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USA Powell Stands Firm: Fed Rates Unchanged Amidst Trump Pressure
ABC video screenshot In an assertive move on Wednesday, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady, deflecting President Donald Trump’s demands for lowering the rates. Fed Chair Jerome Powell brought attention to the Fed’s political independence, highlighting its role in making data-driven decisions insulated from political influence. "Without independence, there’s the temptation to use rates for election advantages," he stated. Following the president's visit to the Federal Reserve last week, Powell described the meeting as amicable, but he remained steadfast in the Federal Reserve’s cautious approach in light of ongoing trade tariff impacts. Powell noted some price hikes due to tariffs but mentioned that their enduring impact on inflation remains uncertain. "We'll act as needed to control inflation," he assured. Despite the pressure, the decision marks the continuation of a seven-month pause in rate adjustments, keeping the federal funds rate between 4.25% and 4.5%. Dissent within the Fed emerged with two governors, Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller, expressing a preference for a cut, marking the first such dissent since 1993, reported ABC News. Recent government data showed unexpectedly strong economic growth, which could reduce the urgency for rate cuts, reinforcing the Fed's patient stance. Trump, known for his outspoken criticism, continues to press for lower rates, arguing it would boost the economy and reduce government debt interest payments. However, Powell remains at the helm, with his term set to expire in May 2026. The Fed’s dual mandate of controlling inflation and maximising employment remains central to its strategy. While inflation saw a slight rise, it stayed below its June 2022 peak. Powell hinted at the possibility of future rate cuts, contingent on economic data, and left room for adjustments in upcoming meetings. In the ongoing dispute over spending on the Fed’s headquarters renovation, Trump criticised the project’s cost overruns. Despite this, the Fed affirms the renovation will eventually cut costs by consolidating operations. Powell’s recent comments at the European Central Bank forum in Portugal hinted at potential shifts based on evolving economic indicators, keeping all options on the table for upcoming policy meetings. The Fed’s current conservative course suggests vigilance amidst global economic uncertainties, ready to pivot should inflation threats or economic circumstances demand. As the year progresses, all eyes remain on the data to dictate the Fed's next steps. Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2025-07-31 -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 31 July 2025
Landslide Crashes into Police Vehicle During Heavy Rain in Chiang Rai Picture courtesy of SiamNews A police patrol vehicle was damaged by a sudden landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Chiang Rai, with officers narrowly escaping injury by leaping to safety. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368307-landslide-crashes-into-police-vehicle-during-heavy-rain-in-chiang-rai/ -
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Accident Landslide Crashes into Police Vehicle During Heavy Rain in Chiang Rai
Picture courtesy of SiamNews A police patrol vehicle was damaged by a sudden landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Chiang Rai, with officers narrowly escaping injury by leaping to safety. The incident occurred on 29 July along the Mae Chan–Mae Ai road between Ban Pang Sa and Ban Huai Ma Hin Fon in Pa Tung subdistrict, Mae Chan district, Chiang Rai province. Police Lieutenant Suphot Thepkarn, deputy inspector of Mae Chan Police Station, received reports of a landslide near kilometre markers 223–224 on the mountain road. He responded to the scene with Police Sub-Lieutenant Sombun Chiangphrom in a marked police pickup truck. Upon arrival, officers found the road partially blocked by large rocks and soil, leaving only one lane passable. They pulled over to the roadside, activated the emergency lights and began placing traffic cones to warn motorists, with assistance from officials from the Highway Department. While clearing debris and setting up safety cones at both ends of the affected stretch, several more large rocks unexpectedly tumbled down the hillside. The officers were forced to leap out of the way to avoid being hit. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, the parked police vehicle sustained damage on its left side, including the rear bed and side mirror. The vehicle was moved to a safer location, and authorities issued a public advisory urging caution when travelling through the area, especially during periods of heavy rain. Officials continue to monitor the site as further landslides remain a possibility amid ongoing wet weather conditions. Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel on mountain routes until the situation stabilises. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-07-31 -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 31 July 2025
