Rubio warns of U.S. action if Panama does not curb Chinese influence around the canal

At the 67th Grammy Awards in 2025, Beyoncé made history by winning the best country album award, bringing her total Grammy count to 34, the most by any artist. Kendrick Lamar's rap hit "Not Like Us" dominated the night, winning all five awards it was nominated for, including record of the year. The ceremony also served as a fundraiser for those affected by wildfires in Los Angeles, with artists like Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars...

Central banks, like the Bank of Korea, typically prioritize price stability and inflation control, but in South Korea, policymakers also have to address the issue of high household debt. References to household debt are frequently considered in the BOK's monetary policy decisions, with Governor Rhee Chang Yong acknowledging criticisms about the cautious approach taken in setting the Base Rate. The BOK is concerned about the negative impact of excessive household debt on economic growth, as...

In France, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is facing political uncertainty as he plans to use special executive powers to pass his budget without a parliamentary vote, potentially leading to a motion of no confidence and his downfall. This move comes after previous Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned in December due to a confidence motion. Bayrou aims to secure the budget adoption amidst a fractured National Assembly and opposition from parties like France Unbowed and the...

Panama's president vows to end a development deal with China after meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and facing criticism from President Donald Trump over the Panama Canal. Rubio emphasizes the U.S. cannot allow Chinese control of the canal area and supports efforts to repurchase the waterway. House Republicans introduce a bill to give the president authority to negotiate with Panama to reacquire the Panama Canal, citing concerns about China's influence. Full Article

A plan to implement a commercial parking levy in the City of Toronto, expected to raise $100-108 million annually for critical municipal services like transit, has been postponed pending approval from MPAC and the provincial government. Despite support from transit and environmental groups, a City-run administration proposal was rejected, with City staff continuing to pursue sustainable funding sources and revenue tools to address budget deficits, despite concerns from the Toronto Region Board of Trade about...

An FIR has been registered against actors Alok Nath and Shreyas Talpade for allegedly cheating 45 investors of Rs 9 crore at Gomti Nagar Police Station in Lucknow. The FIR also includes members of a Credit Cooperative Society. The story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more details emerge. Full Article