Finance news

Washington prepares for world-record fireworks, but will it end in a smoke show?

An “unforgettable” tribute to America, or a health hazard that will terrorise animals and pollute the environment? That is the question as Washington prepares to break the record for the world’s largest fireworks display on the United States’ 250th birthday on Saturday. The Trump administration’s “Freedom250” project has hired Pennsylvania-based Pyrotecnico to launch more than 850,000 fireworks shells across 10 sites around the Lincoln Memorial and Potomac River, starting at 10.30pm and lasting.

+++ Football World Cup 2026 +++: Spain confidently beat Austria 3-0 – “Wonderful game”

DFB leadership recommends Nagelsmann resign in crisis meeting +++ English media: Only a “pub team” – only “King Kane” is celebrated +++ The news blog.

Used car check: Company car with flaws: This is how the Mondeo performs when used

Ford's large middle class is a glider for long distances. This makes it a popular company car - with a visible impact on its appearance at the general vehicle inspection.

Kuaishou files US$3 billion Kling AI funding round to Hong Kong stock exchange

Chinese short video giant Kuaishou said on Thursday evening that its artificial intelligence video arm, Kling AI, was seeking to raise around US$3 billion in its first external fundraising round, according to a filing to Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing. The funding round, first reported by the South China Morning Post on Wednesday, was backed by a long list of investors, spanning Chinese technology heavyweights, state-backed investment vehicles and entertainment industry participants. Baidu,...

Hong Kong pivots to a 5-day civil service work week in 2006 – SCMP archive

This article was first published on July 3, 2006. Workers more efficient over five days: civil service chief by Ng Kang-chung Civil servants can work more efficiently and serve citizens better by not having to work on Saturdays, the city’s 6.9 million residents have been promised on the eve of implementation of a five-day week. The new working week would also help save citizens time and travel expenses if they switched to using services by fax, mail or internet, Civil Service Secretary Denise...

Mindfulness: People Pleaser? What the body check reveals

People Pleasing often leaves physical traces, sometimes unnoticed for a long time. A psychologist reveals how mindfulness can help you figure things out in everyday life.

Setting boundaries at work: People Pleaser: When the constant yes leads to exhaustion

Always say yes even though your strength is at its limit? Why people pleasing can become a trap at work - and how you learn to set yourself apart without putting your career at risk.

Digital sovereignty: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania says goodbye to Microsoft

The state wants to secure its digital independence with open source solutions. In the long term, over 50,000 employees are expected to work with the new systems.

Vietnam pushes rental housing as ownership loses its edge

Anti-money laundering watchdog declines to probe Indonesia

Japan aims to ignite 'animal spirits' with $2.3tn plan

Vietnam's Q2 economic growth accelerates to 8.39%

Malaysian director makes another splash at Cannes

Controversial plastic products: Single-use plastic straws are still being sold

It has been five years since the EU banned single-use plastic straws and other disposable plastic items from the market. But the ban seems to have holes.

Independence Day: 250 years of the USA: What became of the American dream

From rags to riches, equal rights and opportunities for everyone? 250 years after the Declaration of Independence, the former promises of the USA seem unattainable to many.

250 years of the USA: The Germans and America - disappointed love?

Hardly any other country fascinates Germans as much as America. The image has always fluctuated between dream and nightmare. Trump's second term in office is likely to be the big turning point.

250 years of the USA: Seven US facts that not everyone knows

Drinking songs, inkwells and an abbreviation that stands for nothing: American history has pages that don't appear in any school textbook. Seven small talk facts for the 250th birthday.

CUHK suspends lawmaker William Wong after drink-driving, hit-and-run arrest

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has suspended engineering associate dean William Wong Kam-fai, who is also a lawmaker, from administrative duties after his arrest over alleged drink-driving and a hit-and-run. A CUHK spokeswoman said on Friday, two days after the arrest came to light, that the university was aware of and deeply concerned about the incident involving a staff member. “The university attaches great importance to the conduct and professional ethics of its staff and has...

IT industry: The job market for IT professions is becoming tighter

At least in the short term, unemployment has also increased in the future industry.

Reports on savings plans: VW supervisory board: Plant closures are not a future strategy

Up to 100,000 jobs and four plants at VW are said to be at risk. Lower Saxony's deputy prime minister is calling for a different path for the ailing car giant.

Bali, Phuket or Sentosa? Singapore’s grand 20-year resort plan

Singapore is banking on lavish beachfronts, canopy walks, a transformed port and even water taxis to upgrade its holiday island, Sentosa, into a major tourism draw over the next two decades – but observers say the challenge will be in guaranteeing distinctiveness. On Friday, the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) unveiled plans to rejuvenate the 5 sq km resort and theme park island, which is located 10 minutes from the Singapore mainland by monorail and is also accessible by car or bus...

Criticism of the authorities' assessment: Report: EU bathing water not so harmless after all

Many European bathing waters are considered excellent, but dozens of hazardous substances are left out of the official assessment. Experts criticize: This can be a risk for bathers.

DGB survey: Strong rent increases in major German cities

Tenants in major German cities are having to dig deeper and deeper into their pockets for their apartment. The demands to do more about this are becoming louder.

Coalition: Coalition does not want to let the reform package be talked about

There is criticism of the reform package from many quarters, from business, from trade unions and from associations. Is the coalition sticking together?

Three cars involved: Does prima facie evidence also apply in a chain collision?

A car hits another car from behind and pushes it onto a third vehicle: Chain accidents like this happen all the time. A court ruling shows when the backer is solely liable.

The 100 most valuable companies: Nvidia & Co: USA dominates stock markets - Germany is falling

The USA sets the tone on the stock markets with its tech giants - and their power is growing with the AI ​​boom. Germany falls behind among the 100 most valuable stock exchange companies. But some companies are catching up.

Consumer Prices: The Fear of the AI ​​Inflation Shock

The massive expansion of the AI ​​infrastructure not only consumes billions in investments - it also results in higher prices for many products. Is there a threat of AI inflation now?

Volkswagen: Less jobs, more cars – Oliver Blume’s radical reform course for VW

Bigger, always bigger: That was the principle behind Volkswagen's success for years. Now the group is looking for salvation on the contrary - and still wants to grow.

Alice Weidel: The “Weidel System” – how the AfD leader consolidates her power

The AfD elects a new leader. There is no way around Alice Weidel. Her rise in the AfD was rapid and at the same time tells a lot about the change in the party.

Comment: This tax reform is a complete sham

Contrary to what is claimed, taxes are not falling at all for large sections of taxpayers. With its reform, the coalition is actually making the tax system worse instead of better.