BUSINESS
NEWS
Alexander Schifter: The Hidden Costs of Starting a Business Nobody Warns You About
By Peter DuncanAsad Malik Discusses the Impact of Awards and Recognition on Building a Hospitality Business
By Hazel SaundersImports Fuel America’s Economy as Trade War Threatens Growth
By Helen RoschaCLIMATE
CHANGE
David Duong: From Vietnamese Refugee to the ‘King of Trash’
By Hazel SaundersSatellites Now Track Decades of Forest Growth From Space
By Tina Geiger
New data shows Louisiana leads the nation in per capita export surplus as trade tensions linked to President Donald Trump’s tariffs intensify
Several U.S. states are at risk of disproportionate effects from rising global trade tensions, as new tariffs threaten export demand, according to a new study examining state-level trade performance.
The research highlights which states generate the strongest export surpluses per capita, revealing how exposed certain regional economies may be if international trade slows amid tariff policies introduced under President Donald Trump.
According to the study, Louisiana ranks as the best state for exporting goods in the United States, posting a trade surplus of $2,853.71 per resident. With exports far exceeding imports, the state has more to lose than any other if foreign demand weakens.
The analysis was conducted using demand-planning software by Algo and examined average annual import and export data from the International Trade Administration for 2019-2023. States were ranked by their average per-capita net export surplus, using population data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Louisiana leads the nation with an export-to-import ratio of 2.7. The state recorded average annual exports of $20.83 billion and imports of $7.71 billion, resulting in an annual surplus of $13.12 billion. On a per-capita basis, this figure is more than four times that of the second-ranked state.
North Dakota ranks second, despite much smaller overall trade…
PUBLIC
INTEREST
U.S. and Italy Mark 82nd Anniversary of World War II Operation Shingle
U.S. and Italian military personnel, dignitaries, families of fallen service members, and local residents came together on January 22, 2026, to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of Operation Shingle, the decisive World War II amphibious landings at Anzio and Nettuno that helped break the stalemate in the Italian campaign.
The ceremony…
U.S. Treasury Sanctions Major Costa Rican Cocaine Trafficking Network
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on one of the Caribbean region’s largest cocaine trafficking networks, designating multiple individuals and entities for their roles in transporting multi-ton quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Costa Rica and onward to markets in the United States and Europe….
CULTURE
NEWS
Harmony in Dialogue: Bridging Tradition, Education, and Identity With Jiayi Wang Introduction
By D’Arcy SardoneFrom Warehouse to the World: Five Emerging Artists Debut Bold Visions at TERRADA ART AWARD 2025
By D’Arcy SardoneRH
FINANCIAL
Alexander Schifter: The Hidden Costs of Starting a Business Nobody Warns You About
As Alexander Schifter notes, starting a business involves more than just a great idea—it requires
Asad Malik Discusses the Impact of Awards and Recognition on Building a Hospitality Business
In the hospitality industry, awards carry weight as they reflect quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction.
THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES
Law enforcement group warns unpaid officers and strained operations could undermine public safety nationwide
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) is urging Congress to immediately pass the remaining fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills, warning that another federal government shutdown would unfairly burden federal law enforcement officers and could jeopardize public safety across the United States.
According to FLEOA, federal law enforcement officers are classified as “essential” employees and are legally required to continue working during a shutdown, even if they do not receive their scheduled pay until the government reopens. The organization says this places a significant financial strain on officers and their families.
“Federal law enforcement officers will always show up and do their jobs, even in the middle of a shutdown, because that is who they are,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of FLEOA. “But it is fundamentally wrong to force them to protect this country without a paycheck. While the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 guarantees back pay eventually, families cannot pay mortgages, buy groceries, or cover childcare with promises. A shutdown means real financial pain, real stress, and real harm to the men and women who keep this country safe.”
FLEOA also highlighted operational challenges that arise during shutdowns. While sworn officers remain on duty, many support and administrative staff are furloughed, requiring officers to absorb additional responsibilities that take time away from law enforcement missions.
