Investments and Business

TikTok has formally requested the U.S. Supreme Court to review a federal appeals court decision that upheld legislation potentially banning the app in the United States. The controversial law, supported by President Joe Biden’s administration, requires the popular social media platform to sever ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or face a nationwide ban. The legal filing, submitted Monday, comes in the wake of a ruling by a three-judge panel from the same appeals court. The panel sided with the government last week, affirming that the law mandating TikTok’s divestment from ByteDance is constitutional. According to the filing, if…

For decades, María Amparo Carvajal in Bolivia and Juana Ruiz in Colombia have dedicated their lives to defending human rights and supporting survivors of violence and oppression. Their tireless efforts were recognized this week when the U.S. Department of State presented them with the prestigious Human Rights Defender Award. Carvajal, originally from Spain, has been a central figure in Bolivia’s human rights movement since 1971, the year Hugo Banzer seized power through a coup d’état. Banzer’s regime, which lasted until 1978, was marked by widespread human rights abuses, motivating Carvajal to take action. In 1976, she founded the Permanent Assembly…

In an effort to navigate the anticipated challenges of U.S.-China relations under President-elect Donald Trump, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has recently met with several prominent U.S. financial executives. These meetings come as Beijing braces for the possible imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods, a key part of Trump’s campaign rhetoric. He Lifeng, one of China’s four vice premiers and a leading figure in the country’s economic and financial policymaking, has been actively seeking to establish connections with influential players in American financial circles. Over the past month, He held discussions with Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, on December 5,…

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed optimism about the growing collaboration between the United States, Japan, and Australia as the three nations continue to bolster their military capabilities. Speaking during a joint observation of military exercises on Wednesday, Austin highlighted the importance of this strengthened cooperation in addressing rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Austin’s visit to Japan underscored Washington’s commitment to its alliances in the region and its dedication to maintaining stability. While observing the Yama Sakura 87 exercises at Japan’s Asaka camp, just outside Tokyo, Austin emphasized the critical importance of readiness. “Having the right equipment, ammunition, and…

President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), marking the ceremonial start of the trading day. According to individuals familiar with the matter, this symbolic event comes at a pivotal moment as markets assess the implications of his 2024 election victory. The event is expected to be a significant moment for Trump, a native New Yorker who has spent much of his life in Manhattan before relocating to Florida. His return to the city for this occasion underscores his connection to the financial world and his enduring association with Wall Street.…

Alaska Airlines is setting its sights on significant growth, aiming to boost profits by $1 billion by 2027. The airline is banking on the rising demand for premium travel and its recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines to achieve this ambitious target. The $1.9 billion purchase of Hawaiian Airlines, finalized in September, has opened new opportunities for Alaska Airlines, granting it access to cross-Pacific routes and wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330. While both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines continue to operate as separate brands, the acquisition has positioned Alaska for a major expansion of its international…