Economic turmoil in Bolivia fuels distrust in government on July 2, 2024Signs reading “I’m buying dollars” line the doors of Víctor Vargas´ shoe shop in the heart of Bolivia´s biggest city, a desperate attempt to keep his family business alive. Just a few years ago, the 45-year-old Vargas would unlock the doors at 8 a.m. to a crush of customers already waiting to buy tennis shoes […]
Ukraine’s convicts offered release at a high price: Joining the fight against Russia on July 2, 2024At a rural penal colony in southeast Ukraine, several convicts stand assembled under barbed wire to hear an army recruiter offer them a shot at parole. In return, they must join the grueling fight against Russia. “You can put an end to this and start a new life,” said the recruiter, a member of a […]
UK voters wonder whether their election choice will make a difference on July 2, 2024A lot of politicians have promised change to voters in Hartlepool, a wind-whipped port town in northeast England. For decades, Labour Party representatives said they would fight for working people, even as well-paid industrial jobs disappeared. Later, Conservatives under then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed to bring new money and opportunities on the back of Brexit. […]
American and British voters share deep roots. In 2024, they distrust their own leaders, too on July 1, 2024Distrust has settled over the campaign trails in the United States and United Kingdom ahead of July 4 like a soggy summer haze. On that day, British voters will choose a new Parliament in an election expected to finish with a Labour government after 14 years under the Conservatives. Americans across the pond, deeply polarized […]
Hungary’s populist Orbán to take over EU presidency as many issues hang in the balance on July 1, 2024When Hungary takes over the helm of the European Union on July 1, many politicians in Brussels will have the same thing on their minds: whether populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will use the role to further his reputation as the bloc´s main spoiler. Orbán in recent years has seemed to relish opportunities to block, […]
Kenya’s urban population is growing. The need for affordable housing is, too on July 1, 2024In the heart of the crowded Kibera neighborhood in Kenya’s capital, Jacinter Awino shares a small tin house with her husband and four children. She envies those who have escaped such makeshift homes to more permanent dwellings under the government´s affordable housing plan. The 33-year-old housewife and her mason husband are unable to raise the […]
Summer hours are a perk small businesses can offer to workers to boost morale on July 1, 2024With summer having gotten off to a scorching start, workers across the country may be dreaming of a seaside escape or cutting out early to watch a movie in an air-conditioned theater. For some, that can be a reality. Business owners have found that offering summer hours – a reduced schedule on Fridays, usually between […]
US to lock defense pacts with Asian allies as North Korean, Chinese threats rise on June 30, 2024The United States wrapped up its first multidomain exercise with Japan and South Korea in the East China Sea on Saturday, a step forward in Washington’s efforts to strengthen and lock in its security partnerships with key Asian allies in the face of growing threats from North Korea and China. The three-day Freedom Edge increased […]
Iran to hold runoff election on June 30, 2024Iran announced Saturday it will hold a runoff presidential election to replace the late hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi after an initial vote saw the top candidates not securing an outright win in the lowest turnout poll ever held in the Islamic Republic. The election this coming Friday will pit reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian against the […]
Indian military tank sinks while crossing a river killing 5 soldiers on June 30, 2024Five Indian soldiers were killed when a military tank they were travelling in sank while crossing a river in the remote region of Ladakh that borders China, officials said Saturday. The tank sank early Saturday due to sudden increase in the water levels of Shyok River during a military training activity, according to an Indian […]