Hong Kong’s position as a leading offshore wealth center is under pressure after it edged past Switzerland in recent rankings. The main challenge comes from China’s fresh clampdown on cross‑border stock trading, which threatens the city’s financial stability. Beijing has ordered three major online b
Business owners in Maine have long complained about the high costs of swipe fees. A former entrepreneur who helped local shops sell gift cards has seen how these charges eat into profits. He sold his company but kept the lessons learned. Now he urges lawmakers to reject a new bill that would let cr
In a recent interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press, ” President Trump explained that he will not lift sanctions or free Iranian assets until a peace agreement is finalized. He emphasized that any easing of restrictions would come after Tehran shows it can act responsibly and keep its commitments. The
President Trump claimed that fresh attacks from Israel and Iran would not derail his administration’s negotiations with Tehran, asserting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “doesn’t call the shots. ” He has urged Israel to pause its operations in Lebanon so that a broader agreement wi
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that his government will take stronger action against the groups responsible for xenophobic attacks, which have hurt South Africa’s image worldwide. The country has been dealing with violent protests that target immigrants from Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambiqu
The new president of Indonesia has made a big promise: give free meals to millions of school kids and push the country’s growth fast. His plan has been hit by several problems that make investors nervous. One problem is the country’s currency, the rupiah. It has fallen to a record low of about
In Maine, a debate is heating up around a leading Senate hopeful who has stirred discomfort among his own party. Although he leads the polls, several Democratic lawmakers have voiced concerns about his suitability for office. The worries stem from recent reports that he sent inappropriate message
The first national election after a major loss to Azerbaijan has just begun. Early counts from only five percent of polling places show the ruling party, Civil Contract, winning about 57 percent. This result comes from Armenia’s election board shown on public television. The second strongest
Former inmates are now helping decide what health services look like in Los Angeles County. The Reentry Health Advisory Collaborative, started in 2020 with a grant, invites people who have lived through the prison system to share what they need. Before this effort, policy meetings usually only
The Sagrada Família in Barcelona has finally reached its highest point, with the last big piece—a cross on the central tower—placed in February. After more than a century of construction, the church now stands 566 feet tall, close to the height of a five‑story building. The ceremony will be led by P
