Author: News Room
Welcome to Lit Trivia, the Book Review’s regular quiz about literary culture. This week’s installment salutes the tenacity of the literary strivers who worked a variety of jobs before finding success as novelists. In the five multiple-choice questions below, tap or click on the answer you think is correct. After the last question, you’ll find links to some of their most popular works.
President Trump’s on-and-off tariffs have created deep uncertainty about the cost of imported goods — and it’s not always clear what goods will be most affected with any given country.The largest U.S. imports from many countries are oil and gas, electronics, cars and pharmaceuticals. But there’s another way to look at what Americans import: trying to measure a country’s distinct contribution to the U.S.’s total needs.For example, China’s largest exports to the U.S. — by dollar value — are electronics. But the U.S. also imports large quantities of electronics from elsewhere. Nearly 100 percent of imported baby carriages, however, come…
new video loaded: Toy Company Still In Crisis Despite Reduced Tariffs on ChinatranscriptBacktranscriptToy Company Still In Crisis Despite Reduced Tariffs on ChinaA Chinese toy factory has gotten little relief after the United States and China agreed to temporarily lower tariffs. The company has been sitting on boxes of unshipped goods and unable to rehire staff.“It’s existential. We might not exist.” “There is so much uncertainty. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow.” “We have reduced staff by 50%. We’ve stopped all business development as far as product development and any plans for expansion right now or are on hold.” “I’m…
Photo Illustration by Zak Bickel/The New York Times; Photographs via Getty; Unsplash Tariffs are up. Tariffs are down. Shipping is frozen. Shipping is back on.In the past several weeks, Chinese imports to the U.S. have been on a seesaw, leaving Americans uncertain how tariffs will affect their lives.It’s impossible to say what tariffs will do to the price or availability of any particular item, although even the Trump administration’s current level of 30 percent tariffs — on top of previous levies — will certainly make many things more expensive.But thanks to detailed trade data, we know what Americans buy from…
Over the course of one week, some of the richest people in the world descended on New York’s auction houses to purchase over $1 billion of art. It might have played out a little differently than you would have expected.Can you guess which of these works sold for more?Note: Listed sale prices include auction fees.Image credits: “Untitled,” via Phillips; “Baby Boom,” via Christie’s Images LTD; “Hazy Sun,” With permission of the Renate, Hans & Maria Hofmann Trust/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; via Christie’s Images LTD; “Petit Matin,” via Christie’s Images LTD; “Concetto spaziale, La fine di Dio,” Artists Rights…
This summer, one of Staffordshire’s most talked-about bridal boutiques is growing—again. Wedding Belles Love is opening a second store with the same mission: stunning wedding gowns for every body, ready to take home today. Known for their inclusive, off-the-peg approach, Wedding Belles Love stocks dresses in sizes 0 to 36—shattering industry norms and proving that beauty comes in every shape and size. “We’re creating a space where every bride can walk in, find a dress they love, and feel amazing regardless of size or budget,” said Claire Sutton, Company Director of Wedding Belles Love. “Too many women have been told…
The United States’ loss of its last triple-A credit rating and mounting concerns about government debt are threatening to disrupt the relative calm in financial markets that has prevailed since President Trump began pausing tariffs early last month.One factor jarring markets is a bill in Congress that would make Mr. Trump’s signature 2017 tax cuts permanent and could add trillions of dollars to federal debt. A House committee voted to approve the bill on Sunday night although it was expected to remain a focus of contentious congressional debate.On Friday, the ratings firm Moody’s cited the legislation, along with broader concerns…
What’s causing major flight delays and disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport? Niraj Chokshi, a reporter at The New York Times covering transportation, explains how a staffing shortage has contributed to the chaos and what’s being done to address it.
A new grassroots music company, PlayZer Media Ltd, has launched in the South of England — spearheaded by father and son team Paul and Joshua Barnes, whose combined passion and personal journeys form the foundation of their growing brand. The company’s mission is to champion new musical talent through live events, authentic audience experiences, and high-quality production, offering a professional springboard for emerging acts across the region. Experience Meets Emotion Joshua Barnes is an accomplished guitarist and award-winning promoter, celebrated for his unique playing style and artistic versatility. With over five years of professional experience, Joshua has earned numerous awards…
Beauty Corner, a rising star in Wellingborough’s beauty and aesthetics scene, has announced the addition of Dermasculpt to its treatment range. Dermasculpt is a non-invasive laser technology designed to smooth and tighten the skin, reduce fat in targeted areas, and stimulate natural collagen production — all with minimal downtime. Co-founder Bianka Ibeh shared her excitement about the new offering: “Dermasculpt is a safer, more sustainable alternative to fillers, with long-lasting results often visible after just one session.” Launched in 2023 by Bianka and co-founder Pietro Quarshie, Beauty Corner has grown rapidly, earning a reputation for personalised care and outstanding results.…