In a bold move, Taiwan's vice president, Bi-Khim Hsiao, recently spoke to a group of international lawmakers in Brussels. She made a strong case for the European Union to strengthen its bonds with Taiwan, especially in trade and security. Her speech came at a time when China is increasing its pressure on Taiwan. Hsiao emphasized that peace in the Taiwan Strait is cr...
In a surprising move, Taiwan's Vice President, Hsiao Bi-khim, recently traveled to Belgium. She addressed lawmakers at the European Parliament. This visit is part of Taiwan's growing efforts to connect with Europe. Normally, Taiwan's top officials don't make such high-profile trips. This is because China often reacts strongly to these visits. Taiwan and China have a...
Metro Transit has some big wins that make riding the bus or train a good choice for many. One cool thing is that you can bring your bike along. Nicole Najmon from New Hope uses her bike and the bus together. She says the bike racks on buses are safe and easy to use. Each rack holds two bikes, so if it's full, you just wait for the next bus. This mix of biking and bus...
Rochester is now part of a nationwide project to make it easier for small businesses to succeed. The city was picked to join the Regulatory Justice Initiative, which aims to remove unnecessary rules that slow down entrepreneurs. This project is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and Cities Work at the Institute for Justice. Mayor Kim Norton is excited about this o...
Salem, a city known for its spooky season, is not ready to dim the lights just yet. With Halloween crowds thinning out, local groups are stepping up to keep the downtown area buzzing through the winter. Creative Collective and Salem Main Streets have teamed up to launch "Holiday Happenings, " a plan to support local businesses and attract visitors even after the Hall...
Poland is stepping up its defense game in a major way. Starting this month, the country is launching a new military training program called "At Readiness. " This isn't just any old training program—it's a massive effort to prepare around 400, 000 people by 2026. That's a lot of folks! Why the sudden push? Well, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has everyone on edge. Pola...
Peru is in a tough spot. They need to decide if they will let a former leader's ex-prime minister, Betssy Chavez, leave the country safely. She's been staying at the Mexican embassy in Lima since Peru cut ties with Mexico. This isn't just about one person. It's part of a bigger problem. Peru and Mexico have been at odds for a while. Things got worse when Mexico gave...
Prince William is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a three-day visit focused on environmental issues. He's not just there to see the sights. He's also announcing the winners of his Earthshot Prize. This award celebrates people who are working on solutions to climate change. William has been busy. He's met with former soccer star Cafu, played volleyball on Copacabana B...
Shreveport, Louisiana, is getting a major makeover thanks to rapper and businessman Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent. He's been buying up property in the downtown area, with around 20 buildings now under his belt. His goal? To turn Shreveport into a hotspot for movies, TV shows, and entertainment through his company, G-Unit Films & Television Inc. Jackson's p...
NATO's new defense spending target of 5% of GDP by 2035, set at the 2025 summit, is a big deal. But it's not as straightforward as it seems. The plan splits spending into two parts: 3. 5% for traditional defense and 1. 5% for broader security needs. The problem? No one knows exactly what counts as the latter. This lack of clarity could lead to some creative bookkeep...