June 04, 2026
Jared Kushner's Albania Resort Project Triggers Mass Protests | Vantage on Firstpost
Kushner-linked Resort Plan Sparks Protests in Albania | DW News
Protests in Albania Grow over Jared Kushner-backed Luxury Resort
THE GUARDIAN: Conservation groups say work has begun in protected coastal area, while prime minister insists project will bring jobs and investment
This screenshot is from this Guardian article. | Protesters clash with police during third day of unrest in Albania. Photograph: Armando Babani/Getty Images
Protests in Albania over a proposed luxury resort backed by Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are set to intensify after opponents rejected an offer from the country’s prime minister “to discuss solutions”.
Thousands took to the streets of Tirana for a third straight day on Wednesday, some of them brandishing inflatable flamingos in a nod to feared environmental damage, amid mounting calls for the project to be blocked.
Protests are also planned for the south of the country, where groundwork on the $1.6bn (£1.19bn) complex recently began in an area long seen as one of the Mediterranean’s most environmentally sensitive.
“From start to finish there has been a total lack of transparency,” said Aleksandr Trajce, executive director of the country’s leading conservation group, the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA). “We have seen no public consultation or public documentation regarding permits, and so now what we are saying is, if they remove the bulldozers, remove the fence and restore the habitats to what they were, then we can start talking.” » | Helena Smith in Athens | Thursday, June 4, 2026
The Kushners, just like the rest of the Trump menagerie, all have several characteristics in common: they are all corrupt; they are all ‘on-the-make; they all see dollar-signs in everything they do and undertake; and none of them can be trusted to do anything for the good of the community or wider society. Whatever they think of doing, if it doesn’t enrich them or benefit them in some way, they don’t touch the project. The project will be abandoned. It seems to me that the Albanians have got the measure of the Kushners. I should like to add the following: I would wager that there must be people at the top of Albanian society poised to enrich themselves from this. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MONEY! — © Mark Alexander
Protests in Albania over a proposed luxury resort backed by Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are set to intensify after opponents rejected an offer from the country’s prime minister “to discuss solutions”.
Thousands took to the streets of Tirana for a third straight day on Wednesday, some of them brandishing inflatable flamingos in a nod to feared environmental damage, amid mounting calls for the project to be blocked.
Protests are also planned for the south of the country, where groundwork on the $1.6bn (£1.19bn) complex recently began in an area long seen as one of the Mediterranean’s most environmentally sensitive.
“From start to finish there has been a total lack of transparency,” said Aleksandr Trajce, executive director of the country’s leading conservation group, the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA). “We have seen no public consultation or public documentation regarding permits, and so now what we are saying is, if they remove the bulldozers, remove the fence and restore the habitats to what they were, then we can start talking.” » | Helena Smith in Athens | Thursday, June 4, 2026
The Kushners, just like the rest of the Trump menagerie, all have several characteristics in common: they are all corrupt; they are all ‘on-the-make; they all see dollar-signs in everything they do and undertake; and none of them can be trusted to do anything for the good of the community or wider society. Whatever they think of doing, if it doesn’t enrich them or benefit them in some way, they don’t touch the project. The project will be abandoned. It seems to me that the Albanians have got the measure of the Kushners. I should like to add the following: I would wager that there must be people at the top of Albanian society poised to enrich themselves from this. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MONEY! — © Mark Alexander
SpaceX Targets Biggest Ever Stock Market Debut, Putting Musk On Course to Be Trillionaire
THE GUARDIAN: IPO could raise up to $75bn, giving SpaceX market value of $1.75tn as it sets up Musk for extraordinary wealth
Space X is seeking to raise about $75bn through its imminent initial public offering, a company filing on Wednesday revealed, which would make it the largest IPO ever.
If the stock market launch – primed for next week – goes accordingly, founder Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest person, could be poised to make history as the first trillionaire.
The company, formally known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., said on Wednesday it will sell 555.6m shares at $135 a piece.
The offering would give SpaceX a market value of $1.77tn. Only six companies in the S&P 500 are currently worth more, with Nvidia topping the list at $5.2tn. » | Uwa Ede-Osifo and agencie | Thursday, June 4, 2026
Space X is seeking to raise about $75bn through its imminent initial public offering, a company filing on Wednesday revealed, which would make it the largest IPO ever.
If the stock market launch – primed for next week – goes accordingly, founder Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest person, could be poised to make history as the first trillionaire.
The company, formally known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., said on Wednesday it will sell 555.6m shares at $135 a piece.
The offering would give SpaceX a market value of $1.77tn. Only six companies in the S&P 500 are currently worth more, with Nvidia topping the list at $5.2tn. » | Uwa Ede-Osifo and agencie | Thursday, June 4, 2026
June 03, 2026
Cuba: A National Crisis | ARTE.tv Documentary
June 3, 2026 | With the kidnapping of Venezuela's President Maduro by the USA, Cuba lost a loyal ally and with it the supply of Venezuelan oil, which covered a good half of its needs - a severe shock for the crisis-ridden island.
