US consumer confidence plummets to Covid-era low as trade war stokes anxiety

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans’ confidence in the economy slumped for the fifth straight month to the lowest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as anxiety over the impact of tariffs takes a heavy toll. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell 7.9 points in April to 86, its lowest reading since May 2020. Nearly one-third of consumers expect hiring to slow in the coming months, nearly matching the level reached in April 2009, when the economy was mired in the Great Recession. The figures reflect a rapidly souring mood among Americans, most of whom expect prices to rise because of the widespread tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Layoffs, closures and gaps in oversight expected after DOJ grants are canceled

(AP) — Hundreds of organizations have received notice that the Department of Justice is canceling ongoing grants they had received through the Office of Justice Programs. More than 350 grants initially worth more than $800 million were ended midstream, sparking layoffs and program closures. Some organizations issued notices they would have to shutter operations by last Friday. The cuts seemed to touch on every aspect of the department’s purview from law enforcement training to victim services. But many questions remain over how much money would actually be returned, how it would be reallocated and how many more cuts are coming.

Wis. clerk who failed to count November votes violated multiple policies, investigators say

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Investigators say the former clerk who failed to count nearly 200 ballots in November’s elections in Wisconsin’s capital city didn’t break any laws but did violate policy and breached her contractual duty to supervise elections and maintain professional standards. Maribeth Witzel-Behl resigned earlier this month amid city and state investigations. City officials released their findings Tuesday. They concluded there were many chances to count the ballots after Election Day, but Witzel-Behl failed to directly notify the county clerk, the city attorney, the mayor or the state Elections Commission about the ballots. Witzel-Behl said in a message to The Associated Press that she hadn’t seen the findings and declined comment.

Amazon is not planning to break out tariff costs online as WH attacks potential move

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon is not planning to list added tariff costs next to product prices on its site — despite speculation spanning from a report that claimed the e-commerce giant would soon show new import charges, as well as fiery comments from President Donald Trump’s White House denouncing such a move. The Trump administration’s reaction appeared to be based on a misinterpretation of internal plans being considered by Amazon, rather than a final decision made by the company. Amazon’s Haul service — a recently launched, low-cost storefront — “considered the idea” of listing import charges on certain products, according to company spokesperson Tim Doyle. But this was never approved.