London, United Kingdom | AFP | Iran’s seizure and continued detention of a UK-flagged tanker deals Boris Johnson an immediate loyalty test: Britain’s new prime minister may have to choose between Gulf escorts led by Europe or by the United States. Which way Johnson leans could set the tone for a …
Read More »Big Tech antitrust review: tough policy or publicity stunt?
Washington, United States | AFP | The antitrust review of Big Tech announced by US regulators could signal a tough new stand on competition policy, but it may just be a political publicity stunt. Legal experts said any antitrust enforcement action against technology giants remains far off, and that a breakup …
Read More »Boeing reports biggest-ever loss as 737 MAX grounding drags on
New York, United States | AFP | Boeing reported its biggest loss ever Wednesday as the 737 MAX crisis drags on, and the company warned it could be forced to temporarily halt production of the plane if it cannot return to the skies. The aviation giant’s troubles have been mounting since …
Read More »British PM Johnson brings in new team for Brexit challenge
London, United Kingdom | AFP | New Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked most of Britain’s cabinet on Wednesday as he took office vowing to get a new divorce deal with the European Union or leave without one by October 31. The former London mayor has pledged to break the political deadlock …
Read More »One giant leap: 50 years ago, humanity’s first steps on the Moon
Houston, United States | AFP | “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”: it was with these words that Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the Moon 50 years ago, an occasion celebrated by space enthusiasts globally Saturday. The era-defining event was …
Read More »IMF/World Bank: 75 years as the world’s financial firefighters
Washington, United States | AFP | At the critical moment of a Hollywood movie starring A-lister Sandra Bullock, Bolivia’s newly-elected president calls in the International Monetary Fund to bail out the poverty-stricken country, violating a campaign promise. The streets erupt in violent protest. The movie, “Our Brand is Crisis,” is …
Read More »US importers find ways to adapt to, skirt Trump’s tariffs
New York, United States | AFP | Big US companies are accelerating efforts to move more of their supply chains from China to neighboring countries in light of Trump administration tariffs. Companies in sectors such as technology, clothing and footwear are exporting more goods from emerging giants including Vietnam and Malaysia, …
Read More »‘Game of Thrones’ cast defend final season at Comic-Con
San Diego, United States | AFP | The “Game of Thrones” cast leapt to the defense of its much-maligned final season in front of a boisterous crowd at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, blaming the backlash on negative media coverage. The HBO fantasy epic’s conclusion enraged fans around the world, and …
Read More »50 years ago, humanity’s first steps on another world
Washington, United States | AFP | Fifty years ago on Saturday, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans in history to set foot on the Moon, an event watched on television by half a billion people. Their lunar module, named “Eagle,” touched down at 2018 GMT (4:18 …
Read More »Germany remembers heroes in Hitler assassination bid
Berlin, Germany | AFP Germany paid tribute Saturday to Claus von Stauffenberg and others who sought to assassinate Adolf Hitler 75 years ago, a plot that was recognised only belatedly but which a resurgent far-right is now seeking to expropriate. In the attempt on July 20, 1944, Stauffenberg and other high-ranking …
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