AI News

**Weak Dollar, Higher Costs: How the Falling Greenback Hits Your Wallet**

A weakening US dollar could drive up prices on everything from groceries to vacations, squeezing American consumers. With the dollar at a three-year low, imported goods and overseas travel are becoming more expensive. Experts warn tariffs and a devalued dollar create a “double whammy” for shoppers. Retailers like Walmart may pass higher costs onto consumers, making everyday purchases pricier.

**Why a Weak Dollar Means More Expensive Imports and Travel**

The US dollar’s decline is making foreign goods and vacations costlier for American consumers. Tariffs and a weaker currency could force retailers to raise prices on everything from electronics to furniture. Travelers may also feel the pinch as hotels and transportation abroad become more expensive. Economists warn the full impact could take months—or even years—to unfold.

**From Walmart to Vacations: How the Dollar’s Drop Affects You**

A falling US dollar could soon hit consumers where it hurts—their wallets. With import costs rising, everyday items may get pricier, while overseas trips become more expensive. Analysts say tariffs and a weaker greenback create a “double whammy” for shoppers. Even those staying home could see higher prices at stores like Walmart and Dollar General.

**Did Mark Carney Plagiarize Parts of His Oxford Thesis?**

Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal Party candidate Mark Carney faced plagiarism allegations over his 1995 Oxford economics thesis, as reported by *The National Post*. A Snopes review found unattributed similarities between Carney’s work and earlier sources, though his thesis director denied any wrongdoing. The controversy emerged as Carney’s political opponents amplified the claims ahead of Canada’s 2025 election.

**Plagiarism Claims Surface Against PM Candidate Mark Carney**

Accusations that Mark Carney copied portions of his 1995 Oxford doctoral thesis resurfaced during Canada’s election campaign, with critics pointing to unattributed passages. *The National Post* highlighted multiple instances of similar wording from prior works, though Carney’s thesis advisor defended his academic integrity. Snopes verified the similarities but awaits Carney’s response to the allegations.

**Carney’s Oxford Thesis Under Scrutiny Ahead of Election**

A *National Post* investigation alleged that Canadian PM candidate Mark Carney’s 1995 Oxford thesis contained passages resembling earlier works without proper attribution. While Carney cited the original authors in his bibliography, key phrases lacked direct quotation marks or inline citations. His thesis supervisor dismissed the claims, calling the work “thoroughly researched.” Snopes is awaiting further comment from Carney’s campaign.

**Relive the action-packed WrestleMania 41—here’s how to rewatch WWE’s biggest event of 2025!**

**WrestleMania 41 delivered shocking twists, title changes, and epic showdowns—find out how to stream it now.**

**From Cena’s heel turn to CM Punk’s historic main event, WrestleMania 41 was unforgettable—here’s where to watch.**

**Missed WrestleMania 41? Peacock (US) and Netflix (international) have full replays—don’t miss the chaos!**

**Elon Musk Clashes With Peter Navarro Over Tariffs, Calls Trump Advisor a “Moron”**

Elon Musk slammed Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro as a “moron” and “dumber than a sack of bricks” in a heated feud over tariffs. The Tesla CEO fired back after Navarro dismissed him as a “car assembler” rather than a true manufacturer.

**Musk vs. Navarro: Tariff Tensions Escalate as White House Dismisses Feud**

The Tesla founder and Trump advisor traded insults over trade policy, with Musk defending Tesla’s American-made credentials. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the clash, calling it “boys will be boys.”

**Elon Musk Advocates for Zero-Tariff Policy in US-Europe Trade**

Amid the feud with Navarro, Musk urged the U.S. and Europe to form a “free trade zone” with zero tariffs. The Tesla CEO revealed he advised Trump on trade, pushing for open borders and economic cooperation.

**Navarro Fires Back at Musk: “He’s Just Protecting His Interests”**

The Trump trade advisor dismissed Musk’s criticism, suggesting the Tesla CEO was only defending his business. Navarro insisted there was “no rift,” despite Musk’s repeated attacks on his economic policies.

**NYC Lawyers Rally Against Trump’s “War on the Rule of Law” in Fiery Bar Association Meeting**

Over 350 New York City lawyers gathered at the NYC Bar Association to strategize resistance against Trump’s attacks on judges and executive orders targeting Big Law firms. Calls for protests, lawsuits, and op-eds dominated the urgent “Defending Justice” panel, with lawyers warning of a “five-alarm fire” for democracy.

