Author: MAK Gojar

An inflation gauge closely watched by the Federal Reserve rose slightly last month, the latest sign that some consumer prices remain stubbornly elevated, even as inflation is cooling in fits and starts. Friday’s report from the Commerce Department showed that consumer prices rose 2.6% in December from a year earlier, up from a 2.4% annual pace in November and the third straight increase. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, prices increased 2.8% compared with a year ago, the same as in November and October. The figures arrive just two days after Federal Reserve officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell,…

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The European Union on Friday warned Pakistan that its status as a duty-free exporter to the bloc will continue to depend on the progress it makes in addressing concerns over civil and labor rights, and freedom of speech. The warning came at the end of a visit to Islamabad by Olof Skoog, the EU’s special representative for human rights, which the EU said was aimed at engaging Pakistan on “the most pressing human rights and labor rights issues and discussing Pakistan’s plans to address them.” It said that trade benefits provided to Pakistan under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus…

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Russia on Friday claimed it had captured another village in its relentless offensive in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region and as it closes in on the critical Ukrainian logistics hub of Pokrovsk after almost three years of war. The Russian claim that its forces took Novovasylivka could not be independently confirmed, and Ukrainian officials made no immediate comment. However, battlefield maps published early Friday by the Ukrainian General Staff suggested the village was at least partly under Russian control. A comparison with other maps of the area by The Associated Press indicated Novovasylivka is largely under Russian control. Russian forces have…

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Robert Santos, who emphasized inclusivity and outreach to overlooked communities, has resigned as director of the U.S. Census Bureau, midway through his five-year term and in the midst of planning for the 2030 census, which will determine political power and federal funding nationwide for another decade to come. Santos, who was appointed by former Democratic President Joe Biden, said in a letter Thursday evening that he had made the decision “after deep reflection.” Santos was sworn in as the bureau’s 26th director, and its first Hispanic leader, in 2022. His departure clears the way for Republican President Donald Trump to…

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Shares of Walgreens dove early Friday, a day after the drugstore chain said it was suspending its dividend, breaking a streak of quarterly shareholder payouts that stretches back more than 90 years. The drugstore chain said Thursday after markets closed that it made the move to strengthen its balance sheet and improve free cash flow as company leaders try to turn around the struggling business. Walgreens has been dealing with thin prescription reimbursement, rising costs, persistent theft and inflation-sensitive shoppers who are looking for bargains elsewhere. The company is in the early stages of a plan to close 1,200 of…

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Newsday plans to sue Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, N.Y., after he made The New York Post the government’s official publication. ​Newsday plans to sue Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, N.Y., after he made The New York Post the government’s official publication.    Newsday plans to sue Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, N.Y., after he made The New York Post the government’s official publication. News outlets around the United States are facing a political onslaught from allies of President Trump. A newspaper synonymous with Long Island is fighting back. A legal filing this week by…

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China and Vietnam signed documents to boost cooperation in such areas as the economy, investment, finance and cultural exchanges on Sunday during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the neighboring country. ​China and Vietnam signed documents to boost cooperation in such areas as the economy, investment, finance and cultural exchanges on Sunday during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the neighboring country.   China and Vietnam signed documents to boost cooperation in such areas as the economy, investment, finance and cultural exchanges on Sunday during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the neighboring country. 

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Target is the latest high-profile company to roll back equality initiatives in response to criticism from conservatives and new pressure from the White House. ​Target is the latest high-profile company to roll back equality initiatives in response to criticism from conservatives and new pressure from the White House.    Target is the latest high-profile company to roll back equality initiatives in response to criticism from conservatives and new pressure from the White House. WASHINGTON — Discount store chain Target said Friday that it would join rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion…

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CELEBRATIONS are in order for Princess Kate’s mum Carole Middleton who turns 70 today. According to a royal expert, “party loving” Carole will ring in the day with a “themed event.” Not known, clear with picture desk Carole Middleton turns 70 today and is likely to be celebrating with a ‘themed’ event[/caption] Mega Carole has been a pillar of strength for Princess Kate over the past 12 months with her health struggles[/caption] Instagram Carole and Michael Middleton live at the £4.7million Bucklebury Manor[/caption] The mum-of-three may live in the £4.7million Bucklebury Manor with a future Queen for a daughter, but…

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GE HEALTHCARE has announced a €132 million investment to expand its media fill and finish manufacturing site in Co Cork.  A new state-of-the-art facility on the grounds of the existing Carrigtwohill site will enable 25 million more yearly patient doses of contrast media by the end of 2027, addressing growing global demand. Taoiseach Micheal Martin will this morning turn the sod to formally initiate construction works on the site of the new facility. Contrast media are injectable diagnostic imaging agents used to enhance visualisation of organs, blood vessels and tissues during medical imaging.  The company says that global demand for iodine-based contrast media, used in X-ray, CT and interventional procedures is expected to double in the next decade.  In 2024, the Cork facility, along with GE HealthCare’s other fill and finish production sites in China…

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RICKY WALDEN hopes to play a qualifying match in South Yorkshire next Thursday despite his worrying illness scare. The snooker star, 42, was rushed to hospital in Berlin on Wednesday evening with internal pains, which turned out to be pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas. Ricky Walden was rushed to hospital after suffering from pancreatitisREX The 42-year-old plans to return to action next week – despite his recent hospital dashGETTY The world No.38 stayed overnight under medical supervision and withdrew from a Last-16 clash the next day with Barry Hawkins in the German Masters. Walden remained in hospital on Thursday…

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NATALIE Cassidy shocked fans yesterday by quitting her iconic EastEnders role of Sonia Fowler after 32 years. Earlier this week, The Sun revealed that the iconic character had quit, with fans now scrambling to predict the way in which she will depart Walford. BBC Handout Long term Eastenders character Sonia is leaving the square[/caption] BBC She is currently in a relationship with Reiss in the hit soap[/caption] PA:Press Association Natalie told bosses of her decision to leave the soap last summer[/caption] BBC Sonia has been part of a very tense storyline of late[/caption] Speculating over various ways that Natalie’s character…

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Steve Garrigan and his longtime love Diana Bunici are just months away from exchanging vows in front of their family and friends. The Kodaline frontman and EVOKE’s very own Diana got engaged over the 2023 Christmas period, and nearly 18 months later they’re set to tie the knot in a beautiful castle in Ireland. Today’s top videos It’s an exciting time for Diana and Steve as they’re now just dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on all of their wedding details, and even had their menu tasting on Thursday- it looked delicious! Steve Garrigan and Diana Bunici. Pic: Instagram…

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Adding extra to your savings can help you reach your financial goals quicker.Adding extra to your savings can help you reach your financial goals quicker. Adding extra to your savings can help you reach your financial goals quicker.    Since the Federal Reserve voted to hold rates steady this month, there’s a chance your savings rate could do the same. Currently, the best high-yield savings account rates have APYs over 4%.  There’s still a chance that the central bank will cut rates later this year, but rates are holding steady for now. And since banks usually move in the same direction as…

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Hamas’ military wing announced the names of three hostages set to be released Saturday.    POLITICS Friday, January 31, 2025 11:34AM Among those set for release is American Keith Siegel. NEW YORK — Hamas’ military wing announced the names of three hostages set to be released Saturday. One of the expected names on the list is American Keith Siegel from North Carolina. ABC News asked Lee Siegel, Keith’s brother how he is feeling and he said, “Probably shock is the best adjective. There are no words. Still nervous and anxious. Trying to stay within myself.” Siegel was last seen in a…

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