International

What would happen if America started faking its economic data? Here’s what happened when other countries did it

Exploring what would happen if America faked its economic data, with evidence from other countries

Economic data is one of the most important tools governments use to guide policy, inform financial markets, and shape public perception. In the United States, official reports such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation numbers play a central role in determining interest rates, investment strategies, and political debates. These figures are widely trusted both domestically and internationally, serving as a benchmark for global decision-making. But what if America were to compromise this trust by manipulating or fabricating its economic data?The implications of such a situation would reach well beyond the limits of the United States. As the U.S. dollar…
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This New York skyscraper had a 1-in-16 chance of collapse. Only one man knew

The engineer who discovered a 1-in-16 collapse risk in a New York skyscraper

The story of the Citicorp Center skyscraper, a New York landmark with a hidden and near-fatal design flaw, serves as a powerful testament to the critical role of human integrity and expertise in the world of engineering. For decades, the public was unaware that one of the city’s most recognizable buildings was, in fact, an impending catastrophe waiting for the right storm to strike. This chilling secret was known by only one person, an engineer whose unwavering ethical compass ultimately saved countless lives. The narrative is a compelling blend of design hubris, mathematical precision, and the quiet heroism of a…
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A New Zealand mother and her 6-year-old son made a brief trip to Canada. They have spent weeks detained by ICE

A New Zealand mother and her 6-year-old son detained by ICE after a brief trip to Canada

The tale of a mother from New Zealand and her little son, who have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for several weeks after a brief visit to Canada, has highlighted the intricacies and frequently harsh conditions of today's immigration enforcement. What started as a short family holiday has, according to reports, turned into an extended and distressing detention, bringing up critical concerns regarding the procedures and humanitarian factors within the U.S. immigration framework. This situation has incited anger among immigration supporters and global onlookers, who are challenging the justification for such a drastic reaction to what…
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An Irish town makes all the world’s Botox. Trump’s trade deal could leave a mark

All the world’s Botox comes from an Irish town—will Trump’s trade deal harm it?

The quaint Irish town of Westport, which serves as the worldwide center for Botox production, is confronting an uncertain future due to a proposed trade agreement from the Trump administration. This town's economic prosperity is deeply dependent on the Allergan facility, the only factory that manufactures the global supply of the well-known cosmetic and medical product. The potential impacts of this trade agreement may have significant effects on the town's employment and economic steadiness, underscoring the fragile nature of global supply chains and international diplomacy.The Allergan facility is not just a major employer in Westport; it is the economic lifeblood…
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Far-right populists top polls in Germany, France and Britain for the first time

Far-right populists clinch top spots in Germany, France and Britain polls for the first time

A notable political shift is occurring across Europe, as populist parties on the right of the political spectrum are gaining unprecedented traction. Recent polling data indicates that these movements have, for the first time, surged to the top of national popularity rankings in Germany, France, and Britain. This marks a significant moment in modern European politics, challenging the dominance of traditional, mainstream parties and signaling a new era of political fragmentation and realignment. The ascendancy of these parties is a complex phenomenon driven by a variety of interconnected factors, from economic dissatisfaction to cultural anxieties.In Germany, the far-right Alternative for…
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China Evergrande to be delisted from Hong Kong stock exchange following debt woes

Hong Kong to delist China Evergrande as debt problems escalate

The extensive and dramatic journey of China Evergrande has arrived at its foreseeable end, as the company is set for removal from the Hong Kong stock exchange. This official exit from a prominent public market marks the last chapter in the collapse of what used to be the second-largest property developer in the country. The decision is not simply a bureaucratic process but a significant symbolic occurrence, marking the close of an era characterized by bold growth and unsupportable debt. This ending to the Evergrande narrative highlights the deep-seated risks within China's real estate sector and the government's evolving economic…
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Zelensky rules out ceding Donbas region as Russians make fresh advance

Zelensky stands firm on Donbas as Russians gain ground

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not make territorial concessions in the Donbas region, a stance he reiterated as Russian forces launched new assaults. Despite reports of Russian troops making recent advances in the eastern part of the country, Zelensky firmly stated that abandoning the Donbas would not bring about a lasting peace. He argued that such a move would simply provide Russia with a "springboard" for future offensives, leaving other major cities like Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv vulnerable to attack. This firm position comes at a time when diplomatic efforts are being made to…
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