US withholds WADA dues; calls for reforms to global anti-doping watchdog

US withholds WADA dues; calls for reforms to global anti-doping watchdog

The United States has withheld a dues payment of $3.6m to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for not conducting an independent audit of operations, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said. USADA Chief Executive Officer Travis Tygart said on Wednesday his group “fully supports this decision” by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy…

Why are Donald Trump’s allies cheering for Pakistan’s Imran Khan?

Why are Donald Trump’s allies cheering for Pakistan’s Imran Khan?

Islamabad, Pakistan – When Richard Grenell, a close confidante of Donald Trump, the incoming United States president, demanded the release of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan last November during protests in Islamabad, the post went viral. In another since-deleted tweet the same day, Grenell wrote, “Watch Pakistan. Their Trump-like leader is in prison…

US Fed officials expected slower rate cuts in 2025, say December minutes

US Fed officials expected slower rate cuts in 2025, say December minutes

United States Federal Reserve officials at their meeting December 17-18 expected to dial back the pace of interest rate cuts this year in the face of persistently elevated inflation and the threat of widespread tariffs and other potential policy changes. Minutes from the meeting, released on Wednesday after the typical three-week lag, also showed clear division…

As Trump talks up trade war with China, fears rise for rare earths supply

As Trump talks up trade war with China, fears rise for rare earths supply

Taipei, Taiwan – As United States President-elect Donald Trump gears up for a second trade war with China once he takes office on January 20, the rare earth minerals essential to the production of electronics, vehicles and weapons are one resource expected to be caught up in the fray. While rare earths are plentiful across…

‘We must stand together’: European leaders warn Trump over Greenland threat

‘We must stand together’: European leaders warn Trump over Greenland threat

European officials have warned Donald Trump against threatening “sovereign borders” after the US President-elect refused to rule out military action to seize Greenland. The rebukes on Wednesday were led by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who said the principle of inviolability of borders applies to every country, no matter how powerful. He added Trump’s statements a…