitigate the impact of volatile energy markets on households and the broader economy.

Trump Voters' Regret Rises in New Polls
Politics

Trump Voters' Regret Rises in New Polls

Recent polls demonstrate a significant rise in regret among Donald Trump's 2024 voters, with 13-16% expressing remorse, especially among younger and Hispanic demographics. Approval ratings have declined sharply on issues like the economy, inflation, and the Iran conflict, notably among working-class white voters. This growing dissatisfaction, highlighted by multiple surveys, poses a potential risk to Republican candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. The trends indicate a shift in voter sentiment since the 2024 election, moving away from firm support for Trump.

Apple AI: 5-Year Lead Lost, But Can Still Win
Tech

Apple AI: 5-Year Lead Lost, But Can Still Win

Apple is celebrating its 50th anniversary but faces a major AI challenge after losing its early lead with Siri. The company has partnered with Google for Gemini AI integration, raising privacy concerns as it pays for technology instead of receiving payments. Former insiders cite Siri's stagnation and missed opportunities, while Apple focuses on on-device AI with Apple Intelligence to protect user data. Rivals like Amazon and Microsoft are investing heavily in cloud AI, contrasting with Apple's conservative spending. The future hinges on whether AI stays on phones or shifts to new devices, with OpenAI's hardware efforts posing a potential threat. Apple's ability to innovate in AI will be crucial for its next half-century.

Why Hollywood's Chinese Box Office Is No Longer a Kingmaker
Business

Why Hollywood's Chinese Box Office Is No Longer a Kingmaker

Hollywood's Chinese box office revenue has plummeted post-pandemic due to the 2017 expiration of the U.S.-China Film Agreement, China's policies promoting domestic films, and strict censorship. Political tensions further hinder distribution. Expert Aynne Kokas states that China's market is not guaranteed, as distribution is controlled based on local performance. Box office data reveals a stark drop from nine films earning over $100 million in 2019 to only 10 such films in the last five years, challenging Hollywood's reliance on China for major revenue.

China Fossil Find Pushes Back Complex Animal Origins
World

China Fossil Find Pushes Back Complex Animal Origins

A fossil discovery at China's Jiangchuan Biota site, dating to the late Ediacaran period (554-539 million years ago), provides exceptional preservation of soft tissues and bilateral symmetry in ancient animals. The fossils, including potential deuterostome ancestors, suggest complex animal life emerged at least 4 million years before the Cambrian explosion, blurring period boundaries. This find supports earlier evolutionary booms but faces classification challenges due to limited data. Future research will explore the site's ecology to better understand early animal evolution and vertebrate origins.

AI Chatbots Homogenize Student Voices, Forcing Test Overhauls
Tech

AI Chatbots Homogenize Student Voices, Forcing Test Overhauls

AI chatbots are homogenizing student discussions in classrooms by replicating similar language and perspectives, according to a recent study and student reports at Yale University. Educators are responding by shifting to in-class assessments like oral exams and handwritten essays to ensure original thinking. Experts warn that this trend could erode creativity, critical thinking, and intellectual diversity long-term. Students admit to increased reliance on AI, affecting their work ethic and depth of engagement. The issue highlights broader societal risks if reasoning is offloaded to machines. Institutions like Yale are implementing flexible AI policies while encouraging faculty to adapt teaching methods.

Pam Bondi Fired as U.S. Attorney General After 14 Months
Politics

Pam Bondi Fired as U.S. Attorney General After 14 Months

Pam Bondi was fired as U.S. Attorney General by President Trump after 14 months, largely due to frustrations over her failure to aggressively prosecute political enemies and the Epstein files mishandling. Her tenure involved reshaping the Justice Department to align with Trump's agenda, but key prosecutions faced legal setbacks, including dismissals and grand jury refusals. The Epstein controversy sparked congressional action and a subpoena for Bondi, becoming a persistent issue. Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general, with ongoing concerns about the department's independence. Bondi plans to transition to the private sector upon her departure.

