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At an upmarket housing development in Wuhan, sales agents are striving to assure prospective buyers that their state-owned firm has completely detached itself from any dealings with the private sector. The firm initially had a partnership with Sunac, a private developer, until it defaulted in 2022, leading to a complete break in relations. A saleswoman eagerly points out that the firm’s owner also oversees the city’s waterworks and electricity provider, underlining their strong ties to essential services. She humorously adds that if such a firm were to collapse, “then the whole country has no hope”. China’s property market has been…

President Joe Biden and fellow G7 leaders have convened on the coast of Italy this week with a sense of urgency to solidify support for Ukraine amid the looming specter of the upcoming US election. The group is working to expedite the flow of western resources to Ukraine and establish a security agreement between Washington and Kyiv to bolster the country’s self-sufficiency as Russia continues its aggressive advances. Biden, speaking at a press conference alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, emphasized the collective resolve of the G7 in standing by Ukraine during this challenging time. “Collectively, this is a powerful…

On June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York in 350 pieces, shipped in more than 200 cases. Assembling the statue took over a year, with the official unveiling to the public not happening until October 1886. Given as a gift from the people of France to celebrate American independence, the Statue of Liberty is seen as an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy. French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi designed the copper-and-iron statue, which was originally intended as a centennial gift in 1876 but faced delays due to fundraising issues. France funded the cost of the statue, while…

In a highly anticipated return, “House of the Dragon” premiered its second season on Sunday with an explosive episode. The lesson learned? Maybe don’t hire a rat exterminator to carry out a hit on an adult prince, especially if it results in the death of a child instead. Last season saw King Aegon, Queen Rhaenyra, and a dragon attack that set the stage for war. In the Season 2 premiere, Rhaenyra is grieving the loss of her son Lucerys and is determined to seek revenge on Prince Aemond for his death. With the help of her uncle/husband Daemon, Rhaenyra enlists…

In recent news, Jin Bian, a 31-year-old software engineer living in Tampa, Florida, has been facing legal complications after attempting to purchase a home closer to his office following his employer’s return-to-office policy. Bian, a recipient of an H-1B visa, which permits foreign workers to be employed by US companies, discovered that a law signed by Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, prevented Chinese citizens without US green cards from buying property in the state. The law, known as Florida Senate Bill 264, came into effect on July 1, 2023, and carries felony charges and possible prison time for those who violate…

Selling more oil at higher prices should be a boon for a petrostate, but for Russia, it signals a new and challenging phase in its conflict with Ukraine. Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries have severely impacted Russia’s ability to produce refined fuels, such as diesel and petrol. As a result, Russia has been forced to import petrol, a role reversal for the world’s third-largest oil producer. In order to offset their losses, energy firms have increased exports of unrefined oil, reaching a peak in March. The most recent attack by Ukraine on April 2nd demonstrated an escalation in their tactics.…

The recent arrest of eight Tajik nationals believed to have connections to ISIS has raised apprehensions among national security officials about a potential terror attack on US soil, as indicated by multiple US officials who spoke to CNN. The individuals, who initially entered the US at the southern border and sought asylum under US immigration laws, are suspected of having ties to the now-splintered terror group. Although the men had undergone immigration vetting before being permitted entry into the country, some had previously expressed extremist views in their communications, such as on social media or in private messages monitored by…

The Visalia Fire Department in California recently made a heartwarming announcement on Father’s Day that they have been experiencing “baby fever” as over a dozen babies were born to fire personnel over the past year. This milestone marks the most babies ever born to VFD members in a single year, reflecting the strong sense of family and camaraderie within the firefighting community. In a Father’s Day post on social media, the department expressed their joy and pride in welcoming these new additions to their families, highlighting the importance of family bonds among their firefighting team. In the Facebook post, the…

Optimism about India tends to ebb and flow, with periods of high expectations often followed by disappointment. One such period was in 1996, shortly after the country began opening up to foreign investment. During this time, property prices in Mumbai, India’s bustling financial center, reached unprecedented levels, surpassing those of other major cities around the world. Similarly, in 2007, India experienced rapid economic growth, with GDP expanding at an impressive annual rate of 9%, leading many observers to predict that the country was on track to achieve double-digit growth in the near future. However, these lofty expectations were eventually tempered…

In a stunning political shift, former President Donald Trump’s stance on abortion has evolved over the years, culminating in him being hailed as “the most pro-life president in American history.” Trump’s three Supreme Court appointments have played a pivotal role in reshaping the legal landscape, particularly with the landmark Dobbs decision in 2022. This decision has led to a ripple effect, with state-level ballot initiatives favoring abortion rights supporters and Democrats. While Trump has reaffirmed his support for states to determine their own abortion regulations, his stance has faced criticism for being unclear and inconsistent. Despite his vocal support for…