## Russia’s Central Bank Raises Rates to 19% as Inflation Ticks Up

Authored by themoscowtimes.com

Russia’s Central Bank on Friday raised its key interest rate from 18% to 19%, a widely anticipated move as the country struggles to cool down inflation amid soaring military spending for the war in Ukraine.

By the end of 2024, annual inflation is likely to exceed the July forecast range of 6.5–7.0%,” the bank said in a statement.

“Growth in domestic demand is still significantly outstripping the capabilities to expand the supply of goods and services.”

For that reason, the bank explained, “further tightening of monetary policy is required” so that the government can reach its inflation target of 4%.

While stating that inflation was likely to exceed its previous forecast for 2024, it said it still expects inflation to drop to 4-4.5% in 2025 before nearing the target rate.

Russia’s Central Bank last increased interest rates in July when it hiked the key rate from 16% to 18%.

So, too, has defense spending soared as Moscow ramps up arms production for the war in Ukraine. »

### Traveler ordered to pay more than $5,000 in fuel costs after flight diverted due to bad behavior

Authored by cnn.com

A problematic airline passenger has been hit with an unusual form of punishment – he has to pay back the airline for the cost of fuel.

According to the Australian Federal Police, a then-32-year-old man from Western Australia was disruptive on a flight headed from Perth to Sydney.

Now, the passenger has been ordered to pay $8,630 AUD ($5,806 USD) back to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel. »

### Colorado teen shot in the face by town councilman after going to home to ask permission to take homecoming photos

Authored by nbcnews.com

A 17-year-old Colorado boy was shot in the face Tuesday by a town council member after he and a friend went to a home to ask permission to take homecoming photos on the property, police said.

The shooting happened around 4:15 p.m. at a home on Pleasant Park Road in Jefferson County, the sheriff's office said.

Brent Metz, the boyfriend of a woman who lives at the home, was arrested in connection with the shooting. »

### Baby pygmy hippo called ‘bouncy pork’ gains global celebrity status

Authored by metro.co.uk

At just two months old, a pygmy hippo in Thailand has become a sensation online for her dramatic antics and sleepy demeanor.

Moo-Deng has been dubbed an ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ by Time Magazine, and has already amassed 2.5 million followers on her TikTok account.

She lives in Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand – and her name means ‘bouncy pork’. »

### Biden targets Shein, Temu with new rules to curb alleged 'abuse' of U.S. trade loophole

Authored by cnbc.com

The steps include a new rule proposal, which would bar overseas shipments of products that are subject to U.S.-China tariffs from being eligible for the special customs exemption.

Known as the de minimis loophole, the trade provision allows packages with a value of less than $800 to enter the United States with relatively little scrutiny.

The Biden administration also called on Congress to pass legislation to overhaul the original de minimis rules. »

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