“Every day, federal law enforcement officers are on the front lines taking violent criminals off the streets, dismantling trafficking networks, and stopping deadly fentanyl from reaching our communities,” Silverman added. “During a shutdown, instead of being fully focused on those missions, they are forced to cover administrative duties left…
CURRENT EDITION
The life of David Duong and his family is an American and Vietnamese success story, one built on both resilience in the face of challenges and a steady commitment to environmental service. After losing everything following the fall of Saigon in 1975, the Duong family moved across the sea and made a new home in San Francisco. Their experiences became the foundation for a multigenerational business in waste management and sustainability. Over the years, David’s eldest son, Michael Duong, began learning the company’s operations, while his siblings, Kristina and Victor, played crucial roles in financial management, community partnerships, and strategic growth. Together, they support a family mission that spans two continents.
Their journey of perseverance is chronicled in the documentary The King of Trash. The film captures the family’s impact in both the United States and Vietnam and shows how Michael, along with David’s siblings Kristina and Victor, carries forward the values that shaped the Duong family’s early years in San Francisco.
The American Dream, Built One Truck at a Time
Inspired by their father’s example and guided by a commitment to family unity, the Duong family founded the CoGiDo Paper Corporation in 1983 with $700 and one used truck. After selling the company to a major corporation in 1989, a turning point that provided both experience and capital, they launched California Waste Solutions (CWS) in 1992 with eight used trucks and a steadily growing team. What began as a modest operation has since grown into one of the largest family-owned recycling enterprises in the…
MORE ARTICLES
Satellites Now Track Decades of Forest Growth From Space
Ancient Climate Patterns Offer Clues to Future Rainfall Shifts
As Alexander Schifter notes, starting a business involves more than just a great idea—it requires careful planning, budgeting, and awareness of hidden expenses that can creep up. Many entrepreneurs focus on product development or client acquisition without realizing how much groundwork goes into building a sustainable operation. From legal fees and insurance to software subscriptions and marketing campaigns, each decision carries a financial implication.
Skipping steps or underestimating costs can lead to setbacks that stall growth or even shut things down prematurely. Understanding the layers of expense—from tangible items like equipment to less visible ones like time and mental strain—is key to starting strong and staying prepared.
Business Structure, Legal Fees, and Compliance Costs
Choosing the right business structure affects more than just taxes—it also impacts how much you’ll pay upfront and over time. Whether you go with an LLC, sole proprietorship, or S Corporation, each comes with its own set of registration costs and legal responsibilities. These fees can vary widely depending on your state and industry. Some entrepreneurs also have to budget for name reservations or publication requirements that are mandated in certain jurisdictions.
Some structures require annual reports, renewal fees, and state-specific filings. In some areas, forming an LLC might cost a few hundred dollars just to register, with additional fees each year to maintain it. Skipping these steps can lead to penalties or even suspension of your business…
CURRENT EDITION
Asad Malik Discusses the Impact of Awards and Recognition on Building a Hospitality Business
In the hospitality industry, awards carry weight as they reflectImports Fuel America’s Economy as Trade War Threatens Growth
Imports are the largest contributor to the U.S. economy, accordingHow to Turn Your Home Into a Profitable Long-Term Rental
Homeowners considering rental income, especially those relocating, inheriting a property,The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Yacht: A First-Time Buyer’s Handbook
There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when youWhere Small Businesses Are Overspending (& How To Fix It)
As a small business owner, you will always want toCove Capital Investments Discusses Why Debt-Free DSTs Are Becoming the Gold Standard for Risk-Conscious Investors
In this article, Cove Capital Investments, a leader in debt-free
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EDITOR'S
CHOICE
Alona Shevtsova Strengthens Academic Footprint Through International Scientific Contributions and Legal Research
WEATHER
TODAY
RH
NEWSROOM
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4 Strategies to Maximize Your Personal Injury Compensation
Hazel Saunders | RH
Export Heavy States Face Higher Risk as US Tariffs Reshape Global Trade
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