Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace the U.S. Sky for the First Time Since 2022
For the first time in over two years, a total lunar eclipse—often called a "blood moon"—will be visible as the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon. This celestial event will unfold later this week, offering a spectacular sight across the United States. When to Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse The eclipse will begin late Thursday night and extend into the early hours of Friday morning. For viewers in North America, the event will start[more...]
1,400 More VA Employees Laid Off in Latest Federal Workforce Cuts Under Trump
In another round of workforce reductions at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 1,400 employees were laid off on Monday, bringing the total number of job cuts to 2,400 in less than a month. These layoffs are part of President Donald Trump's broader efforts to significantly reduce the federal workforce. According to a VA statement, the affected employees were "bargaining-unit probationary employees" in "non-mission critical roles," including positions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While[more...]
Nearly all USAID employees worldwide placed on leave as Trump moves to dismantle the agencyBy Joey Garrison
Trump Moves to Dismantle USAID, Placing Thousands on Leave WASHINGTON – Nearly 10,000 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), excluding essential staff, were informed Tuesday that they will be placed on administrative leave by the end of the week as President Donald Trump pushes to shut down the foreign aid agency. A State Department notice confirmed that all USAID "direct hire personnel" across 60 countries will be affected, except for those handling "mission-critical functions,[more...]
Motorola’s Razr 50 Ultra Flip Phone Has Made Its Debut in the Conversation
In a smartphone market largely dominated by giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google, it’s easy to overlook other longstanding players who continue to innovate in mobile technology. Motorola, a name you might remember from the “Hello Moto” era, is one such company. The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra has recently entered the conversation with its notable features. This folding phone stands out with its sleek design and cutting-edge technology. Its highlight is the largest external display of any[more...]
OECD Employment Outlook 2024: The Impact of the Net-Zero Transition on the Labour Market
The OECD Employment Outlook examines recent labour market trends and forecasts across OECD member countries. This edition also evaluates how the shift to net-zero emissions by 2050 will affect the labour market and the jobs of millions of workers. Although overall employment levels are expected to remain relatively stable, jobs will be lost in declining high-emission industries, while new opportunities will arise in growing low-emission sectors.
Miners drive the ASX to a record high after the Fed implements a significant rate cut.
The Australian sharemarket surged to new highs on Thursday, closing at a record level despite a midday dip that erased its morning gains. The S&P/ASX 200 surpassed 8200 points during afternoon trading before slipping slightly to finish 49.8 points higher, or 0.6%, at 8191.9. Six of the 11 industry sectors gained, with utilities and mining leading the rise, while industrials and healthcare stocks saw the biggest declines. The record close followed a major interest rate cut by[more...]
“US Reduces Interest Rates: Could Australia Follow?”
The US Federal Reserve has decided to cut interest rates by 0.05 percentage points, signaling that the global battle against inflation may be nearing its conclusion. This decision is likely to bring relief not only to homeowners in the US but also in Australia. In its policy statement, the Fed explained that the move reflects "increased confidence that inflation is steadily moving toward 2 percent," adding that the central bank "believes the risks to achieving its employment[more...]
Honda fined by watchdog for alleged breach of service and repair scheme, putting other car makers on notice.
The ACCC has fined Honda Australia for an alleged breach of the MVIS scheme, marking the first penalty of its kind. Honda Australia paid a penalty of $18,780 after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued an infringement notice for allegedly violating the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS scheme). The MVIS scheme, introduced in July 2022, aims to give independent repair workshops fair access to the diagnostic software and technical information needed[more...]
Aldi recalls popular children’s snack due to allergen concerns.
Parents have been urgently warned about contamination concerns in a popular children’s snack. Aldi has recalled the Farmwood Chicken Breast T-Rex Bites (1kg) due to an undeclared allergen, peanuts, in products with a best before date of 27/10/2025. Food Standards Australia warns that consumers with a peanut allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if they consume this product. Those affected are advised not to eat it and to return it to any Aldi store for a[more...]
The expensive nature of handling cash needs to change.
In the ongoing debate over surcharges imposed by retailers on those who pay with cards or electronic devices versus physical cash, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to explain that money isn't free. You might hand over $5 for a pie or coffee, while the customer next to you pays $5.05 due to a 1% surcharge for using tap-and-go. However, that $5 already includes the significant cost for retailers to handle cash. From maintaining[more...]