POLITICS

May 20 2026POLITICS

Portland’s Big Building Dilemma

The city is rethinking a plan that would have turned the school district’s office into a family shelter. The proposal, which would cost about $14 million to renovate, was dropped by the finance committee last week. The building on Cumberland Avenue is 56 000 square feet and currently houses the d

reading time less than a minute
May 20 2026POLITICS

Group of Seven Heads Up: China’s Export Surge Draws Global Attention

The Group of Seven finance leaders recently turned their focus toward China’s large‑scale export activity, using data from the International Monetary Fund to highlight how this strategy may be harming other economies. The meeting’s agenda included a discussion on global trade imbalances, with off

reading time less than a minute
May 20 2026POLITICS

Energy Projects Get a Boost When Permits Are Clear

Energy projects across the United States can move faster if the rules for getting permits are made simpler and more reliable. Even when politics is heated, many lawmakers agree that better permitting would help build new power plants and offshore wind farms. If the current Congress acts before its t

reading time less than a minute
May 20 2026POLITICS

Saudi Nuclear Deal Lacks Strong Safeguards, Critics Say

A new U. S. agreement with Saudi Arabia on nuclear power has sparked worry among lawmakers who want tighter rules. The deal, still in review before President Trump could sign it, would let the U. S. share nuclear technology with Riyadh. Democratic senators had asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to

reading time less than a minute
May 20 2026POLITICS

Data Centers, Power and Politics: Virginia’s Growing Debate

Virginia is becoming the world’s hub for data centers, with a concentration so dense that it consumes enough electricity to light almost 900, 000 homes. These facilities promise hefty tax income for counties and a boost to the local workforce, yet they also raise serious questions about energy use a

reading time less than a minute
May 20 2026POLITICS

Los Angeles delays higher wages for hotel and airport workers—what does this mean for the city?

The plan to raise Los Angeles’ minimum wage to $30 for hotel and airport employees just hit a major speed bump. City leaders agreed to delay the increase after business groups threatened to scrap a key city tax if the wage hike went through too soon. The original timeline would have brought workers

reading time less than a minute
May 20 2026POLITICS

School Attack Probe Nears End After Deadly Strike Near Missile Base

A U. S. military review into a deadly strike that killed over 175 people, mostly children and teachers, at an Iranian school is wrapping up soon. The investigation has proven tricky because the school sat right next to an active cruise missile site run by Iran’s military forces. Military leaders adm

reading time less than a minute
May 20 2026POLITICS

When New York’s top bosses meet the mayor, who blinks first?

New York City’s business leaders had a golden chance to push back when Mayor Mamdani invited them for quick chats last week. The stated goal was smoothing feathers ruffled by his flashy social media post about billionaire Ken Griffin. Yet somehow Griffin’s name vanished from the private talks with J

reading time less than a minute
May 20 2026POLITICS

Austin’s Big Plan Falls Short on Business Growth

Austin’s next big development plan, set to be approved soon, promises big changes for the city. But so far, it’s mostly just words. The city talks about improving life here, yet the main focus seems to be on parks, trails, and housing—not business. Sure, some projects like new trails and a medical r

reading time less than a minute
May 20 2026POLITICS

New U. S. Sanctions Target Iranian Money Networks and Ship Fleets

The U. S. just added more restrictions aimed at cutting off Iran's ability to move money around the world. This time, officials focused on an exchange house inside Iran called Amin Exchange along with a cluster of companies in places like China, Turkey, and the UAE. These businesses allegedly help I

reading time less than a minute