News from the South - South Carolina News Feed

U.S. economy shrinks 0.3% in first quarter as Trump trade wars disrupt businesses

Published

2 months ago

April 30, 2025

www.abccolumbia.com – Associated Press – 2025-04-30 09:36:00

SUMMARY: The U.S. economy contracted 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first decline in three years, largely due to President Trump’s trade wars. A surge in imports, as companies rushed to bring in goods before tariffs took effect, reduced GDP growth. Consumer spending slowed sharply, and government spending dropped. While a rebound is expected in the second quarter, trade deficits and rising tariffs may worsen growth later in the year. Inflation concerns grew, with the Fed facing challenges in balancing interest rates. Meanwhile, job growth has slowed, signaling potential economic uncertainty.

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Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Left-Leaning

The article discusses the first-quarter GDP decline in the U.S., attributing the downturn largely to President Trump’s trade wars and tariffs. It emphasizes the negative economic effects of his policies, including high tariffs and erratic trade practices, which are portrayed as significant contributors to the economy’s contraction. The article also includes critical quotes from Democratic figures, such as Senator Elizabeth Warren, who blame Trump for disrupting economic growth. The tone suggests a critical stance toward Trump’s economic decisions, leaning toward a left-leaning perspective, while also providing a factual report on the economic data.

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Trump vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran’s supreme leader, US official say

Published

7 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Staff Editor

www.abccolumbia.com – Associated Press – 2025-06-16 10:01:00

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump rejected an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fearing it would escalate the conflict and destabilize the region. Israel reportedly developed a credible plan, but Trump’s administration opposed it to avoid broadening the conflict amid ongoing Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu avoided confirming the rejection and denied reports about the assassination plot. Trump warned Iran against attacking U.S. targets, promising severe retaliation if attacked, while expressing hope for a peace deal. U.S. officials and GOP lawmakers are divided on the extent of U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.

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News from the South - South Carolina News Feed

Authorities still searching for suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers

Published

1 day ago

June 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.abccolumbia.com – Lee Williams – 2025-06-15 09:19:00

SUMMARY: A man posing as a police officer fatally shot former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and wounded Sen. John Hoffman in politically motivated attacks. Authorities identified the suspect as Vance Boelter, a former state appointee and security contractor. Armed and on the run, Boelter left writings referencing abortion-rights lawmakers and carried “No Kings” flyers. His vehicle held multiple AK-style weapons. The FBI is offering a \$50,000 reward. The shootings, amid rising political violence, prompted enhanced security for lawmakers. Governor Tim Walz called it an assassination, while President Trump condemned the violence. Hortman and Hoffman had championed progressive policies in Minnesota.

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News from the South - South Carolina News Feed

Isolated afternoon storms return

Published

1 day ago

June 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WYFF News 4 – 2025-06-15 04:52:53

SUMMARY: Happy Sunday starts with showers and mostly cloudy skies, making for a gloomy morning. Showers will continue this afternoon with some sun peeking through. Temperatures will rise to around 86°F, with humidity making it feel close to 90°F. Monday and Tuesday will be oppressively hot due to moisture from the Gulf, with feel-like temperatures in the mid-90s. Wednesday remains hot and muggy, with highs in the low 90s but slightly less humidity. Scattered isolated afternoon storms have a 40% chance today and across the mountains with no severe weather expected. Keep umbrellas handy and stay hydrated during this hot period.