Forever chemicals, Boeing woes, and cute but deadly.

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Big Stories

Biden administration sets “forever chemicals” rules

The Biden administration has finalized regulations to limit certain “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in drinking water.

• The regulations aim to reduce exposure to PFAS for about 100 million people and prevent illnesses like cancers. PFAS, found in everyday products and firefighting foam, are harmful as they don't break down and have been linked to health issues.

• Water utilities are concerned about the cost of installing treatment systems to meet the new regulations, which may lead to increased water bills for customers. Small communities with limited resources will face the biggest challenges in complying with the rules.

• While some funds are available to assist utilities, more support may be needed to implement the regulations effectively. Utility groups warn the rules will cost tens of billions of dollars each.

Inflation stays hot

Inflation is not cooling off as quickly as was expected.

• Good news about inflation ending seemed promising at the end of 2023, but new reports show inflation is still higher than comfortable for both the Federal Reserve and consumers. This will most likely delay plans to lower interest rates.

• Prices for housing, car insurance, and medical care are rising. Overall inflation rose slightly in March compared to February and inflation for non-food and non-energy items (a key measure) is at its highest since last May.

• The Fed won’t cut rates in June, limiting the reductions planned this year. Financial markets reacted strongly to the news, with stock prices falling and interest rates rising. The higher interest rates mean borrowing money (like getting a mortgage) might become more expensive.

Ramadan ends as Gaza crisis continues

Muslims worldwide celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, but the escalating crisis in Gaza overshadowed the festivities.

• Muslims around the world expressed solidarity with Gaza, condemning the violence and famine threatening its residents. Inside Gaza, the mood was somber as Palestinians mourned loved ones lost in Israel's offensive, with many families grieving among the ruins of their homes.

• In Pakistan and Malaysia, security measures were heightened to ensure safety during Eid prayers and gatherings. In Russia, amid tensions following a recent extremist attack, religious leaders called for unity against terrorism, emphasizing that it knows no nationality or religion.

• Over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive in response to Hamas’s deadly Oct. 7 attack in Israel. Nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed in Hamas’ raids, and 133 hostages are still in captivity, according to Israel.

Little Stories

• Consumer Reports asked the USDA to remove Lunchables from the national school lunch program due to high sodium and harmful chemical levels in the meal kits. Analysis revealed elevated levels of heavy metals and the presence of phthalates, which can affect reproductive and hormonal health. (More)

• Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would not endorse a national abortion ban if he were to be re-elected as President. Trump said he believes that states and voters should have autonomy in regulating abortion. (More)

• Federal regulators are investigating whistleblower claims over assembly flaws in Boeing's 787 Dreamliner. Engineer Sam Salehpour warned of potential production shortcuts that could compromise the plane's lifespan and safety. (More)

• John Calipari, the new head coach of the Arkansas men's basketball team, signed a five-year contract starting at $7 million per season. The amount is less than his previous salary at Kentucky, which was $8.5 million annually. (More)

• Several people in multiple states have been hospitalized with symptoms resembling botulism after receiving cosmetic injections, commonly referred to as "botox," in non-medical settings. In Tennessee, four cases, including two hospitalizations, have been reported, while two patients in Illinois have also been hospitalized. (More)

Extra Credit

How remote work has changed travel in the US.

A tiger, though to be extinct, may have reappeared.

Internet traffic dropped on the eclipse’s path of totality.

Cute and deadly.