Japan’s high stakes gamble to turn Hokkaido into a global chip hub BBC Report 

CHITOSE, Japan — Cranes tower over fields of lavender and dairy farms on the northern island of Hokkaido, where Japan has launched what officials call Japan’s high stakes gamble to rebuild its semiconductor industry and stake a claim in the global race for advanced chips.  Billions of dollars are flowing into new factories, research centers … Read more

Hope Emerges After US Market Rout as Fed Signals Possible Rate Cuts

A stressed businessman sits beside a computer screen showing a sharp market decline, reflecting the pressure from the recent US market rout.

NEW YORK — A turbulent week on Wall Street ended with a glimmer of optimism after a sharp US market rout driven by hotter than expected economic readings and renewed anxiety over high flying technology valuations.  Despite losses across major indexes, comments from a top Federal Reserve official and selective strength in the artificial intelligence … Read more

Patel under scrutiny for deploying FBI SWAT team to protect girlfriend

FBI Director Kash Patel under scrutiny as questions rise over use of SWAT team for girlfriend’s security at NRA convention

WASHINGTON — FBI Director Kash Patel is under scrutiny after ordering a SWAT team to provide security for his girlfriend, a rising country singer, during her performance at a National Rifle Association convention in Atlanta earlier this year.  The unusual deployment, paired with Patel’s frequent use of government resources during his first months leading the … Read more

Stargate project draws antitrust scrutiny as AI rivals unite in $500 billion venture

Stargate project leaders including OpenAI, Nvidia, and Oracle executives standing with President Trump during the AI infrastructure announcement

WASHINGTON — On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled what he described as a “monumental undertaking” in artificial intelligence, the Stargate Project, a $500 billion joint venture bringing together some of the leading companies in AI technology.  The project unites OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, Microsoft, Nvidia, Arm, and MGX, an AI investment group backed by … Read more

China Tajikistan trade set to expand as Beijing pledges more investment

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets Tajik officials in Dushanbe to discuss China Tajikistan trade and investment expansion

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan — China plans to expand trade and investment with Tajikistan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a visit to the Tajik capital on Saturday.  Wang pledged to increase imports of high quality agricultural products from Tajikistan and encourage Chinese companies to invest in the landlocked Central Asian nation. “China will remain a … Read more

US economy shows strong growth but job creation lags, worrying Fed officials

US Economy Growth Strong, Job Creation Lags

WASHINGTON — The United States economy is exhibiting an unusual trend that is raising concerns among Federal Reserve officials.  Despite robust economic growth and high productivity, job creation has slowed significantly this year, leaving policymakers grappling with how to steer the economy. US companies have sharply reduced hiring, uncertain about the impact of sweeping economic … Read more

Trump net worth falls $1.1 billion as crypto and TMTG stock decline

Trump looks at financial charts showing declining net worth, symbolizing his $1.1 billion drop in wealth

Former President Donald Trump’s net worth fell by $1.1 billion in recent months, according to financial analysts tracking his wealth.  The decline follows losses in his technology company TMTG and the Trump family’s cryptocurrency investments, highlighting volatility in both traditional and digital assets. As of Friday, Trump’s net worth was estimated at $6.2 billion, down … Read more