Source: US inflation rose at fastest pace in three years in April as Iran war hikes up prices | US economy | The Guardian US inflation increased at its fastest pace in three years in April, driven by higher energy prices amid the war with Iran, and cementing economists’ views that the Federal Reserve could hold interest rates unchanged well into next year. Surging price pressures are eroding household income and could restrain consumer spending and economic growth this quarter. Income at the disposal of households after adjusting for inflation dropped for a third straight month in April, other data showed on Thursday. Given the soaring cost of living, Americans are growing frustrated with Donald Trump’s handling of the economy. A Reuters/Ipsos survey last week showed the president’s approval rating fell to nearly its lowest level since he returned to the White House, hit by a drop in support among Republicans. Trump won the 2024 presidential election in large part because of his promise to lower inflation. The government on Thursday also revised down the growth pace in consumer spending in the first quarter to 1.4% from the previously reported 1.6% annualized rate. Overall gross domestic product (GDP) growth was slashed to a 1.6% rate from the 2.0% pace estimated last month. . . . Planted small garden this year. Also, converted TSLA stock into solar roof. Bob Wilson
The level of corruption causing this has way too much momentum right now so by the time November rolls around and Trump rejects election results in every possible way, the Jan 6th event will look minor to what we do to defend the country from a fascist takeover.
I'm noticing it with contractors. just paid $550. to replace a toilet flange, and $1,200. to replace a hot water storage tank heat exchanger. the grocery store is not my domain, but I'm hearing plenty of complaints from mrs b.
Do you by chance have a kid named Na? As in, Na Bisco? If so, there cookie making business is very successful even if you only get the crumbs.
Actually, what you're noticing is the lack of workers in the service sector. When the new generation all want to be influencers (cancers to society?) instead of actually learning a trade, there's a serious lack of new people and companies entering the field. More companies are closing doors due to owners aging out than new businesses being started or purchased. When the remaining companies have a work list a mile long, they can effectively pick and choose jobs and charge any price they want. If you can't DIY or just don't feel like doing a $8 crapper flange or install a $500 water heater, they've got you by the short hairs. Ever look on Lowe's for a $13 ceiling light? Takes 10 minutes to install, (if you're slow), but they offer installation service for $179. Buy 5 lights? $179 x 5 for a guy on the same visit and about 30 minutes. Look at Lowes item 6012479. I bought a dozen for closets in the house. Installation service, if desired or needed? $179 per individual item.
They kinda have to price as if they're going to take your dozen old lights down off the boxes and find every nightmare an electrician ever had when they look behind them.
Looks like along with loss of the penny, we’re seeing loss of the $100 bill: White House pushes Congress to approve $250 bill with Trump’s image | Donald Trump | The Guardian The White House is pushing Congress to approve a $250 bill bearing Donald Trump’s portrait, the US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, said, which would require changing longstanding federal law that prohibits any living person from appearing on US currency. Speaking from the White House at a news conference, Bessent said the bill would be in celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence, and that the treasury has already started preparing for the possibility of the new currency. “As treasury secretary, I have two mandates for US currency at present: that no living person can be on US currency, and the currency must say ‘In God we trust’,” Bessent said. “So, right now, there is proposed legislation in front of the House, in front of the Senate, to change the first requirement, so that a living person – Donald J Trump – could be on the $250 bill.” . . . Mine will have a brown stain on one side. Bob Wilson
