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Howard Lutnick rips Atlanta Fed GDPNow contraction prediction

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Howard Lutnick rips Atlanta Fed GDPNow contraction prediction


U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick was apparently shocked on Friday, after learning that a recent estimate from the Federal Reserve shows the U.S. economy shrinking in Q1.

“Wait, wait, wait, say that again. What? A what?” Lutnick interrupted FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo after she read the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta estimate that gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to contract in the first quarter.

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“A contraction?” he continued. “Okay… right here, right now, that is ridiculous.”

COMMERCE SECRETARY HOWARD LUTNICK DEFENDS TRUMP’S TARIFF ENDGAME AGAINST RECESSION FEARS

Lutnick noted he has “absolutely not” spoken to Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic about the matter.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was shocked that the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta expects a contraction of Q1 GDP. (FOXBusiness)

The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow model estimates a contraction of 2.4% for the first quarter, a slight improvement from its initial estimate of -2.8% on March 3. However, its website notes that the tracker is not an “official forecast” but a “running estimate of real GDP growth based on available economic data for the current measured quarter.”

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“We own the economy in the fourth quarter,” Lutnick clarified. “We cut regulation, we get shovels in the ground of this $2 trillion of a commitment to build factories, to build production back to America. You’ve got everybody coming back to America to build. That starts really strong in the third quarter.”

“First and second quarter are sort of a little bit [of] our optimism – egg prices down, interest rates down, energy prices down,” the secretary expanded. “But it is the mess that we were left with.”

He further pressed Bartiromo: “You feel it, Maria. Do you feel a deep, deep pain in the first quarter? I’ve watched your show all along. I don’t remember you saying, ‘Oh my God!’ No, come on.”

The Bureau of Economic Analysis’ advanced estimate for first quarter GDP is planned for April 30. 

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Atlanta, GA

Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors

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Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Popular gathering spots across metro Atlanta saw heightened law enforcement presence Saturday night following rumors of potential “teen takeovers.”

Authorities say a similar event last weekend led to more than a dozen teenagers and adults being taken into custody. In response, agencies across the metro area are stepping up patrols in several high-traffic areas, including the Beltline and the Cumberland Mall and Battery districts.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 9 juveniles, 8 adults charged after weekend ‘takeover’ event at The Battery

Along the Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta police confirmed they increased staffing levels as a precaution. An APD officer on scene told Atlanta News First that officers are maintaining an enhanced presence due to the takeover rumors. An Atlanta News First crew observed multiple people put in handcuffs and an APD officer at the Beltline said four guns had been confiscated.

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Multiple patrol units were visible along the Beltline, with officers monitoring foot traffic and briefly detaining several individuals. Police said the show of force is intended to deter large, disruptive gatherings before they begin.

Cumberland Mall to have teen curfew Saturday after ‘takeover’ at The Battery

In Cobb County, law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts around Cumberland Mall and The Battery Atlanta. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office deployed its mounted patrol unit, with four deputies on horseback circling the mall. Units from the Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol were also seen monitoring traffic and pedestrian activity in the area.

Electronic message boards and posted signage between Cumberland and The Battery warned visitors of the increased law enforcement presence. Officers said the goal is to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s arrests and ensure public safety.

For now, officials say the evening remains calm, but they are prepared to respond quickly if large crowds begin to form.

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Atlanta, GA

Shooting causes lockdown at Mall of Stonecrest

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Shooting causes lockdown at Mall of Stonecrest


Police at the Mall of Stonecrest (FOX 5)

The DeKalb County Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred at the Mall of Stonecrest on Saturday afternoon.

What we know:

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The department was alerted to the shooting around 12:40 p.m. Officers responded to the mall and immediately began a search of the premises. In an early update, police stated the mall was on lockdown and that no victim had been found.

A few hours later, police confirmed a victim had been located and several people were detained after running away from the mall. The injured person was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.

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The mall remained on lockdown as of 3:45 p.m. as officers continued clearing the building. Police said the process could take several hours and requested that the public continue to avoid the area.

DeKalb police stated there is no further danger to the public. 

What we don’t know:

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At this time, it is unclear what led to the shooting or if any of the detained individuals have been charged.

The Source: Information in this article came from the DeKalb County Police Department via an email. 

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Atlanta, GA

The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?

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The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?


The show highlights a tongue-in-cheek social media “ban” on pajamas and Crocs at Tampa International Airport that sparked national debate over travel etiquette. The crew also covers the Atlanta Hawks’ bold “Magic City Monday” promotion featuring famous lemon pepper wings and halftime performances by T.I.. Additionally, the segment dives into Gen Z’s “loud breakup” trend on TikTok and ends with a nostalgic defense of the Burger King Whopper.



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