Explore news, analysis, and commentary on national and international politics.
Economy
The U.S. manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery in November 2024, with the S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI improving to 49.7, up from October's 48.5. Though still below the neutral 50.0 threshold, the index indicates a slower contraction in the sector
Small Business
U.S. small businesses remain heavily reliant on Chinese imports, despite existing tariffs and the looming threat of additional levies from the Trump administration. Efforts to diversify supply chains face significant challenges, including high domestic labor costs, a shortage of skilled workers, and potential tariffs on alternative manufacturing hubs like
Media
Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform founded with a mission to reshape online interactions, has been gaining notable traction in Japan. Unlike its trajectory in the United States, where user growth has been influenced by political events and controversies surrounding X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky’s expansion in Japan appears to
Supply Chain
In a recent policy shift, former President Donald Trump announced plans to reintroduce tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, aiming to bolster domestic manufacturing and protect American jobs. However, this move includes specific exemptions for certain countries, reflecting a strategic approach to international trade relations. Background on Tariffs During his
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