Pokémon Card Thefts Surge Globally Amid Market Boom
Business

Pokémon Card Thefts Surge Globally Amid Market Boom

The Pokémon card market has experienced a significant boom, with values rising over 145% in the past year. This growth has triggered an international wave of thefts, with losses exceeding $500,000 from robberies targeting shops and collectors. The cards' high value, portability, and liquidity make them attractive to criminals. Small businesses are heavily impacted, facing repeated crimes and insurance difficulties. Stolen cards are hard to trace due to no serial numbers, and while felony charges apply, many thefts remain unsolved.

Debris from Aerial Interception Strikes Oracle Dubai Office
World

Debris from Aerial Interception Strikes Oracle Dubai Office

Debris from an aerial interception struck the Oracle building in Dubai on Sunday, causing damage but no injuries. This occurs amid Iran's missile attacks in the Middle East in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes. Iran's Revolutionary Guard has designated 18 U.S. tech firms, including Oracle, as legitimate targets. Experts warn that technology infrastructure is now a direct part of geopolitical conflicts. Previously, Iran attacked AWS data centers, disrupting services in the UAE. Dubai authorities confirmed the incident and responded quickly.

Banksy Unmasked: Anonymity's Art Value Debate
Entertainment

Banksy Unmasked: Anonymity's Art Value Debate

A Reuters investigation has identified Banksy as Robin Gunningham, ending years of speculation and sparking debate on anonymity's role in art. Anonymous artists like Jerkface argue that mystery is essential for creative honesty and universal appeal. Experts such as Nico Epstein warn that the revelation could diminish Banksy's output and market value. Anonymity is widespread in literature and music, with figures like Elena Ferrante and J.K. Rowling using pseudonyms for privacy or bias avoidance. Scholars note that anonymity allows art to be judged without identity biases, but its removal may reintroduce personal context. The case underscores anonymity as a deliberate artistic strategy with significant cultural and financial implications.

Archaeologist Believes D'Artagnan Remains Found in Maastricht
World

Archaeologist Believes D'Artagnan Remains Found in Maastricht

Archaeologist Wim Dijkman believes he has found the remains of D'Artagnan, the famous musketeer, in a Maastricht church. The discovery includes a musket ball and a 1660 coin, aligning with historical accounts of D'Artagnan's death in 1673. Inspired by historian Odile Bordaz, Dijkman pursued excavations for 25 years. DNA and isotope tests are pending to confirm the identity. Church officials find the evidence plausible but caution that certainty is not yet achieved, underscoring the need for scientific verification.

René Redzepi Scandal Exposes Haute Cuisine's Toxic Culture
Health

René Redzepi Scandal Exposes Haute Cuisine's Toxic Culture

René Redzepi, founder of Noma, apologized and withdrew after New York Times allegations of physical abuse against staff. This incident has triggered an industry-wide reckoning on toxic cultures in haute cuisine, with systemic issues like the brigade hierarchy and Michelin pressure identified as enablers. While some defend demanding environments as essential for excellence, others advocate for reforms to protect worker well-being. Economic pressures and a post-pandemic labor crisis are accelerating calls for change. Experts stress that addressing these problems requires systemic transformation beyond individual accountability. The case underscores the need for collective action to reform hospitality industry practices.

Global Oil Crisis Sparks Shortages from Food to Medical Supplies
Business

Global Oil Crisis Sparks Shortages from Food to Medical Supplies

The Middle East conflict has reduced global oil supply by about one-fifth, disrupting naphtha flows critical for petrochemicals. This has caused shortages and price hikes in plastic-based products, severely impacting Asian manufacturing of items like food packaging, medical supplies, and consumer goods. The crisis is expanding globally, threatening fertilizer and helium supplies, which could raise food and electronics costs. Despite emergency oil releases, the naphtha shortage persists with no substitute, increasing inflation risks and economic slowdowns. Industries are seeking alternatives but face high costs and delays, with recovery expected to be prolonged.