Trump's Tariff Tussle, AI, and the Pursuit of Happiness

This week, the Trump administration's trade policies faced criticism from the European Union, while Americans of all ages continued to pursue new skills and happiness. From the world of politics to the realm of personal growth, here's a look at the top stories of the week.

The Trump administration's tariff policies have been a major point of contention with the European Union. Following the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down some of President Trump's tariffs, the European Commission requested "full clarity" from the US and asked its trade partner to fulfill its commitments. A top EU lawmaker has proposed pausing the ratification of the EU-US trade deal, citing "pure tariff chaos" from the Trump administration. The deal, which imposes a 15% import tax on 70% of European goods exported to the US, has been a point of contention between the two sides.

In other news, a growing trend in the US is seeing older adults heading back to school to pursue new skills or career changes. According to Eric Deschamps, the director of continuing education at Northern Arizona University, "returning to school opens doors to education for students that might not have those doors open to them otherwise." Many older students are juggling courses with full-time jobs, caregiving, and other family responsibilities, but are finding that the benefits of lifelong learning far outweigh the challenges.

In the world of technology, a growing debate is ongoing about the role of artificial intelligence in service businesses. While some argue that AI will replace human workers, others believe that it will augment their abilities and make them more exceptional. As one expert noted, "the companies that win won't be the ones that replace people but the ones that use AI to make their people exceptional."

Finally, in the realm of personal growth, a look back at the life of Ben Franklin reveals some surprising insights into the secret to happy aging. Franklin, who lived to the ripe age of 84 in an era when the average life expectancy was under 40, attributed his longevity to his active lifestyle and commitment to lifelong learning. Modern psychology agrees, with studies showing that engaging in mentally stimulating activities and pursuing new skills can help to keep the mind sharp and promote overall well-being.

In related news, Netflix board member Susan Rice has come under fire from President Trump, who has threatened to impose "consequences" on the company if it doesn't fire her. Rice had previously predicted that corporations that "take a knee" to Trump will be "held accountable" when Democrats return to power.

As the week comes to a close, it's clear that there are many competing priorities and interests at play in the world today. From trade wars to personal growth, the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment is a common thread that runs through many of the top stories of the week. Whether it's through lifelong learning, the pursuit of new skills, or the development of artificial intelligence, it's clear that Americans of all ages are committed to making the most of their lives and achieving their full potential.