As electric bills rise, some states are focusing on the growing profits of utilities
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The artificial intelligence boom is leading to fights in some states over growing utility profits. Governors, attorneys general and others are protesting rising electricity bills and say cash-strapped residents are stuck in a broken system. Officials in over a half-dozen states are going to new lengths to try to block rate increases proposed by utilities. Some are pressing utilities to completely change their model for financing major system upgrades. The push comes during a midterm election year in which “affordability” is the leading theme in Democrats’ attempts to loosen Republicans’ control of Washington.
Talks to get the largest US commuter rail system running again continue as morning commute looms
NEW YORK (AP) — Negotiators were working into the night to try to end a strike that has shut down North America’s largest commuter rail system. Both sides were talking late Sunday in a bid to reach a deal prior to a Monday morning commute that threatened the travels of about a quarter million commuters. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and the National Mediation Board had urged unions for rail workers and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the Long Island Rail Road in New York, to resume talks. The system shut down early Saturday after five unions representing about half its workforce walked off the job. The two sides have been negotiating for years seeking a new contract.
China agrees to boost trade for US ag products such as beef and poultry following Trump-Xi summit
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says China has agreed to increase its imports of U.S. agricultural products like beef and poultry, after President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing last week. It says China will buy at an annualized rate of $17 billion per year for 2026 and at that level for 2027 and 2028, on top of previous commitments to buy U.S. soybeans. China sharply curtailed its imports last year after Trump launched a trade war against the country, and U.S. farmers felt the brunt of the impact. The agreement includes restoring market access for U.S. beef and resuming poultry imports from certain states. There was no immediate confirmation of the terms from Beijing, but China on Saturday had signaled an agreement to reduce some trade barriers.
Tiny patients, big fight: NICU parents win leave in 2 states and push for more
NEW YORK (AP) — Parents with newborns in intensive care units have long faced a difficult but overlooked plight: Any parental leave they might have does not take into account the days or even months their newborns spend in intensive care. Many choose to return to work immediately rather than use up leave they will need when their baby comes home. Colorado and Illinois became the first states this year to adopt dedicated neonatal leave programs, galvanizing a grassroots movement for more state programs and a federal policy.
Demand for cruises appears undimmed despite hantavirus and other onboard outbreaks
Recent outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus on cruise ships are making headlines, but they’re unlikely to dim vacationers’ growing love of cruises. CruiseCompete.com, an online cruise marketplace, said it booked 31.7% more cabins in the first two weeks of May than it did during the same period last year. And Viking said earlier this week that demand softened slightly in the first quarter after the Iran war began before picking up steam again. Rob Kwortnik, an associate professor at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, said current news cycles rarely impact cruise demand because cruises are generally booked at least 6 months — and often as much as a year – in advance.
‘Michael’ reclaims the top box office spot in its 4th weekend
The Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” is reclaiming the top spot in the North American box office. Studio estimates on Sunday show the film earned $26.1 million in its fourth weekend in theaters, bringing its worldwide total to over $700 million. “The Devil Wears Prada 2" took second place with $18 million, reaching $546.2 million worldwide. Newcomer “Obsession” exceeded expectations with $16.1 million. “Mortal Kombat II” secured fourth place by bringing in $13.4 million. Amazon MGM Studios had three films in the top 10, including “The Sheep Detectives,” “Project Hail Mary” and newcomer “Is God Is,” which rounded out the top 10.
Brass bands in Beijing make way for sticker shock at home as Trump returns to escalating inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has returned from his state visit to China to face a challenging U.S. economy. Consumer inflation rose to 3.8% annually in April, driven by the Iran war and tariffs. The Cleveland Federal Reserve estimates inflation could reach 4.2% in May. Trump's trip to China seems unlikely to help despite his claims of trade deals. Many U.S. voters are facing rising costs for essentials. Democrats criticize Trump for being indifferent to inflation concerns. Trump insists he's focused on growth and affordability, but inflation continues to affect businesses and interest rates. The November elections could be influenced by these economic pressures.
Trump's description of Taiwan as a ‘good negotiating chip’ with China raises anxieties
U.S. President Donald Trump has described arms sales to Taiwan as a "very good negotiating chip" in dealings with China. This comment, made in a Fox News interview, has heightened anxieties in Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Trump suggested that a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan depends on China, raising concerns about Taiwan's security. China has warned of potential conflicts over Taiwan, framing it as a crucial issue in China-U.S. relations. Trump's remarks also included a call for Taiwan's microchip makers to move to the U.S., adding to the island's concerns.
Walmart and Amazon race to win over rural America with speedier deliveries
PEA RIDGE, Ark. (AP) — Walmart and Amazon are racing to speed up order deliveries in rural areas of the U.S. Small cities and towns are a rich source of untapped sales for whichever retailer builds a loyal base of online shoppers. Analysts at investment bank Morgan Stanley estimate the underserved market could be worth up to $1 trillion in annual sales. The turf battle between the nation's two biggest retailers has intensified as remote workers swell the populations of communities on the far fringes of metropolitan areas. It's also taking place as FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service are scaling back or slowing deliveries to some rural areas.
Ukraine conducts large-scale drone strikes on Russia, killing 4 and wounding a dozen others
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian officials say overnight Ukrainian drone strikes killed at least four people including three near Moscow. A dozen others were wounded. Authorities said Sunday that debris fell on Russia’s largest airport without causing damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the drone strikes. He said that they were “entirely justified.” Russia has repeatedly launched similar attacks on Ukraine’s capital and other cities during the war. An expert said that the strikes appeared to be retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities said that Russian drone strikes on Ukraine overnight wounded eight people.
