America just saw its credit rating drop. The Associated Press reported that Fitch Ratings downgraded the U.S. debt rating from AAA to AA. That was “a move that spurred debate in Washington about spending and tax policies.” Fitch said the government’s rising debt burden and the country’s increasingly ugly political fights — including factors like…
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted last month that the demand for energy is nearing its peak in 2026 for transport uses and 2028 for other uses. However, the fate of the world’s oil demands largely rests on the economies of developing countries. What are the prospects for oil demand? An IEA medium-term report released this year…
For many Americans enduring higher prices, easing inflation was on the wishlist for 2023 — and as of July, it’s looking like that dream just might come true. Inflation dropped to 3% in June, reaching its lowest level since May 2021 and marking the 12th month in a row that inflation has eased, based on the…
First Look How can tech fight misinformation? Google tries ‘prebunking.’ Google is fighting misinformation with “prebunking” videos that show how to recognize false online claims. Not only are they easy to produce they also have the potential to reach millions of social media users without focusing on controversial issues. | View caption Hide caption |…
Anchor Brewing Co., the iconic San Francisco brewery opened in 1896 and purchased by Japan’s Sapporo in 2017, announced Wednesday it has stopped brewing its ales and will cease operations in the coming weeks. Anchor spokesman Sam Singer said the brewery was “losing millions of dollars a year” and had informed its 61 employees of…
Adventure tourists are rocketing into space, plumbing the ocean’s depths, and risking their lives in the pursuit of thrills. Here’s everything you need to know: What is “extreme tourism”? Wealthy adventurers are paying huge sums to scale the world’s highest peaks, trek to the poles, descend to the ocean’s depths, and seek out some of…
Why Obamacare and Russia are undermining US tax changes What do Russia and the Affordable Care Act have to do with taxes? Everything. | View caption Hide caption Tax reform was always going to be a tough sell in 2017. But now, thanks to the seemingly bottomless controversy over the Trump campaign’s Russia connection and an…
First Look Former President Trump indicted on charges tied to 2020 election A grand jury indictment focuses on alleged schemes by then-President Donald Trump and his allies to subvert the transfer of power after the 2020 election. | View caption Hide caption | Donald Trump was indicted Tuesday on four felony counts that accuse him…
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is leading a group of lawmakers calling for an investigation into how some of the largest tax prep companies allegedly illegally shared sensitive customer data with Google and Meta, CNBC reported. A seven-month congressional investigation found evidence that TaxSlayer, H&R Block, TaxAct, and other tax prep firms sent names, phone numbers, email…
1 Congress breaks for August recess without path to avoid shutdown Lawmakers left Congress for their August recess at the end of this week without a clear path forward to avoid a looming government shutdown. Both the House and Senate had entered recess by Saturday, and are not due back in the nation’s Capitol until…