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Financial Red Flags That Could Hurt Your Borrowing Power
By Peter DuncanSimple Ways to Get More Value Out of Your Everyday Spending
By Steve ArnettAlexander Schifter: The Hidden Costs of Starting a Business Nobody Warns You About
By Peter DuncanCLIMATE
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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…
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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….
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Creative Ways to Add Fun Adventures to Your Family Travel Plans
By Emily PattersonHow to Feel the Real New York? 8 Pieces of Advice for Visitors
By Dennis KellerRH
FINANCIAL
Financial Red Flags That Could Hurt Your Borrowing Power
Borrowing money is a reality for most people at some point in their lives. Whether
Simple Ways to Get More Value Out of Your Everyday Spending
Most people spend money every day without giving it much thought. A quick coffee on
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…
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Satellites Now Track Decades of Forest Growth From Space
Ancient Climate Patterns Offer Clues to Future Rainfall Shifts
Borrowing money is a reality for most people at some point in their lives. Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, financing a car, or opening a new credit line, lenders evaluate more than just your income. They look closely at your financial track record to decide how much risk they’re taking on, and that’s where borrowing power comes in.
Borrowing power refers to your ability to qualify for loans and secure favorable terms. The stronger your financial profile, the more likely you are to be approved with lower interest rates. But even responsible borrowers can unknowingly trigger red flags that make lenders hesitant.
Understanding these warning signs ahead of time can help you avoid costly surprises and keep your financial options open.
Why Lenders Pay Close Attention to Risk Signals
When lenders review an application, they’re trying to answer one simple question: Will this person reliably pay back what they borrow?
To determine that, banks and credit issuers assess multiple factors, including your credit history, outstanding debt, and repayment patterns. Even minor missteps can raise concerns, potentially limiting how much you can borrow or whether you’re approved at all.
Fortunately, many of the most common red flags are also preventable.
Red Flag #1 – Missing Payments or Paying Late
Payment history is one of the most significant factors in your overall credit health. A single missed or late payment can remain on your credit report for years…
CURRENT EDITION
Simple Ways to Get More Value Out of Your Everyday Spending
Most people spend money every day without giving it muchAlexander Schifter: The Hidden Costs of Starting a Business Nobody Warns You About
As Alexander Schifter notes, starting a business involves more thanAsad 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 you
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Financial Red Flags That Could Hurt Your Borrowing Power
Peter Duncan | RH
Simple Ways to Get More Value Out of Your Everyday Spending
Steve Arnett | RH
Times Are Changing: Simplicity Has Become a Technological Advantage
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