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Most Americans think AI developing too fast

Worries around artificial intelligence cross party lines, with the vast majority of Americans saying the U.S. government should prioritize keeping AI under human control and protecting workers. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that most ...

Cost of drugs from Canada to soar

Millions of Americans who buy cheap drugs from Canada could soon lose access when a customs rule goes into effect later this month, a change that has sparked opposition from Democrats and some Republicans with the cost of living a top issue for voters ahead of midterm elections. The rule applies to a swath of goods beyond drugs and is intended to collect tariffs and prevent illegal drugs from coming into the U.S. It comes as President Donald Trump has made lowering drug prices a top target in addressing soaring healthcare costs, and critics say the rule will hurt patients seeking ...

Ticker: Average mortgage rate at highest level in 3 years

Mortgage rates marched higher for the seventh week in a row, driving the average long-term U.S. home loan rate to its highest level in nearly three years. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbed to 7.40% from 7.28% last week. One year ago, the average rate was 6.30%. The average rate is now the highest it’s been since Nov. 16, 2023, when it was at 7.44%. WTO raises merchandise trade growth forecast The World Trade Organization is sharply increasing its forecast for global merchandise trade growth this year to 3.9%. It more ...

Fed: Another rate hike likely coming this year

WASHINGTON — Most Federal Reserve officials expect that another interest rate increase will likely be needed this year to combat inflation, according to minutes released Wednesday from the central bank’s most recent meeting. The officials unanimously agreed that inflation was still ...

Briefcase: Tuscarora Wayne supports Kish for the Cure

STATE COLLEGE The Tuscarora Wayne Mutual Foundation, the charitable foundation of Tuscarora Wayne Insurance Company, has contributed $3,000 to Kish for the Cure, Kish’s employee-led fundraising campaign benefiting local cancer-fighting organizations. The gift was made through the Kish Community Foundation, which administers charitable contributions for the campaign. The contribution was presented at the Kish Innovation Center in Reedsville, where representatives from Kish and Tuscarora Wayne gathered to celebrate their shared commitment to strengthening the communities they ...

Iran devalues currency amid conflict

BAGHDAD — Iraq devalued its currency Wednesday, changing the official exchange rate from around 1,300 Iraqi dinars to the dollar to 1,500 dinars to the dollar. The country’s central bank said in a statement that the new exchange rate had been decided at a meeting of Iraq’s Cabinet the night before “to meet the relevant financial, economic and monetary requirements.” The previous exchange rate was set in 2023. In practice, there has always been a gap between the official rate and the market rate used by exchange shops. That gap had widened in recent months as a result of the ...