Women in the United States are giving birth at record-low rates, according to federal data released on Thursday, April 25. The report, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics, found that the total fertility rate fell to 1.62 births per woman in 2023, marking the lowest…

Ryan LLC, a global tax services provider, filed a lawsuit against a new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule that prohibits noncompete agreements nationwide. The firm argues the rule oversteps the FTC’s regulatory authority. Ryan LLC alleged the rule threatens businesses’ ability to protect their intellectual property and retain top talent. The lawsuit contends that eliminating…

India already knocked off China as the most populous country in the world. Now, it’s going after China’s title of global growth engine, a crown that economists believe India could claim by 2028. To get there, though, the developing nation will need to address some growing pains. “I think everyone would be making a mistake…

Apple’s iPhone sales are getting crushed in China. Sales of the smartphone dropped 19% in the first three months of 2024, the worst showing since COVID-19 hit. Meanwhile, sales from the Chinese smartphone maker Huawei surged nearly 70%, according to Counterpoint research.  China remains one of the biggest markets for Apple but the company has…

In a 3-2 vote Tuesday, April 23, the Federal Trade Commission voted to ban non-compete agreements nationwide, affecting an estimated 30 million workers. This rule prohibits new non-compete clauses and nullifies existing ones, except for certain high-earning senior executives. “We heard from employees who, because of non-competes, were stuck in abusive workplaces,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said.…

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, emphasized his proposal to use blockchain technology to manage the U.S. budget during a campaign stop in Michigan on Sunday, April 21. Kennedy wants to make federal spending transparent by allowing Americans to monitor government expenditures on items like toilet seats. “We’re gonna have 300 million eyeballs…

The U.S. national debt is creeping toward $35 trillion after decades of running deficits. According to a former comptroller general who served under two U.S. presidents, the country’s biggest deficit is in leadership. “The truth is, the U.S. has fiscal cancer,” David M. Walker said. “You can beat cancer. My wife beat cancer. But first…

Argentina’s controversial populist President Javier Milei wants his country to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The move is an effort to enhance political and security cooperation. Milei’s government is looking to tighten relations with Western powers and attract investment in Argentina. Argentina’s request came during talks on Thursday, April 18, in Brussels between NATO’s…

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned that hackers linked to the Chinese government have infiltrated U.S. infrastructure and are waiting for “just the right moment to deal a devastating blow.” Wray emphasized the immediate threats China poses to U.S. national and economic security during his speech at the Vanderbilt Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats on…

Israel struck back in its first military response to Iran since last weekend’s attack. The 12-person jury is selected in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, April 19, 2024. Israel carried out strike against Iran in response to drone attack Israeli forces struck back…