2026 - Page 27 of 30

Trump and northeastern governors push for massive electricity auction to make tech giants defray costs

16

Jan

Northeastern Governors, Trump Advocate for Tech-Funded Power Auction

As electricity consumption rises rapidly throughout the United States, a fresh proposal has thrust the power usage of major technology companies into the spotlight, fueling a wider conversation about infrastructure, costs and accountability. What started as a technical review of grid capabilities has shifted into a political and economic issue with far-reaching national consequences.The administration of Donald Trump, alongside a group of governors from northeastern states, has urged PJM Interconnection, the largest power grid operator in the country, to consider holding an extraordinary electricity auction. The goal is to secure new, long-term energy generation while shifting more of the financial…

Meet the trusted diplomat tasked with turning the US-backed ceasefire into peace for Gaza

16

Jan

By Jean Thompson

International

Architect of Peace: The Diplomat’s Gaza Ceasefire Role

Bulgaria’s Nickolay Mladenov, a veteran diplomat, has stepped into one of the most demanding roles of his career: supervising the sensitive rollout of a US‑brokered initiative aimed at stabilizing Gaza and shaping its governance. His background, network, and standing will face significant scrutiny as he maneuvers through the region’s intricate political landscape.Mladenov’s journey to this point has been marked by decades of diplomatic service. Early in his career, he held key positions in Bulgaria’s government, including defense minister at 37 and later foreign minister. His international experience expanded with appointments to the European Parliament and as the UN’s Special Representative…

Venezuela has a ton of oil. It also has something else America needs

16

Jan

By Jean Thompson

International

America’s Eye on Venezuela: More Than Just Oil

Venezuela’s extensive natural resources have reemerged within Washington’s strategic agenda, with its potential mineral reserves now portrayed as matters of national significance, although specialists caution that transforming these aspirations into tangible results is considerably more intricate than political discourse implies.When Donald Trump declared that U.S. companies would gain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves, attention quickly expanded beyond crude. Inside policy circles, the conversation has increasingly included minerals, metals and even rare earth elements believed to exist beneath Venezuelan soil. These materials are essential to industries ranging from defense and aerospace to clean energy and consumer technology, making them a focal…

15

Jan

By Jean Thompson

Investments and Business

Why Panama continues to appeal to international property investors in 2026

Panama continues to reinforce its standing as a premier hub for global real estate investment, supported by a distinctive blend of economic resilience, strategic geographic location, advanced infrastructure, and policies designed to favor investors. As highlighted in recent insights published on Oceana Santa María, these strengths are boosting international interest in Panama’s property sector and creating compelling prospects for both purchasers and long-term investors.Positioned where North and South America meet, Panama serves as a pivotal global gateway, offering streamlined air and sea links to essential international markets. Its adoption of the U.S. dollar as official currency strengthens economic stability, reduces…

Benin: agricultural CSR advancing cooperatives and regenerative soil practices

09

Jan

By Jean Thompson

Social Responsibility

Benin’s Agriculture: CSR, Co-ops, and Soil Regeneration

Benin at a glance: agriculture, livelihoods, and pressure on soilsBenin's economy and social fabric remain closely tied to agriculture. The sector contributes roughly one-quarter of national GDP and employs a majority of the rural population, making it central to poverty reduction, food security, and export earnings. Key crops include cotton (a major cash crop), maize, cassava, yam, cashew, groundnuts, palm oil, millet, and sorghum. Smallholder farms dominate production, typically operating on less than two hectares each.This farming environment confronts escalating strains, including declining soil nutrients, ongoing erosion, shortened fallow cycles, clearing of land for cultivation, and rising climate unpredictability. These…

Belgium: corporate CSR improving urban mobility and supporting social innovation

08

Jan

By Jean Thompson

Social Responsibility

Belgian Companies Driving Social Innovation via CSR

Belgium’s dense urban landscape, its multilayered governance spanning three regions, and its influential private sector together offer a strong foundation for corporate social responsibility to drive more sustainable and inclusive urban mobility. Companies are increasingly moving beyond limited environmental efforts toward broader strategies that blend fleet decarbonization, mobility-as-a-service collaborations, socially responsible procurement, and backing for social innovators tackling issues such as accessibility, employment, and last‑mile logistics. This article outlines how Belgian businesses are advancing urban mobility through CSR, the tools they employ to foster social innovation, illustrative examples, measurable results, and practical insights for expanding their impact.Context: the significance of…