Author: Emily Harper

A New Chapter in South Korean Leadership South Korea has entered a new political era following the election of Lee Jae-myung as its 14th president. His rise to power comes after snap elections were held due to political turmoil that shook the country’s leadership. Lee, a prominent figure from the main opposition Democratic Party, secured victory in a climate of public scrutiny and demand for renewed democratic integrity. The election marked a critical turning point, not only for South Korean domestic politics but also for its role in the global landscape. Lee’s presidency signifies a shift in direction after a…

On June 4, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced a dramatic increase in tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, more than doubling the previous rates from 25% to 50%. This move marks one of the most aggressive trade policy steps since his time in office, as he seeks to return to the White House in the upcoming election. The administration says the aim is to shield American manufacturers from what they describe as unfair foreign competition and to ensure the security of critical industries. The decision specifically targets countries seen as overproducing steel and aluminum, flooding global markets, and undercutting…

A Neighborhood, a Flag, a Revolution In 1965, Life magazine declared San Francisco the capital of gay America—and at its heart was the Castro. Perhaps the most iconic “gayborhood” in the United States, the Castro became home to some of the most influential queer artists, activists, and visionaries of the 20th century. It was here that the Pride flag was born, the first openly gay male politician was elected, and countless LGBTQ individuals—often rejected by their families—found community and built chosen families. Before its queer renaissance, the area was known as Eureka Valley or “Little Scandinavia.” But during the social…

Boisson Stuns Andreeva to Continue Historic Run Lois Boisson’s improbable dream run at the 2025 French Open rolled on Wednesday as the world No. 361 pulled off another massive upset, defeating sixth-seeded Mirra Andreeva in straight sets, 7-6 (6), 6-3. With a thunderous home crowd behind her, the 22-year-old Frenchwoman collapsed onto the clay of Court Suzanne-Lenglen, overcome with emotion after securing her place in the semifinals. Her rise is nothing short of historic. Boisson is now the lowest-ranked woman in 40 years to reach a Grand Slam semifinal and only the third woman since 1980 to reach this stage…

South Korea’s recent parliamentary election resulted in a sharp defeat for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s conservative People Power Party. Voters gave the opposition Democratic Party and its allies a clear majority in the 300-seat National Assembly. The results, announced Thursday morning, signal widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s domestic policies and may hinder Yoon’s reform agenda for the remainder of his term. According to the final vote tally, the Democratic Party, led by Lee Jae-myung, and its smaller partner secured 175 seats. The ruling People Power Party and its affiliates won only 108 seats. This outcome marks a shift in public…

Despite a generally healthy U.S. job market, the Class of 2025 is confronting the most difficult hiring landscape for college graduates since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the national unemployment rate holds at 4.2% and job growth has continued for over four straight years, new graduates are struggling to find their first jobs. Economists say this group is disproportionately affected by today’s “no-hire, no-fire” employment climate, where companies are hesitant to add or cut staff amid economic uncertainty. For the first time since 1980, recent college graduates (ages 22–27 with a bachelor’s degree or higher) face a consistently…

A Global View on Technology Assessment At a major international event centered on technology assessment, experts from across continents are reflecting on how societies and governments can manage the fast pace of innovation. The conference brings together over 80 sessions with contributions from regions including North and Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The shared goal: to understand how new technologies—from artificial intelligence to medical diagnostics—can be integrated responsibly across borders. Among the key representatives is the United States, whose approach combines institutional analysis, academic collaboration, and targeted public engagement. With emerging technologies evolving faster than ever before, the…

Klarna, the Swedish fintech giant best known for its “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) services, has launched a new debit card in the United States as part of a strategy to broaden its product portfolio and appeal to a wider consumer base. This major move marks Klarna’s ambition to evolve from a pure BNPL provider into a more comprehensive financial services company, directly challenging traditional banks and digital-first competitors alike. The debit card, designed in partnership with Visa, allows users to choose between paying for purchases upfront or spreading costs over several interest-free installments—Klarna’s signature offering. Available for both online…

Global Growth Slows Amid Rising Trade Tensions Global economic momentum is projected to slow down significantly, according to a major international policy group. Growth worldwide is now expected to reach only modest levels, as a surge in trade barriers—largely tied to the renewed tariff strategy of U.S. President Donald Trump—casts a shadow over the economic outlook for nearly all regions. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) now expects global growth to fall short of previous forecasts. The main factor driving this decline is the escalation of tariffs, particularly from the United States, which has impacted international trade flows…

Government Releases Stockpiled Rice to Public Retailers In response to rising rice prices that have been putting pressure on household budgets, the Japanese government has begun releasing a large portion of its stockpiled rice directly to the market. These reserves, which consist of rice harvested in recent years, are now available for purchase by consumers through retail outlets across the country. The initiative involves a total of 300,000 tons of government-held rice, part of a strategic reserve maintained to ensure food stability in times of crisis or supply disruption. This rice is being sold through no-bid contracts, allowing retail firms…