Economic turmoil in Bolivia fuels distrust in government and its claim of a ‘failed coup’
LA PAZ — Signs reading “I’m buying dollars” line the doors of Víctor Vargas’ shoe shop in the heart of Bolivia’s biggest city, a desperate attempt to keep his family business alive. Just a few years ago, the 45-year-old Vargas…
Afghan farmers grow poppies despite Taliban’s ban
Washington — Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan was down sharply last year, according to the United Nations and private sources, but the plants are being grown in most provinces despite a ban imposed by the Taliban. Some areas grow more…
A source of nutrients and anxiety: Egypt cuts back on longtime bread subsidies
After more than three decades, Egypt has increased the fixed price of subsidized bread from 0.05 Egyptian pounds ($0.0010) a loaf to 0.20 Egyptian pounds ($0.0042). With record levels of inflation already straining the Egyptian people — the majority of…
Zimbabwe fights higher drug abuse cases, especially among youth
HARARE, ZIMBABWE — Officials in Zimbabwe, which is facing a growing problem of substance abuse — especially among unemployed youth, say arrests have surged in 2024, with close to 2,400 people taken into custody so far. Officials say economic difficulties…
Microsoft faces antitrust violation for bundling Teams with Office software
European Union regulators have accused Microsoft of breaking antitrust rules by tying its Teams messaging and videoconferencing app to its popular business software. The European Commission — the EU’s antitrust enforcer — says that making Teams automatically available with Office…
China’s premier pushes back on EV, green industry concerns
China’s Premier Li Qiang pushed back Tuesday against criticism that Chinese firms enjoy unfair subsidies and on worries about the state of the world’s second largest economy. In an address at the opening of the “Summer Davos” World Economic Forum…
China wants EU to remove tariffs on EVs by July 4 as talks resume
BEIJING — Beijing wants the EU to scrap its preliminary tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles by July 4, China’s state-controlled Global Times reported, after both sides agreed to hold new trade talks. Provisional European Union duties of up to 38.1%…
Why Vietnam drought may spike global espresso prices
Gia Lai Province — Vietnam’s coffee growers have been hit hard by the worst drought in nearly a decade this year, and that could mean a morning espresso is about to get more costly. The country is the world’s second…
Costly election pledges in France stoke fears of splurges that risk pushing country deeper into debt
Paris — The promises are appealing — and expensive. Vying to oust the centrist government of President Emmanuel Macron in an upcoming two-round parliamentary election June 30 and July 7, French political parties of both the far right and far…
Study: Luxury sales flatten amid creativity crisis, price hikes
MILAN — The post-pandemic surge in global sales of luxury handbags, shoes and apparel is set to stall this year amid a creativity crisis and price hikes as brands shift focus to the biggest spending customers, a new study by…