US-Russia Talks: Five takeaways from Rubio-Lavrov meeting on Ukraine war

Former Obama-era Department of Labor economist Jesse Rothstein warns that the United States is on the brink of a severe recession due to massive government job cuts and pullback from contracts by the Trump administration. With over 200,000 federal jobs eliminated, Rothstein predicts record job losses in the upcoming March 2025 employment report. Additionally, economists have raised concerns about Trump's tariffs on imports and deportation policies potentially leading to a new financial crisis, causing uncertainty...

In the opening match of the Champions Trophy at Gaddafi Stadium, Australia and England will face off on a batting-friendly pitch, setting the stage for a potentially high-scoring game. With both teams looking to bounce back from recent losses, the absence of key Australian bowlers could give England an advantage. The weather forecast for Lahore on Saturday predicts clear skies and mild temperatures, enhancing the conditions for a competitive match. Full Article

Tesco has seen a 200% increase in customer demand for out-of-season forced rhubarb, leading to a surge in rhubarb-flavoured products. Forced rhubarb, known for its tenderness and sweetness, is only available from January to March, while field-grown rhubarb is available from April to October. Supplier Place UK has reported a 170% increase in forced rhubarb demand, with Tesco offering nearly 40 rhubarb-infused products including spirits, pies, sweets, and hot cross buns. Full Article

The Defence Department is cutting 5,400 probationary workers and implementing a hiring freeze, excluding uniformed military personnel, in an effort to reduce the civilian workforce by 5-8% and prioritize the President's goals. The move follows the firing of federal employees with fewer civil service protections, including 2,000 from the US Forest Service and an expected 7,000 from the Internal Revenue Service. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth supports the cuts to focus on readiness and efficiency. Full...

The Costa Rican ombudsman reported that many migrants arrived in the country without knowledge of their whereabouts, desperately seeking to contact relatives, criticizing the treatment of deportees from the US. Upon arrival, 135 deportees expressed distress, lacked documents, and faced challenges verifying family ties. The Costa Rican government received deportees from Asia and the Middle East, while the security minister disputed claims of mistreatment, stating that migrants were provided with essential supplies and services before...

Sydneysiders are urged to monitor for symptoms after a person with measles visited popular spots in the city, having recently returned from Southeast Asia, where measles outbreaks are occurring. Specific locations and times visited include Westfield Eastgardens, Sir Joseph Banks Hotel, and various cafes and stores in the city. Symptoms may appear within seven to 18 days after exposure, so vigilance is key. NSW Health recommends checking vaccination status and getting the MMR vaccine if...