Bomb Attack in Narathiwat Injures Six Police Officers and One Civilian Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A roadside bomb exploded on the morning of 30 July, in Narathiwat province, injuring six police officers and a local resident. The incident occurred at approximately 08:00 in the village of Jue Rae, Moo 9, Sako Subdistrict, in the troubled Sungai Padi District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368306-bomb-attack-in-narathiwat-injures-six-police-officers-and-one-civilian/ -
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Crime Bomb Attack in Narathiwat Injures Six Police Officers and One Civilian
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A roadside bomb exploded on the morning of 30 July, in Narathiwat province, injuring six police officers and a local resident. The incident occurred at approximately 08:00 in the village of Jue Rae, Moo 9, Sako Subdistrict, in the troubled Sungai Padi District. The target of the attack was a patrol unit assigned to provide security for teachers travelling in the area, a common practice in Thailand’s southern provinces, where such personnel have been frequent targets of insurgent violence. Two of the injured officers and one civilian sustained shrapnel wounds and were identified as Pol. Sgt. Maj. Masaki Mamu, Pol. Sgt. Maj. Jira Julanil, and Mr. Marodi, a local resident. Four other officers, Sub-Lt. Wuttichai Kongsong, Pol. Sgt. Maj. Mahader Kue-ngo, Pol. Sgt. Chaidy Jehbosu, and Pol. L/Cpl. Mohsen Alitoma, suffered minor injuries including chest tightness, ringing in the ears and abrasions. All seven victims were transported to Sungai Padi Hospital for treatment. Local authorities cordoned off the blast site and launched an investigation into the attack. Officials urged the public to avoid the area and to remain vigilant. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious individuals or objects immediately to authorities via the 24-hour hotlines 1341 or 191. The motive behind the attack is currently under investigation, but authorities suspect it is part of the ongoing insurgency in Thailand’s deep south, which has seen sporadic violence over the past two decades. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-31 -
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Middle East Seven More Tragic Deaths in Gaza: Malnutrition Crisis Deepens
ABC News video screenshot In a grim update, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported seven additional deaths from malnutrition in the past 24 hours. This brings the total death toll from malnutrition in the conflict-stricken region to 154, with 89 children among the casualties. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which reignited in October 2023, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory. Experts in food security, backed by the UN, are raising the alarm, warning that a catastrophic famine is currently occurring in Gaza. Despite assurances from Israel that aid is entering the territory unrestricted, European allies, the UN, and active agencies in Gaza dispute these claims. The dire situation has prompted US special envoy Steve Witkoff to schedule a trip to Israel on Thursday, marking his first visit in nearly three months, to discuss the escalating crisis. Reports from Gaza further highlight the chaos, indicating that six Palestinians were reportedly killed near an aid distribution centre in Rafah. While hospital sources claim that Israeli tank fire caused the deaths, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) denies that any killings occurred at their location. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has refuted the casualty figures, asserting that any military action was intended to disperse a threatening gathering, reported BBC. Tensions over aid deliveries remain high, as only 109 aid lorries made it into Gaza on Tuesday. However, many were looted before reaching their destinations. Desperate scenes unfolded, with crowds overrunning vehicles to secure flour, either for personal use or to sell. The UN estimates that a minimum of 600 aid trucks per day is necessary to begin alleviating the crisis. The situation worsened after Israel imposed a total blockade in March, which followed a two-month ceasefire break and renewed hostilities that were prompted by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Though the blockade has partially eased, shortages of essential supplies remain critical. Israeli forces initiated their offensive as a direct response to the attack, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages. In parallel, diplomatic tensions have flared after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged to recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and revitalises talks on a two-state solution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the UK's stance as rewarding Hamas' terrorism, while a British-Israeli ex-hostage criticised Starmer's position as potentially incentivising terror activities. As the humanitarian and diplomatic crises deepen, the international community continues to grapple with finding a path to peace and alleviating the suffering of Gaza's populace. Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-07-31
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