You will never stop me from my unhealthy habit of buying more unread books!

I have gotten caught up on The Handmaid’s Tale TV series so far. It’s one of the few shows I’ve watched all seasons and this will be the last season. I’ve read the book by Margaret Atwood and The Testaments. The TV series doesn’t follow the book but it still intrigued me to watch. I’ve been wanting to read more from Atwood but I haven’t got around to it as of yet.

 

Speaking of books, I’m once again tempted to order another one for the month of April. I tell myself I will refrain because the number of books I haven’t read is piling up at a ridiculous rate. Depending on if I’m interested in the options given, I will, in all likelihood, order one. You can’t stop me!

 

I did a few errands today. I finally got my license renewed. That was fun. (Sarcasm) My birthday is tomorrow. Turning 36. People usually ask, “how do you feel turning a year older?” Honestly, a bit sad.

 

I don’t have much planned other than seeing the musical, Anastasia tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to that.

 

Here are some news reports I wanted to write about.

 

Unfortunately, there has been another crash involving a helicopter with multiple people on board. It crashed into the Hudson River and it’s been recently reported that 6 people have died. It’s been reported that three children and two adults have been pulled from the water but no information about their conditions as far as I’ve read.

 

House Republicans have passed a budget framework that supports PDT’s tax cut plan. This budget plan aims to fund mass deportations and reduce government size. Two Republicans joined the House Democrats in opposing the bill, but it ultimately passed. GOP leaders deny the bill will affect Medicare and Medicaid, though Democratic Senator Patty Murray argues Republicans are targeting federal programs like Medicaid and SNAP. She criticized the budget as “pro-billionaire, anti middle-class.”

 

Inflation declined last month with the cost of gas falling. Even with the tariffs threats, price growth is calming. Core prices remained at 3.3% for five months and then began slowing down in February. Economists, however, still believe the prices will increase with remaining tariffs later this year even with the 90 day delay. Economists do say the delay will likely limit upcoming price increases and has reduced the chances of a recession, but there is still uncertainty on if whether the duties will still be imposed.

 

With the 90 day pause on tariffs, the stock market surged with the S&P 500 rising 9.5%, the DOW increased 7.9% and the Nasdaq jumped 12.2%. With that being said, the tariffs on Chinese imports were increased to 125% and in response, China raised their tariffs on US goods to 84%.

 

The temporary delay of tariffs provide relief to investors, but only short-term. There are still uncertainty with long-term effects among the ongoing trade disputes.

 

Fun times ahead!