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Arizona is taking its law books back to the 1800s.

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People walk past the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on April 10, 2024 in New York City.

Burnin’ Up

The Story

Inflation is being stubborn.

That doesn’t sound good.

You’re not the only one who thinks so. Yesterday, the Labor Department reported that consumer prices rose 3.5% in March compared to a year ago. That’s also slightly higher from 3.2% in February. The two main culprits for the larger-than-expected jump: Rising housing costs and gas prices. The inflation reading sent stocks tumbling, with the Dow closing 422 points lower yesterday. It’s the third month in a row that consumer prices have been higher than expected, raising concerns that progress in the fight against inflation could be stalling.

What does this mean?

The Federal Reserve might have to keep interest rates at a 23-year high for longer. Experts say the Fed will likely hold off on making an interest rate cut this summer, with others saying there might not be a cut at all this year. That could impact your wallet, since higher interest rates mean higher borrowing costs on things like credit cards and car loans. Experts say although progress has stalled, it doesn’t appear that there’s a renewed surge in inflation — it might just take longer to get it back on track.

theSkimm

The latest inflation report isn’t what anyone wanted to hear. Still, the country is far from the 9.1% inflation rate in 2022, so there’s that.

and also...this

Who’s heading to prison…

The parents of the Oxford High School shooter. Yesterday, a judge sentenced the Crumbleys to at least 10 years in prison. This marks the first time that parents are being held legally responsible for their child carrying out a mass school shooting. In 2021, the Crumbleys’ then 15-year-old son killed four students and injured seven others at a Michigan school. James and Jennifer Crumbley were each convicted on four counts of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year. Prosecutors argued the Crumbleys ignored signs their son was struggling with his mental health and gifted him the gun he used in the shooting.


Where someone is blowing the whistle...

Boeing. Yesterday, media outlets reported that federal authorities are investigating the aircraft maker after a whistleblower raised safety concerns about the manufacturing process. The whistleblower is an engineer, who has apparently worked at Boeing for more than a decade. He alleges that sections of the 787 Dreamliner fleet were assembled improperly and that it could cause the planes to break mid-flight over time. Boeing, which is already involved in another probe, denied the allegations and said it’s “fully confident in the 787 Dreamliner.” Congress is set to hear from the Boeing engineer next week.


What the EPA wants to cut down on…

Toxic air pollution. Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a new rule ordering more than 200 chemical plants to cut back on toxic pollutants linked to cancer. This is the first time in nearly 20 years that the federal government is telling chemical plants to rein it in. The rule primarily targets two chemicals: Ethylene oxide, which helps sterilize medical devices, and chloroprene, which is used to make rubber in shoes. The EPA’s move will impact industrial plants in Texas, Louisiana, and West Virginia, where Black and Latino residents have faced higher rates of cancer and respiratory issues.


While Bridget Jones is coming back to the big screen…

Amanda Knox is heading back to court.


What a new study is diving into…

Orgasms.


Who confessed she’s a “Real Housewives” fan and more…

Rihanna.


While the winningest coach in college basketball is retiring…

The women’s NCAA final came out on top.

crossword

puzzletime

Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.

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