Explore news, analysis, and commentary on national and international politics.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Taiwan is set to invest $1 billion annually over the next three years to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) sector, aiming to diversify its economy beyond its traditional semiconductor industry. This initiative, announced by Science and Technology Minister Wu Tsung-tsong, focuses on enhancing AI data centers and applications, with the
Media
Brendan Carr, recently appointed as the incoming Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by President-elect Donald Trump, has pledged to dismantle what he terms Big Tech's "censorship cartel." Carr, who has served as an FCC commissioner since 2017, is known for his strong stance against
Government
Vivek Ramaswamy, co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has announced plans to recommend the elimination of certain federal agencies as part of a comprehensive government restructuring. Appointed by President-elect Donald Trump alongside Elon Musk, Ramaswamy emphasized the necessity of reducing government size and spending. While specific agencies were
Banking
The World Bank is currently facing significant scrutiny due to reports of unaccounted climate funds and the prospect of budget cuts from the incoming Trump administration. An Oxfam report published in October 2024 revealed that between $24 billion and $41 billion of the World Bank's climate finance over
Real Estate
The New York City Council has passed the Fairness in Apartment Rentals Act (FARE), shifting the responsibility of paying broker fees from tenants to landlords. The legislation, approved by a 42-8 vote, aims to alleviate the financial burden on renters by prohibiting brokers representing landlords from charging fees to tenants.
Economy
The U.S. dollar has experienced significant strengthening, reaching its highest levels in years. This surge is attributed to robust economic growth, higher interest rates, and increased investor confidence in the U.S. economy. A strong dollar has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it makes imports cheaper
Government
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Elon Musk as head of a new initiative called the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). The goal of this department is to streamline government functions by reducing bureaucracy, cutting waste, and simplifying federal agency structures. Musk will lead the initiative in partnership with former presidential
Environment
On November 12, 2024, a Dutch appeals court overturned a 2021 ruling that had mandated Shell to reduce its carbon emissions by 45% by 2030. The original decision was hailed as a landmark in holding corporations accountable for their environmental impact. However, the appeals court found that while Shell has
Politics
Following Donald Trump's recent election victory, attention has turned to the composition of his forthcoming administration. The selection process emphasizes loyalty and experience, with several key figures emerging as potential appointees. Susie Wiles A seasoned political strategist, Wiles co-managed Trump's campaign and is a leading candidate
Supply Chain
China is on the verge of achieving a record-breaking $1 trillion trade surplus, a development that has intensified global trade tensions. This substantial surplus is primarily due to China's robust export growth, particularly in sectors like technology and manufacturing. The United States and the European Union have expressed
Economy
With Donald Trump elected as president, the Federal Reserve has surprised some economists by announcing another interest rate cut, lowering the federal funds rate by a quarter point. This decision reflects the Fed’s focus on addressing persistent inflation concerns while considering the broader economic landscape. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell
Taxes
The re-election of Donald Trump has reignited discussions about tariffs and their potential impact on U.S. businesses. During his campaign, Trump proposed imposing a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and a 10% to 20% tariff on all other imports. These measures aim to protect domestic industries and reduce trade