US annual inflation slows to below 5%, price pressures still strong

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The annual increase in U.S. consumer prices slowed to below 5% in April for the first time in two years, while a key inflation measure monitored by the Federal Reserve subsided, potentially providing cover for the central bank to pause further interest rate hikes next month.  Nevertheless, inflation remains…

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Microsoft signs power purchase deal with nuclear fusion company Helion

By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Private U.S. nuclear fusion company Helion Energy will provide Microsoft with electricity in about five years, the companies said on Wednesday, in the first such deal for the power source that fuels the sun but has been elusive on Earth. Government labs and more than 30 companies are racing to…

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EU decision clearing $69 billion Microsoft, Activision deal expected May 15, sources say

By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) – EU antitrust regulators are set to approve Microsoft Corp’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision next week, with May 15 as the likeliest date, people familiar with the matter said. The European Commission’s imminent clearance comes nearly three weeks after the UK competition authority blocked the deal, the biggest-ever…

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U.S. government posts smaller $176 billion April surplus as revenues shrink

By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. government reported a $176 billion surplus in April, down sharply from a year-ago record as revenues fell, the U.S. Treasury Department said on Wednesday as a June 1 deadline for a potential debt ceiling default drew closer. The April surplus, which reflects tax filing season receipts, was down…

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OpenAI CEO to testify in US Senate next week amid questions about technology

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will make his first appearance before a Senate panel next week as the U.S. Congress grapples with how best to regulate artificial intelligence as the technology becomes more powerful and widespread. Altman will testify before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology & the Law on Tuesday on what…

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Migrants risk life and limb to jump Mexico trains in rush to border

By Daina Beth Solomon, Gustavo Graf and Lizbeth Diaz HUEHUETOCA, Mexico (Reuters) – Thousands of migrants in Mexico have been clambering onto dangerous freight trains rumbling northward in a scramble to reach the U.S. border by the time the United States ends a tough migration policy later this week. In recent weeks, up to several…

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Panasonic delays production of new Tesla battery to improve performance

By Hyunjoo Jin and Kiyoshi Takenaka SAN FRANCISCO/TOKYO (Reuters) – Panasonic said on Wednesday that it will delay the commercial production of its 4680 battery cells championed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and begin operations during the April to September period in 2024, later than previously scheduled, as the company aims to improve their performance. …

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The U.S. COVID health emergency is ending. What changes?

By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. government on Thursday will end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency that allowed millions of Americans to receive vaccines, tests and treatments at no cost. The emergency is also tied to telehealth flexibilities, Medicaid enrollment safeguards, and the ability of government health agencies to collect data on the…

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Microsoft skips pay hikes this year amid sharp focus on AI

(Reuters) -Microsoft Corp said on Wednesday it will not raise salaries for full-time employees this year, citing tough economic conditions, but will continue with its bonuses, stock awards and promotions. The company, which is now squarely focused on the lucrative generative AI, had in January decided to let go 10,000 employees, joining other technology companies…

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