USA

Judge temporarily blocks Ohio gender-affirming care ban

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Judge temporarily blocks Ohio gender-affirming care ban

An Ohio judge has temporarily blocked a Republican-backed state law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, including puberty blockers and hormones. The law would also prevent transgender girls from competing on girls’ sports teams. The judge’s order will remain in place for two weeks, or until a hearing on the families’ motion for a longer-term block of the law. Ohio is one of at least 22 Republican-controlled states that have passed laws restricting gender-affirming care. Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, had vetoed the law after hearing from parents of transgender youth that gender-affirming care had been lifesaving for their children. The judge ruled that the families challenging the law were likely to succeed in their argument that it improperly addressed healthcare and sports as separate subjects, rather than a single subject as required by the Ohio constitution.

Businesses will leave NJ if they face more corporate taxes — even to bail out NJ Transit

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Businesses will leave NJ if they face more corporate taxes — even to bail out NJ Transit

Fact: Gov. Phil Murphy proposed a new state budget that would retroactively increase the state’s Corporate Business Tax, promising that the increase would only be temporary.

Biden targets wealthy in Pennsylvania tour with a hometown visit

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Biden targets wealthy in Pennsylvania tour with a hometown visit

Joe Biden is starting a tour in Pennsylvania, where he plans to push for higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations. Pennsylvania is a crucial state with swing voters, and in the 2024 election, Biden is facing a rematch against Donald Trump. Despite economic concerns, Biden is focusing on his populist economic message to win over blue-collar voters in the state. The state’s primary contests are scheduled for April 23. Critics are accusing Biden of not doing enough to address the crisis in Gaza.

US trade chief Tai says taking ‘serious look’ at tools to deal with China

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US trade chief Tai says taking ‘serious look’ at tools to deal with China

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai will inform lawmakers that the Biden administration is reviewing U.S. trade defense tools to address threats from China’s trade policies, including a review of tariffs on Chinese imports. The administration is also focusing on reducing dependence on China in supply chains and prioritizing labor standards in trade negotiations.

Biden says he expects Iran to attack Israel soon, warns: ‘Don’t’

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Biden says he expects Iran to attack Israel soon, warns: ‘Don’t’

U.S. President Joe Biden warned Iran not to attack Israel, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to defend Israel. Israel prepared for a possible attack by Iran or its proxies following an airstrike in Damascus that killed an Iranian commander. The U.S. rushed warships into position to protect Israel and American forces in the region amid concerns of a potential Iranian attack. Other countries warned their citizens against travel to the region, and the U.S. was monitoring the situation closely.

Israeli defence minister says a direct Iranian attack would require appropriate response

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Israeli defence minister says a direct Iranian attack would require appropriate response

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel would respond directly to any attack by Iran. The United States has expressed its commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies. The U.S. also expects an attack by Iran against Israel, but one that would not lead to war. Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla is visiting Israel to discuss current security threats. The White House has warned Iran not to escalate further in the region following an air strike against an Iranian military commander in Damascus.

EXPLAINER-Trump says migrants are fueling violent crime. Here is what the research shows

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EXPLAINER-Trump says migrants are fueling violent crime. Here is what the research shows

Donald Trump is blaming migrants in the U.S. illegally for fueling violent crime as part of his campaign to win back the White House, repeating rhetoric used during his previous run for the presidency. Studies show immigrants are not more likely to engage in criminality.

Honey, I Shrunk The Tax Base: The Decline In Taxable Shareholders

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Honey, I Shrunk The Tax Base: The Decline In Taxable Shareholders

The content discusses updated data from the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center showing a decreasing shareholder tax base and how it could affect tax policy. The percentage of taxable shareholders has dwindled over time, with implications for taxing dividends and capital income. Foreign investors, retirement accounts, and not-for-profit institutions are the largest groups of nontaxable shareholders. The article aims to address the issue of a shrinking tax base and provides transparency in methodology for readers to engage with the data. The implications of the decreasing shareholder tax base include the impact on corporate tax cuts benefiting foreign investors and the need to consider solutions like a withholding tax on corporate distributions to foreign investors.

US consumer prices rise more than expected in March

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US consumer prices rise more than expected in March

U.S. consumer prices rose more than expected in March due to higher gasoline and shelter costs, with the consumer price index increasing by 0.4%. Gasoline and shelter expenses made up over half of the CPI increase. In the 12 months leading to March, the CPI went up by 3.5%, surpassing the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target. Economists had predicted a 0.3% monthly increase and a 3.4% year-on-year increase. Despite a decrease from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022, the trend of disinflation has slowed recently. Some economists have postponed expectations for a rate cut to July, while others still believe the Fed may move in June. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has emphasized that there is no urgency to lower borrowing costs. The FedWatch Tool showed a 56.0% likelihood of a rate cut at the June 11-12 meeting. The core CPI, which excludes food and energy components, also rose by 0.4% in March and 3.8% over the 12 months ending in March.

Man arrested for setting fire to US Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office door in Vermont

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Man arrested for setting fire to US Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office door in Vermont

A man named Shant Soghomonian was arrested for starting a fire outside Senator Bernie Sanders’ office in Burlington, Vermont. Security cameras recorded him spraying a liquid near the door and setting it alight before leaving the building. No one was injured, but there was damage to the door and surrounding areas.