Author: Leadr Magazine Contributor

On June 5, 2025, a coalition of nearly 250 U.S. companies, labor unions, and industry groups—including the American Petroleum Institute, DuPont, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers—sent a letter to Senate Republican leaders urging them to preserve the Section 45V tax credit for clean hydrogen production. The coalition emphasized that eliminating the credit could jeopardize billions in investments and shift innovation overseas, particularly to China. The 45V tax credit, established under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, offers up to $3 per kilogram of clean hydrogen produced, depending on the carbon intensity of the production process. The credit is…

PARIS — June 4, 2025 — The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revised its global economic growth projections downward, forecasting a 2.9% expansion for both 2025 and 2026. This adjustment reflects mounting challenges stemming from heightened trade tensions, increased policy uncertainty, and tighter financial conditions. The OECD’s latest Economic Outlook underscores the significant impact of recent trade policies, particularly those implemented by the United States. President Donald Trump’s administration has introduced substantial tariffs, raising the average U.S. tariff rate to 15.4%—the highest since 1938. These measures have disrupted global supply chains and prompted retaliatory actions from key…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 4, 2025 — The U.S. services sector, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, experienced an unexpected contraction in May, signaling potential challenges ahead. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported that its non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 49.9, down from 51.6 in April, marking the first decline below the 50 threshold since June 2024. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in the sector. This downturn was driven by a significant drop in new orders, which fell to 46.4—the lowest level since December 2022. Inventories and backlogs also contracted, while the prices paid index surged…

NEW YORK — June 4, 2025 — Circle Internet Group, the fintech company behind the USD Coin (USDC), officially went public today, listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CRCL.” The initial public offering (IPO) raised approximately $1.05 billion, with shares priced at $31 each, above the anticipated range of $27 to $28. This pricing reflects robust investor interest, culminating in a company valuation of approximately $8 billion. Founded in 2013 by Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville, Circle has emerged as a significant player in the digital currency landscape. USDC, its flagship stablecoin pegged 1:1 to…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 4, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) convened a comprehensive workshop titled “The Attention Economy: How Big Tech Firms Exploit Children and Hurt Families,” focusing on the pervasive influence of digital platforms on young users. Held at the FTC’s Constitution Center and streamed online, the event brought together lawmakers, child safety advocates, technologists, and legal experts to examine how technology companies design platforms that maximize user engagement, often at the expense of children’s well-being. FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson opened the workshop, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to safeguarding children in the digital age. He highlighted…

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has strongly condemned the unilateral tariff policies implemented by former U.S. President Donald Trump, arguing that they have severely disrupted the global trade system that has been in place since the end of World War II. In his remarks, Bailey described the impact of Trump’s tariffs as having “blown up” the carefully constructed international trading order, contributing to significant fragmentation in global commerce. This shift, he suggested, has had far-reaching consequences for economic stability and growth worldwide. Bailey’s criticism comes amid a broader reassessment of the effects of protectionist trade policies, which have been…

In a controversial move, the Trump administration is exploring the idea of renaming U.S. Navy ships that have been named in honor of prominent civil rights and gay rights icons. The proposed renaming effort, which aligns with Pride Month, comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushes for a shift in the military’s symbolic focus toward reinforcing a “warrior ethos.” According to a directive obtained by Military.com and CBS News, Hegseth has instructed Navy Secretary John Phelan to reconsider the naming of ships like the USNS Harvey Milk, which was named after the late gay rights activist and Navy veteran, Harvey…

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revised down its global economic growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026, predicting a modest 2.9% growth rate over the next two years. The international organization cites several factors contributing to this downward revision, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s unilateral tariff policies, heightened policy uncertainty, and a global slowdown in demand, with particular emphasis on the largest economies, the U.S. and China. The OECD’s new forecasts represent a significant adjustment, as the global economy grapples with the ongoing effects of the trade wars, notably between the U.S. and China, and the…

On June 3, Marcia McNutt, President of the National Academy of Sciences, took the stage in Washington, D.C., to deliver the second annual State of the Science address, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the U.S. research enterprise. McNutt, known for her leadership in scientific advocacy, used the opportunity to reflect on the progress and challenges facing the scientific community in an era of rapid technological change, financial constraints, and evolving workforce dynamics. The address came at a crucial moment for the U.S. research sector, which has been grappling with significant challenges, most notably a sharp decline…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept confined to science fiction; it has rapidly emerged as a transformative force across a wide range of industries. From healthcare and finance to manufacturing and retail, AI is revolutionizing the way businesses operate and interact with consumers. This article explores the rapid advancements in AI technology and examines its profound implications for industries globally. While the rise of AI brings about vast opportunities for growth and innovation, it also presents challenges that businesses and societies must address to ensure ethical, responsible, and inclusive integration. AI’s Impact on Healthcare One of the…