Sharjah's new network of libraries, Fed to mull rate pause- our editors comment on top stories of March 19

NOVEL SOLUTION FOR READERS IN SHARJAH. Getting hold of a book has become easier in Sharjah with a new network of library services. The unique service is seeing select destinations serve as venues for borrowing and returning books, to make it easier for readers who may not have a purpose-built library close by. This partnership between the House of Wisdom library and venues of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) will no doubt encourage reading – a habit that the emirate prioritises through a host of initiatives. [Comment by Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

FED RATES: A FINE LINE THAT GOT FINER: The fine line that the US Federal Reserve has been aiming to tread has become finer now, even though the recent developments in the country’s banking sector may have made the policymakers’ job easy. A 25-basis-point rate hike was already on the cards, and the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and its repercussions on the banking sector only makes the case stronger for a smaller rate hike. The Fed’s aggressive tightening over the past year has brought an end to easy money, but its effect on the banking sector and the industry in general has been far more pronounced compared to the intended effect it was to have on inflation. [Comment by Anupam Varma, Assistant Editor]

TAYLOR SWIFT IS BACK IN ACTION: Pop idol Taylor Swift is back in the concert ring after nearly five years, but she’s far from rusty. Going by the glowing reviews that are pouring in, Swift is in top form. At this weekend’s opening night show in the United States, she enthralled over 70,000 people with a playset that lasted over three hours. She played condensed version of more than 40 of her hits and that’s no mean feat. Here’s hoping Swift also plans a concert here in the Middle East so that the UAE can experience that magic of seeing her set the stage on fire. She’s a talent who has always experimented and lived to tell that tale. [Comment by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor]

HAALAND GRABS YET ANOTHER HAT-TRICK FOR MAN CITY: Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland grabbed his second hat-trick in five days as his side thrashed Burnley 6-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The 22-year-old striker followed his five-goal haul against RB Leipzig in the Champions League by claiming another three to take his tally for the season to a whopping 42. He now has an incredible six hat-tricks in his debut season in English football - already half as many as Argentine Sergio Aguero scored in his ten-year City career. Considering City could play another 18 games if they reach both the FA Cup and Champions League finals, Haaland can easily finish the season with about 60 goals. This has never come close to being achieved in modern times but with coach Pep Guardiola and experienced teammates such as Kevin DeBruyne by his side, nobody would put this past the hot-shot striker. [Comment by Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]