**Big Law Divided as Firms Face Off Against Trump’s “Unconstitutional” Executive Orders**

While firms like Paul Weiss struck deals with the Trump administration, others like Perkins Coie fought back in court—sparking heated debate among NYC Bar members. Retired Judge Shira Scheindlin drew applause, declaring collective resistance could have stopped Trump’s orders, as lawyers grappled with fear of retaliation for speaking out.

**”Pray for the Justices”: Lawyers Warn of Authoritarian Threat as Judiciary Becomes Last Defense**

With judges facing death threats and lawyers fearing FBI raids, panelists urged mobilizing to protect democracy. Despite anger, hope emerged from recent court wins and grassroots pushback—even in red states—as lawyers vowed to keep fighting Trump’s “fear and intimidation” tactics.

**Hollywood Faces Moral Dilemma Over Filming in Hungary Amid Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws**

As Hungary tightens anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Hollywood faces a tough choice—continue filming in the tax-friendly hub or take a stand like it did against North Carolina’s “bathroom bill.” Major productions, including *Dune: Part Two* and *The Brutalist*, have already shot there, with more on the way. Will studios prioritize ethics over economics?

**Hungary’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Crackdown Puts Hollywood in a Bind**

With Hungary passing harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws, Hollywood remains silent despite past boycotts over similar legislation in North Carolina. Big-budget projects like *Dune 3* and HBO’s *Dune: Prophecy* continue filming in Budapest—will financial incentives outweigh human rights concerns?

**Will Hollywood Boycott Hungary Over LGBTQ+ Crackdown?**

Hungary’s new anti-LGBTQ+ constitutional amendment has sparked protests, but Hollywood studios—including Warner Bros. and Netflix—are staying put for now. With major productions like *3 Body Problem* and *PONIES* filming there, will ethics or tax breaks win out?

**EU Approves Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods Amid Trade Tensions**

The European Union has voted to impose new tariffs on U.S. products in response to Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs, targeting motorcycles, poultry, and more. The move comes just hours after Trump announced paused tariffs on most countries but hiked duties on China to 125%. EU officials called the U.S. measures “unjustified and damaging,” leaving room for negotiations if Washington agrees to a “fair outcome.” The retaliatory tariffs could take effect as early as next week if no deal is reached.

**EU Strikes Back With Tariffs as U.S. Trade War Escalates**

The EU has approved retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, including motorcycles and wood, following Trump’s steel and aluminum duties. European officials emphasized a preference for negotiations but warned of economic harm if the trade dispute continues. Meanwhile, Trump paused most global tariffs but raised China’s to 125%, adding to market volatility. European stocks fell sharply as investors reacted to the escalating trade tensions.

**Europe Hits U.S. With Tariffs, Seeks Negotiations to Avoid Trade War**

The EU has greenlit retaliatory tariffs on American products, calling Trump’s earlier measures “damaging” to global trade. European leaders stressed they would suspend the tariffs if the U.S. agrees to a balanced deal. The move follows Trump’s decision to delay most tariffs but impose steep hikes on China. Markets tumbled as uncertainty over the escalating trade conflict rattled investors worldwide.

**Is a college degree still worth it? New data reveals when it pays off**

A new report from the New York Fed confirms that a college degree still delivers strong financial returns—but only under the right conditions. While graduates typically earn $30K+ more annually than high school diploma holders, factors like major choice and delayed graduation can impact ROI. Experts warn that taking longer than four years or selecting low-paying fields may reduce the degree’s financial benefits.

**College payoff or debt trap? Fed study weighs the real ROI of higher education**

The New York Fed’s latest analysis shows college grads still outearn peers by $33K per year—but not all degrees are equal. Engineering and economics majors see the highest returns, while extended graduation timelines and on-campus costs can shrink financial gains. Despite rising tuition, grant aid and reduced borrowing have actually lowered the net cost of college in recent years.

