Key Points for April 18: Abrego Garcia Case, FSU Shooting Investigation, CFPB Updates, Fed Chair Powell Speaks, Mortgage Rates Forecast
So, you're tryna kickstart your day with some scoop on what's goin' down in the world, huh? Well, you've landed in the right place! Let's dive into a titillating mix of news, tunes, and cute cat videos to get your taste buds tingling. Don't worry, we'll keep it light and tasty. Here's what catches our eye today, giving you a flavor of all the action in the ever-evolving world we live in.
On our Menu Today:
Grocery Prices - It's Not What Trump Said!
Okay, so President Donnie Dimes announced that grocery prices are "going down." Yeah, we feel ya, buddy, but tell that to my wallet when I drop a cool $11 on a bag of Ghirardelli semisweet chocolate chips! Alas, it seems ol' Donny was a tad off base in this one. According to the Consumer Price Index, grocery prices were actually 2.41% higher in April 2024 compared to March 2024[*]. That's the highest year-over-year grocery inflation rate since August 2023. So, if you're concerned about inflation, you might wanna start saving your pennies if you wanna keep snacking on those sweet treats!
Abrego Garcia - Who's Truly Boss?
In El Salvador, Kilmar Abrego Garcia is currently stuck in a notorious mega-prison without due process. This'd be fine, if the US government hadn't already admitted that his deportation was a booboo and if multiple courts hadn't ruled in his favor. But nope! Still locked up tight. Senator Chris Van Hollen recently caught up with Abrego Garcia and posted pictures of their meetup[]. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele seemed to feel a little threatened by this, ensuring Abrego Garcia stays behind bars. Abrego's wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, thanked the heavens that her hubby is still kickin', grateful for everyone fighting for justice[*]. Keep your eyes peeled on this one, y'all!
FSU Shooting - Another Campus Tragedy
At Florida State University, at least two peeps were killed and another five were wounded in a mass shooting last Thursday[+]. Police managed to nab one suspect, a 20-year-old student with mommy issues, who had a gun that once belonged to Papa Sheriff. So, needless to say, everyone on campus was up to their necks in lockdown mode, hiding in classrooms and prayin' for the best[++]. Some even barricaded themselves, attempting to fend off the shooter, while others ran away from the bullets, desperate to stay alive. And, in true Florida fashion, this was the sixth mass shooting in the state so far this year. Our hearts go out to those affected by this senseless violence.
CFPB - The Trump Gang's Continued Power Play
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is being systematically dismantled by the Trump administration, despite a court order not to do so. This agency exists to protect Americans from financial deceits and has regulatory authority over banking, debt collection, credit cards, and more[#]. Yet, in a series of questionable moves, the Trump administration laid off approximately 1,500 out of 1,700 employees[##]. Federal employee unions and other organizations have called foul on these layoffs, asking a judge to intervene because the administration ignored a previous court order.
Jerome Powell - Trump Wants You Gone!
President Trump was none too pleased that Fed Chair Powell didn't slash interest rates recently. In fact, he took to social media to slam Powell, saying his termination was imminent[##]. Powell responded with grace, speaking at a gathering in Chicago and stating that the uncertainty caused by Trump's sweeping tariffs could inflict long-term economic damage[&&]. Interest rates have been rising due to these tariffs, putting a potential damper on homeowners looking to snag their dream pad.
Mortgage Rates - Spiking Through Spring
Looking to buy a home this spring? Then you might want to keep a close eye on mortgage rates[ ######]. They've been steadily climbing up, passing the 6.83% mark in the week ending April 17th[#######]. Sadly, your wallet will take a hit if you plan on financing a new property.
THE US and Russia - Truce Less Likely
Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared his sentiments earlier this week, declaring that the US might have to back away from efforts to end Russia's war on Ukraine[####]. Russia's been causing a ruckus over there, and it seems like the situation's addressing to be a long, messy battle. Our thoughts are with Ukraine.
Tasty Tidbits:
Ju Wenjun became the fourth woman and first Chinese player to win the Women's World Chess Championship this week. Tuvalu, one of the world's smallest countries, got its first ATMs. Some Mexican cafes are changing the name of the Americano, due to their distaste for US immigration policies. Taco Bell's bringing back chicken nuggets (yum!), and HBO's got a new Dumbledore: Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow.
[] Consumer Price Index (CPI) Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor[] Senator Chris Van Hollen Instagram[**] Jennifer Vasquez Sura Statement[+] Florida State University news release[++] CNN video: What to do if there's a shooter on campus[#] Consumer Financial Protection Bureau About Us page[##] National Treasury Employees Union's Tweet[&&] Chicago Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's speech transcript[ ######] Freddie Mac's Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey[#######] Freddie Mac's Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey data for the week ending April 17, 2025[####] Department of State press briefing transcript
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, Ju Wenjun, a Chinese player, made history by becoming the fourth woman to win the Women's World Chess Championship.
- Politics remain heated as President Trump threatens to terminate Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell due to his refusal to slash interest rates.
- Crime-and-justice news saw the tragic incident at Florida State University where at least two people were killed and five injured in a mass shooting last Thursday.
- General-news coverage revealed that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, established to protect Americans from financial deceits, is being dismantled by the Trump administration, despite a court order not to.
- A unexpected twist in the weather department came as Tuvalu, one of the world's smallest countries, installed its first ATMs, providing essential banking services for the island's residents.
