TAIWAN IRAN PAKISTAN SOUTH AFRICA

May 18 2026WEATHER

Storm Alert: Big Thunderheads Loom Over Southern Minnesota Tonight

Southern Minnesota may enjoy a calm weekend, but a surge of strong thunderstorms is set to hit the area late Sunday night and carry through Monday morning. Weather forecasters have flagged this as a notable event, urging residents to keep an eye on the sky. The forecast places western, central and

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May 18 2026BUSINESS

Iran’s new insurance plan for ships in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran has introduced a new system called Hormuz Safe, a digital insurance platform to help ships pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead of traditional insurance, vessels will pay using cryptocurrency. The plan is led by Iran’s Economy Ministry, which claims it can manage the strait better

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May 18 2026OPINION

South Africa’s straying from its heroic past

South Africa used to be the world’s textbook example of fighting injustice. Today, it’s watching itself struggle with waves of hate aimed at people from elsewhere on the continent. Shops smashed, families hiding, and whole neighborhoods living in fear—all because some locals are blaming outsiders fo

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May 15 2026TECHNOLOGY

Google Play Steps Up for Korea's Esports Stars

South Korea's top gamers are getting a tech-savvy boost before the big Asian Games. Google Play just teamed up with the national esports squad to help them shine on the global stage. This isn't just about cheerleading—the deal means Google Play will fuel the team's journey with financial support and

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May 15 2026POLITICS

South Carolina’s Public Health Chief Steps Down After Rough Ride

South Carolina just wrapped up its 2026 legislative session, and with it, the state’s top public health official is packing up his desk. Dr. Ed Simmer, who took charge of the Department of Public Health during the pandemic, left the building on May 14 when the legislature refused to give him a perma

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May 14 2026HEALTH

Mindfulness in the Digital Age for Older Adults

Taiwan is aging fast. Nearly one in seven people there are over 65. That’s why finding ways to help older adults stay healthy is important. Many studies show that mindfulness can improve sleep and mental health. But mindfulness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Most programs focus on stress reduction, missin

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May 13 2026POLITICS

South Korea Explores Safety Help for Persian Gulf Without Jumping Into War

South Korea’s defense chief recently met with his U. S. counterpart to talk about safer shipping lanes near Iran. Instead of sending troops right away, Seoul is thinking about smaller steps first. Possible moves include backing statements, sharing intelligence, or loaning equipment rather than boots

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May 09 2026WEATHER

Pollen in the Air: How Dry Weather Hits South Carolina

South Carolina is dealing with a tough weather mix. The state is still in severe to extreme drought, and the dry air keeps pollen from washing away. Warm temperatures and steady breezes let pollen stay airborne longer, making allergies worse for many residents. When rain is scarce, trees and grasse

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May 08 2026POLITICS

Korea Investigates Fire on Ship Near Hormuz Strait

South Korean authorities have begun looking into an explosion and blaze that hit a Korean‑run vessel in the waters near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident happened on Monday while the ship was anchored close to the United Arab Emirates, and it caused damage in the engine room. The crew of 24, which

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May 08 2026FINANCE

Building Africa’s Finance Brain: A New Plan for Growth

Africa faces a big gap between the money it needs and the money it can get. The problem is not just how much money is missing, but how it is organized. Right now, most of the continent’s savings stay in quick‑turn government debt instead of being used to build schools, roads or factories. What

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