Employers in the U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January, surpassing economists' expectations, while also, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reportedly planning to announce a presidential election and a referendum on a potential peace deal with Russia. Additionally, at least nine people were killed in shootings at a high school and residence in British Columbia, and at least 20 people died in Madagascar after Tropical Cyclone Gezani hit the island.
The January jobs report, released after a delay due to the partial government shutdown, showed the unemployment rate at 4.3%, down from 4.4% in December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Economists had predicted a monthly payroll gain of 75,000, according to polling from financial data company FactSet. However, major revisions reduced the number of jobs created last year to just 181,000, the weakest since 2020.
In Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police reported that the shootings occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence. Authorities found six people dead inside the school and a seventh died while being transported to a hospital. Two more people were found dead at the residence. The suspected shooter is also dead, officials said.
Meanwhile, in Madagascar, Tropical Cyclone Gezani brought wind speeds exceeding 195 kph (121 mph), causing widespread damage and casualties. The island's weather service issued red alerts for several regions, warning of potential floods and landslides. The storm hit the main port city, collapsing houses, and leaving at least 20 dead, according to authorities.
In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy is reportedly planning to announce a presidential election and a referendum on a potential peace deal to end the war with Russia. The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and European officials, reported that both votes could be held by May 15. The outlet also noted that Kyiv could risk losing proposed U.S. security guarantees if the votes are not held by that date.
In other news, Americans who purchased a new car last year could benefit from a new tax break that allows taxpayers to deduct interest paid on their auto loans. The car loan tax deduction was included in the Republicans' "big, beautiful bill" act, signed into law by President Trump last summer. "The auto loan interest deduction could cut taxes by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for eligible taxpayers," according to Andrew Lautz.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment