The U. S. government has asked its foreign representatives to oppose new rules that would limit how American technology companies handle people’s personal data abroad. A letter from the State Department, dated February 18 and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warned that such restrictions c
In February, voters in Switzerland face a vote that could trim the budget of the country’s main public broadcaster. The proposal, backed by several groups including a right‑leaning party, would reduce the mandatory fee that residents pay to fund the broadcaster from 335 francs a year to just 200. Su
The Swiss government will give a one‑time payment of 50, 000 francs (about $56, 000) to each person who was badly hurt or whose loved one died in the bar fire that happened on New Year’s Eve at Crans‑Montana. This gesture is meant to help families quickly, and it shows the country’s compassion fo
Ukraine’s president told reporters that fixing the Druzhba oil line will not be quick, even though the EU and Hungary want it done fast. The pipe that moves Russian oil into Europe stopped working after a strike in western Ukraine on January 27. Hungary and Slovakia blame Kyiv for the delay, while U
The U. S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against UCLA, claiming the university fostered an environment hostile to Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff. The suit cites violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national
In Douglas County, a new rule was approved that tells most retail shops in the unincorporated areas to tell law‑enforcement when someone steals from them. The county changed the original plan, which had set fines up to $1, 000 for businesses that didn’t report a theft. Instead of penalties, the deci
The highest court in Brazil has opened a courtroom session to hear the case of people charged with killing a city councilwoman and her driver in 2018. A panel of five judges will decide on the fates of former congressman Chiquinho Brazão, his brother Domingos who once served on a city watchdog, t
Orangeburg leaders held a “Safety First” chat to let residents voice worries about safety and ask questions. The meeting happened just weeks after a shooting at South Carolina State University that killed two people and hurt another. An 18‑year‑old was arrested for the crime. City officials
Dr. Casey Means, a 38‑year‑old wellness star who runs her own health app and books, will appear before the Senate Health Committee to try for the Surgeon General slot. The hearing was pushed back from October after she went into labor on the day of her original appointment. Means says she wants to
The council met on Feb. 19 and decided to release $2. 3 million from the city’s free‑cash pile, a move that follows the mayor’s request and the Finance Committee’s nod. The biggest chunk—$2 million—was earmarked for Westfield High School’s new athletic fields. City Treasurer‑Collector Matthew Bar
