Author: Emily Harper

In a decisive legislative move, Mexico’s Congress has formally approved a sweeping package of tariff increases targeting imports from countries lacking free trade agreements with the nation. The measure, which was finalized by the Senate on Wednesday evening, imposes duties of up to 50% on more than 1,400 distinct product categories. The legislation had already cleared the lower chamber earlier in the week, signaling a unified front from the ruling administration. The Senate passed the bill with 76 votes in favor, five against, and 35 abstentions, a margin that underscores the political dominance of the governing Morena party, led by…

Wells Fargo is extending an investment-banking hiring campaign that executives say is translating into more corporate advisory work and a rapid rise in league-table standings. The effort gained momentum after regulators lifted a punitive cap on the bank’s assets in June 2025, a restriction imposed for about seven years after the lender’s fake-accounts scandal. In an interview, Fernando Rivas, chief executive of corporate and investment banking at Wells Fargo, said the bank plans to keep adding senior talent after several years of bringing in “dozens” of managing directors annually. He said current deal pipelines are “meaningfully greater” than in recent…

Overview of the Upcoming Peak The annual Geminid meteor shower, one of the most reliable and energetic sky shows of the year, is reaching its peak this weekend, offering stargazers around the world an opportunity to witness dozens of bright meteors streaking across the night sky. The shower is expected to reach its maximum activity from late Saturday evening through early Sunday, with scientists noting that conditions this year may allow for particularly favorable viewing. According to EarthSky, the moon will be just over one third illuminated, reducing natural light interference and improving visibility in many regions. Sky-watchers in suburban…

Russia’s Central Bank says it has filed a lawsuit in Moscow’s Arbitration Court against Euroclear, the Brussels-based clearing house that holds a large share of Russia’s immobilized assets in Europe. The bank said it is seeking compensation for damages linked to restrictions that prevent it from managing or disposing of assets held through Euroclear. Euroclear declined to comment, and it was not immediately clear what practical effect a Russian court ruling would have on an institution based in Belgium. In a separate statement, the central bank also criticized wider EU discussions about using Russian assets to help fund Ukraine, calling…

Expanded Sanctions Against Maduro’s Inner Circle The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions aimed at increasing economic and political pressure on Venezuela’s government, targeting close relatives of President Nicolás Maduro and a network of individuals and companies accused of facilitating oil shipments. Among those sanctioned are three of Maduro’s nephews, a move that signals a renewed focus on the president’s immediate family and alleged financial links supporting the regime. According to U.S. authorities, the sanctions are designed to block access to property and financial assets held under U.S. jurisdiction and to prohibit American individuals and businesses from…

Machado’s Escape and Arrival in Norway Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado reached Oslo under extraordinary circumstances to receive her Nobel Peace Prize, marking a dramatic moment in the country’s ongoing political crisis. After more than a year in hiding following Venezuela’s disputed election, she traveled by sea and air using covert routes, aided by individuals who, she said, “risked their lives” to ensure her safe departure. Upon arriving in Norway, she was greeted by supporters outside the Grand Hotel, where she promised to return to Venezuela regardless of whether President Nicolás Maduro remains in power.Machado avoided commenting on the…

The Walt Disney Company is making a major move into generative AI with a planned investment of around $1 billion in OpenAI, alongside a multi-year licensing and technology partnership. Under the agreement, Disney will commit capital to OpenAI and receive equity and warrants that could increase its future stake in the San Francisco-based AI firm, which is currently valued in the range of hundreds of billions of dollars. The partnership spans three years and is being described by industry analysts as one of the largest and most far-reaching deals to date between a global media conglomerate and an AI developer.…

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed new digital screening rules for travelers who enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. The plan would affect citizens of about 42 participating countries, mainly in Europe and parts of Asia, who may stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism or business with online authorization instead of a visa. Under the proposal, applicants using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would have to submit a broader set of personal data, bringing visa-free travelers closer to the level of scrutiny already applied…

Medical Concern Emerges Midweek Pittsburgh is confronting a new uncertainty after star pass rusher T.J. Watt was hospitalized for lung evaluation following discomfort at the team facility. The Steelers confirmed that Watt, 31, will not practice as he undergoes further testing, and his availability for the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins remains unclear. According to team spokesman Burt Lauten, the medical issue surfaced during treatment at the facility. League sources indicated that Watt has remained under hospital care since the episode. The development comes as the Steelers prepare for a crucial stretch in their playoff push, making his status…

Opening Access to Contemporary Art MoMA PS1 will soon reshape New York City’s cultural landscape by becoming the city’s largest free museum. Beginning early next year, the Long Island City institution will eliminate admission fees for all visitors for a three year period as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. The initiative is made possible through a major contribution from creative entrepreneur Sonya Yu, whose support aims to expand community access to contemporary art and encourage deeper public engagement. The museum, long known for its experimental exhibitions and its unconventional home in a former school building, views this shift as…