BUSINESS
NEWS
U.S. Economic Indicators Signal Mixed Trends as LEI Dips While CEI and LAG Show Growth
By Peter DuncanUnited States Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Money Laundering Network
By Sandy Di AngelisThe Evolving Landscape of Intellectual Property Law in the Digital Age: Strategies and Challenges
By Hazel SaundersCLIMATE
CHANGE
New Research Highlights Importance of Clear Regulations in Agricultural Gene Editing
By Yves DucrotBodybuilding in Ancient Times: How the Sea Anemone Got Its Back
By Tina Geiger
Argentina increases military ties to the United States
In a significant meeting at the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri to discuss the enduring partnership between the two nations, which has spanned over 200 years. Hegseth emphasized the importance of collaboration as both countries face shared security threats, particularly from China, which he identified as a growing concern for the United States, Argentina, and the broader region.
“Regional peace demands the utmost will and tenacity, and I think we can face these shared security challenges together, and I know we will,” Hegseth stated during the enhanced honor cordon ceremony. He praised Argentina’s recent decisions to strengthen its defense capabilities, which include the acquisition of U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons and Stryker fighting vehicles.
The historical ties between Argentina and the U.S. were also a focal point of the discussions. Hegseth recounted significant military collaborations from the past, including the purchase of 1,000 muskets and bayonets by Argentine representatives during the War of Independence in 1811, and Argentina’s contribution of warships to coalition forces during the Gulf War.
PUBLIC
INTEREST
Air Dominance, Disaster Response Top Western Hemisphere Security Talks
Air force leaders from more than 20 countries gathered for the Conference of American Air Chiefs in Asunción, Paraguay, June 16-21. CONJEFAMER, or Conferencia de los Jefes de las Fuerzas Aéreas Americanas in Spanish, brings together top air force leaders from across the Western Hemisphere to strengthen regional partnerships,…
NATO Leaders Pledge to Increase Defense Spending
During a press briefing on the last day of the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, President Donald J. Trump emphasized the need for all member states to share the financial burden of European defense spending.
Alliance members, he said, agreed to increase their annual defense spending, ultimately up to…
CULTURE
NEWS
Monty Hobbs: From Pool Hall to Pop Culture Legacy
By D’Arcy SardoneFrom the Wild to the Wall: Why Investing in Johan Siggesson’s Photography Makes Sense
By D’Arcy SardoneRH
FINANCIAL
U.S. Economic Indicators Signal Mixed Trends as LEI Dips While CEI and LAG Show Growth
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US ticked down by 0.1% in
United States Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Money Laundering Network
The United States government announced on Friday the imposition of sanctions on over 35 individuals
THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES
Record-breaking U.S.-Africa Business Summit yields $2.5 billion in deals and commitments
From June 22 to 25, more than 2,700 leaders from the U.S. and Africa convened for the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa and the President of Angola. This year’s summit saw a record turnout with 12 African Heads of State, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Africa relations.
Ambassador Troy Fitrell, the Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, led the U.S. delegation, which included prominent officials focused on enhancing U.S. commercial engagement across Africa. Notable attendees included Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa; Thomas Hardy, Acting Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency; Constance Hamilton, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa; Connor Coleman, Head of Investments at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation; and Tamara Maxwell, Senior Vice President for Small Business at the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
The summit underscored the shared commitment of U.S. and African leaders to significantly expand trade and investment. The U.S. aimed to secure key deals for American companies while establishing conditions favorable for increasing exports and investments in Africa, in line with the Trump Administration’s Commercial Diplomacy Strategy.
A key outcome of the summit was the announcement of over $2.5 billion in new deals and commitments between U.S. and African partners, reinforcing the U.S.’s prioritization of trade over aid, and positioning African nations as peers in investment-led growth.
Several major agreements emerged from the summit:
– Amer-Con Corporation & Angolan Cargo and Logistics Certification Regulatory Agency: A strategic partnership to construct and operate 22 grain silo terminals along the Lobito Corridor, aimed at enhancing Angola’s food security and agri-logistics capacity.
– Cybastion & Angola Telecom: A $170 million…
CURRENT EDITION
While some scientists argue that agricultural gene editing regulations are overly restrictive, a new paper from the University of Adelaide emphasises the importance of clear regulations to ensure new technologies are used safely and responsibly
By Yves Ducrot / Environmental ReporterA recent paper from the University of Adelaide is drawing attention to the crucial role of regulatory frameworks in agricultural gene editing. While some scientists argue that current regulations are overly restrictive, the authors emphasize the need for clear guidelines to ensure these emerging technologies are applied safely and responsibly.