**Gen Z skips college as Fed report highlights key degree risks**

With student debt fears growing, the New York Fed found college remains profitable—if students graduate on time and pick high-earning majors. Delaying graduation by just one year can add $92K to total costs, eroding the degree’s lifetime earnings premium. As alternatives like vocational training gain traction, experts stress that strategic choices determine whether college delivers its promised payoff.

**$30K salary gap: Why your major choice makes or breaks college ROI**

New York Fed data proves college grads earn 70% more than high school grads—but majors like engineering dominate the payoff. While most degrees still break even, students who take extra years or live on campus may see diminished returns. As Gen Z questions traditional education paths, analysts confirm that speed, field selection, and cost control are critical to maximizing higher ed’s value.

**Northvolt’s collapse leaves Europe’s EV battery dreams in tatters — and opens the door for China’s CATL**

Europe’s homegrown EV battery champion Northvolt has filed for bankruptcy after burning through $15 billion, leaving the continent’s green energy ambitions in jeopardy. The Swedish startup’s failure clears the path for China’s CATL — already the world’s top battery producer — to expand its European factories in Germany, Hungary, and Spain. With aggressive hiring plans and localized strategies (even adding bratwurst to factory menus), CATL is poised to dominate Europe’s EV supply chain as geopolitical tensions reshape the industry. Analysts warn Europe must urgently rethink trade policies or risk ceding its battery future to Chinese giants.

**China’s CATL is quietly taking over Europe’s EV battery market — and even serving bratwurst to blend in**

As Northvolt’s bankruptcy sends shockwaves through Europe’s green energy sector, Chinese battery titan CATL is accelerating its European expansion with three factories and thousands of new hires. The Shenzhen-based firm, backed by Beijing’s industrial might, is localizing operations — from German barbecue in cafeterias to potential recycling partnerships — while EU policymakers scramble to respond. With US tariffs locking Chinese EVs out of America, Europe’s softer trade barriers make it prime territory for CATL’s global dominance, leaving homegrown competitors struggling to keep pace.

**Europe’s battery crisis deepens as $15B Northvolt collapses — and China’s CATL moves in**

The spectacular failure of Europe’s EV battery hopeful Northvolt has exposed the continent’s reliance on Chinese manufacturers like CATL, which is rapidly expanding its German and Hungarian gigafactories. While EU leaders debate trade protections, CATL is hiring nearly 2,000 local workers and adapting to European culture — a stark contrast to Northvolt’s overambitious global plans. Analysts warn Europe must either adopt China’s playbook of aggressive state support or resign itself to playing second fiddle in the battery race.

**From bratwurst to batteries: How China’s CATL is winning Europe’s EV war after Northvolt’s fall**

With Northvolt’s bankruptcy leaving a $15 billion crater in Europe’s battery ambitions, China’s CATL is filling the void through localized factories, strategic hiring, and even menu changes to win over European workers. As the EU struggles to turn research into production, CATL’s state-backed scale and recycling partnerships threaten to cement Chinese dominance in Europe’s clean energy transition. Experts say the continent must overhaul trade rules fast — or risk becoming permanently dependent on Beijing’s battery supremacy.

False X Post Sparks $2.4T Market Swings Over Bogus Tariff Pause Claim

A misleading X post about Trump pausing tariffs triggered wild stock market fluctuations, highlighting the platform’s dangerous influence despite spreading misinformation. The rumor originated from a small verified account before spreading to major financial news outlets like Reuters and CNBC. Within minutes, the false report caused a $2.4 trillion market swing before being debunked, exposing vulnerabilities in financial information ecosystems.

How a Viral X Lie Shook Global Markets in Just 10 Minutes

A fabricated claim about tariff delays on X sent shockwaves through Wall Street, temporarily swinging markets by trillions before corrections. Experts warn this incident reveals how Musk’s verification changes and algorithmic virality prioritize speed over accuracy. The debacle began when a little-known finance account misinterpreted a White House official’s vague comment, showing how easily unverified claims can spiral.

X’s Amplification of Falsehoods Costs Markets $2.4T in Minutes

Monday’s trillion-dollar market chaos underscores X’s lingering power as a misinformation vector, as a single unverified tariff pause rumor raced through verified accounts. Despite having just 1,100 followers, the origin account’s paid verification badge helped legitimize the false report before major outlets amplified it. Researchers say this demonstrates how X’s current structure actively enables financial disinformation to spread faster than corrections.