SUMMARY: In August 2025, U.S. inflation increased to 2.9% year-over-year, driven by rising gas, grocery, airfare, and rental prices, surpassing the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Core inflation remained steady at 3.1%. Despite persistent inflation, the job market weakened with slower hiring, a slight rise in unemployment to 4.3%, and a spike in layoffs. This puts the Fed in a dilemma as it prepares to cut interest rates from 4.3% to around 4.1% amid pressure from President Trump. Rising tariffs have pushed up costs for many goods, impacting both small businesses and major retailers, who face challenges balancing prices and demand.

Read the full article

The post US inflation worsened last month, putting Fed in difficult spot as job market slows appeared first on www.abccolumbia.com

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s tough trade and immigration policies are straining U.S. alliances in Asia, weakening long-standing partnerships aimed at countering China’s influence. A recent incident involving the detention and shackling of hundreds of South Korean workers at a Hyundai plant in Georgia sparked outrage, undermining economic ties. Relations with India have also cooled after Trump imposed tariffs over India’s Russian oil purchases, despite prior friendly ties with Prime Minister Modi. Analysts warn these tensions risk pushing allies closer to China. While trade talks continue, concerns persist that Trump’s protectionist stance could have lasting negative effects on U.S. foreign relations in the region.

Read the full article

The post Trump is upsetting the US allies needed to counter China appeared first on www.abccolumbia.com

SUMMARY: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging South Carolina’s law restricting teachings on race and gender in public schools. The law threatens funding cuts for schools teaching certain racial and gender topics. Plaintiffs—including the NAACP and notable activists—claimed this law censors Black history and racial inequalities education. Judge Sherri A. Lydon ruled the plaintiffs lacked standing, emphasizing the “democratic process” over federal courts for resolving such issues. The state’s Attorney General supported the decision, asserting the lawsuit pushed a political agenda. The case also involved controversy over the removal of the AP African American studies course, which was not reinstated following the ruling.

Read the full article

The post Lawsuit challenging South Carolina’s curriculum restrictions dismissed by federal judge appeared first on www.abccolumbia.com