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WASHINGTON — Citing growing worries about high gasoline prices, Democratic leaders announced an effort April 28 to give the Federal Trade Commission increased authority to crack down on companies that engage in price gouging.

The U.S. economy shrank for the first time since 2020, reflecting an import surge tied to robust consumer demand. While the surprise contraction adds to political headaches for President Joe Biden, it’s unlikely to dissuade the Federal Reserve from hiking interest rates aggressively to combat inflation.

BEIJING — China has granted Chinese internet services company Baidu and a rival autonomous car company, Pony.ai, permits to provide driverless ride-hailing services to the public in Beijing, a significant regulatory step in the country’s pursuit of driverless technology.

Sixteen states and four environmental groups that want the U.S. Postal Service to buy more electric delivery vehicles are suing to halt purchases of thousands of gas-powered trucks as the agency modernizes its mail delivery fleet.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on April 27 issued a notice of intent to move forward with a rulemaking to require the use of speed limiters for commercial motor vehicles.

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo pressed senators April 27 to finalize legislation meant to boost domestic manufacturing of semiconductors.

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board began two days of emergency public hearings April 26 to try to find ways to loosen the still-jammed supply chain.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer met on April 27 to discuss possible legislation to reduce gas prices, according to a Democratic aide.

Despite strong opposition from the towing industry, Maryland truckers are optimistic the governor will sign a bill to end predatory towing practices on highways under the jurisdiction of the state police.