America news right now
Here are some of the top news stories in the United States right now:
Politics
- The House of Representatives has passed a bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, a move that could help millions of low-wage workers. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to face opposition from Republicans. (Source: CNN)
- The Senate has confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Jackson was confirmed with a vote of 53-47, with three Republicans joining Democrats in supporting her nomination. (Source: NPR)
- The Biden administration has announced plans to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt for millions of borrowers who attended colleges that closed or merged. The move is part of a broader effort to address student loan debt and promote economic mobility. (Source: The New York Times)
Economy
- The US economy grew at a slower pace than expected in the first quarter, with GDP increasing by 1.4% compared to the previous quarter. The slowdown was attributed to a decline in consumer spending and a rise in inflation. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)
- The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the third time this year, citing concerns about inflation and the economy. The move is expected to slow down the pace of borrowing and spending. (Source: CNBC)
- The US unemployment rate has fallen to 3.6%, the lowest level in 50 years. The job market remains strong, with employers adding 431,000 jobs in March. (Source: The Washington Post)
Health
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a surge in cases of monkeypox, a rare viral disease that can cause fever, headache, and rashes. The CDC has confirmed over 100 cases in the US and is working to contain the outbreak. (Source: The New York Times)
- The FDA has approved a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease, a move that could help millions of people with the condition. The treatment, called Aduhelm, is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein in the brain associated with Alzheimer's. (Source: The Washington Post)
- The US has seen a significant increase in cases of COVID-19, with over 100,000 new cases reported in the past week. The surge is attributed to the highly contagious BA.2 subvariant of the virus. (Source: CNN)
Other News
- A massive wildfire is burning in California, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and causing widespread damage. The fire has burned over 100,000 acres and is still not fully contained. (Source: The Los Angeles Times)
- A tornado outbreak has struck the Midwest, causing significant damage and injuring several people. The outbreak is part of a larger pattern of severe weather that has affected the region in recent days. (Source: The Chicago Tribune)
- The US has launched a new space mission to explore the surface of Mars, with the goal of searching for signs of life and understanding the planet's geology. The mission, called Perseverance, is expected to last for several years. (Source: NASA)
These are just a few of the top news stories in the United States right now.