The paper, published in The Plant Journal, features contributions from researchers Dr. Emily Buddle, Michail Ivanov, and Professor Rachel Ankeny. The review underscores how effective regulation not only fosters innovation but also encourages public engagement and builds trust in new gene technologies.
“Regulatory decisions are influenced by value judgements related to safety, risk, and societal benefits,” explains Dr. Buddle. She further stresses the importance of early and ongoing communication between plant scientists and various stakeholders to address potential concerns regarding new technologies. “This engagement should be seen as a mutual learning process, recognizing that no single group can shape regulation in isolation.”
A notable point made in the review is the distinction between scientific equivalency and public acceptance. While certain gene-editing techniques can produce changes that occur naturally in agriculture, public perception relies more on the application and perceived benefits of the technology rather than the methods themselves. Dr. Buddle notes that research findings suggest people might be more open to gene editing that enhances crop resilience to drought than to modifications aimed at altering nutritional content.
Despite the advantages gene editing offers—such as enhancing crops’ ability to withstand environmental stressors—no gene-edited plants are in commercial production in Australia. The ongoing development of these breeding technologies has…
MORE ARTICLES
Bodybuilding in Ancient Times: How the Sea Anemone Got Its Back
In Memoriam: Kristina Washer, 30, Environmental Science Pioneer and Advocate for Planetary Health
New Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Methane Emissions Linked to Arctic Warming
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US inched down in May
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US ticked down by 0.1% in May 2025 to 99.0 (2016=100), after declining by 1.4% in April (revised downward from –1.0% originally reported). The LEI has fallen by 2.7% in the six-month period ending May 2025, a much faster rate of decline than the 1.4% contraction over the previous six months.
“The LEI for the US fell again in May, but only marginally,” said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, Senior Manager, Business Cycle Indicators, at The Conference Board. “The recovery of stock prices after the April drop was the main positive contributor to the Index. However, consumers’ pessimism, persistently weak new orders in manufacturing, a second consecutive month of rising initial claims for unemployment insurance, and a decline in housing permits weighed on the Index, leading to May’s overall decline. With the substantial negatively revised drop in April and the further downtick in May, the six-month growth rate of the Index has become more negative, triggering the recession signal. The Conference Board does not anticipate recession, but we do expect a significant slowdown in economic growth in 2025 compared to 2024, with real GDP growing at 1.6% this year and persistent tariff effects potentially leading to further deceleration in 2026.”
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the US inched up by 0.1% in May 2025 to 115.1 (2016=100), after a 0.2% increase…
CURRENT EDITION
United States Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Money Laundering Network
The United States government announced on Friday the imposition ofThe Evolving Landscape of Intellectual Property Law in the Digital Age: Strategies and Challenges
In a rapidly digitizing world, intellectual property (IP) law standsGraduates Rejoice: Realtor.com Unveils Top Rental Markets for 2025
Amid the hustle and bustle of graduation season, Realtor.com hasMatthew H. Fleeger’s Strategic Innovation at Gulf Coast Western Reshapes Oil Exploration
In an industry known for volatility and unpredictability, Matthew H.Qatar Airways Makes Aviation History With Record-Breaking Order for 210 Boeing Jets
In a groundbreaking move that is set to reshape the
- Loading stock data...
EDITOR'S
CHOICE
How Automated Turning Mattresses Actually Work: The Technology Behind Pressure Injury Prevention
WEATHER
TODAY
RH
NEWSROOM
-
Argentina and U.S. Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Regional Security Challenges
Sandy Di Angelis | RH
Why Ritz Vanity’s New Album Will Change the Indie Rock Scene
D’Arcy Sardone | RH
Amid Industry Shakeups, MyState MLS Quietly Reshapes the Real Estate Landscape
Michelle Kellett | RH
-
-
Producer, Songwriter Izzat Music Video Scores Big with US Retail Chains
Trending on Social Media
-
Top Artists Invited to Apply for Entry to The Sausalito Art Festival
Trending on Social Media
-
The Who Announce 2019 North American “MOVING ON! TOUR”
Trending on Social Media
-
Jacob Whitesides to Be the Face of Viktor&Rolf’s New Fragrance for Men
Trending on Social Media
-
A Sub-Mariner for the Modern Age: Why Enzo Zelocchi Represents the Future of Marvel Casting