Cuba: A National Crisis | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until: 19/04/2029>
Cuba: A National Crisis | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until: 19/04/2029>
Kuwait Says One Killed and Dozens Injured in Iranian Attack on Airport
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The United States and Iran accused each other of launching new strikes. President Trump told The New York Post that Iran’s supreme leader is involved in peace talks, and he hopes to meet him.
Kuwait said one person was killed and more than 60 people were injured in an Iranian drone attack on a passenger terminal at the country’s international airport on Wednesday, after a new round of strikes between the United States and Iran.
The fresh hostilities came as President Trump said in an interview with The New York Post published Wednesday that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was involved in the negotiations to end the war and that he hoped to meet with him.
There was no immediate comment from the Iranian authorities, and it was far from clear whether the hard-line ayatollah — who is believed to have been injured in the U.S.-Israeli strikes that began the war and has not been seen in public for months — would be willing to meet with Mr. Trump.
Even as the two sides negotiate over a framework to end the war and maintain that the cease-fire between them remains in effect, the United States and Iran have launched a series of attacks in recent days. The U.S. military has described its actions as self-defense, while Iran has said it is retaliating against American attacks.
The Kuwaiti authorities said on Wednesday that the attack on Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 1 had wounded at least 63 people. Iran War Live Updates » | Leo Sands, Vivian Nereim and Yan Zhuang | Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Kuwait said one person was killed and more than 60 people were injured in an Iranian drone attack on a passenger terminal at the country’s international airport on Wednesday, after a new round of strikes between the United States and Iran.
The fresh hostilities came as President Trump said in an interview with The New York Post published Wednesday that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was involved in the negotiations to end the war and that he hoped to meet with him.
There was no immediate comment from the Iranian authorities, and it was far from clear whether the hard-line ayatollah — who is believed to have been injured in the U.S.-Israeli strikes that began the war and has not been seen in public for months — would be willing to meet with Mr. Trump.
Even as the two sides negotiate over a framework to end the war and maintain that the cease-fire between them remains in effect, the United States and Iran have launched a series of attacks in recent days. The U.S. military has described its actions as self-defense, while Iran has said it is retaliating against American attacks.
The Kuwaiti authorities said on Wednesday that the attack on Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 1 had wounded at least 63 people. Iran War Live Updates » | Leo Sands, Vivian Nereim and Yan Zhuang | Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Ukrainian Drones Hit St Petersburg as ‘Russian Davos’ Opens in City
THE GUARDIAN: Energy and military sites targeted as guests gather for economic forum where Putin is due to speak on Friday
Ukrainian drones hit energy and military sites in St Petersburg early on Wednesday hours before international guests gathered for the city’s flagship economic forum, in a blow to Vladimir Putin.
Several long-range drones crashed into oil storage facilities after Russian air defences tried unsuccessfully to shoot them down. There were loud explosions and black smoke rose high above the city from the blazing oil terminal.
The St Petersburg’s governor, Alexander Beglov, said the Kirovsky and Krasnoselsky districts were targeted. Ukraine also struck the Kronstadt naval base and shipyard in Leningrad oblast, the port home to Russia’s Baltic fleet. Vessels were reportedly damaged.
The strikes will be deeply embarrassing for the Kremlin, taking place about 10 miles from the forum, where Putin is due to make a keynote speech on Friday. Guests arrived for Wednesday’s opening ceremony under a pall of thick smoke. Others were unable to fly in after St Petersburg’s airport was temporarily closed.
About 20,000 visitors from 130 countries are expected to attend the three-day annual summit, which has been described as Russia’s answer to Davos. They include the former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder, the far-right American influencer Candace Owens and the Tate brothers. » | Luke Harding, Pjotr Sauer and agencies | Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Ukrainian drones hit energy and military sites in St Petersburg early on Wednesday hours before international guests gathered for the city’s flagship economic forum, in a blow to Vladimir Putin.
Several long-range drones crashed into oil storage facilities after Russian air defences tried unsuccessfully to shoot them down. There were loud explosions and black smoke rose high above the city from the blazing oil terminal.
The St Petersburg’s governor, Alexander Beglov, said the Kirovsky and Krasnoselsky districts were targeted. Ukraine also struck the Kronstadt naval base and shipyard in Leningrad oblast, the port home to Russia’s Baltic fleet. Vessels were reportedly damaged.
The strikes will be deeply embarrassing for the Kremlin, taking place about 10 miles from the forum, where Putin is due to make a keynote speech on Friday. Guests arrived for Wednesday’s opening ceremony under a pall of thick smoke. Others were unable to fly in after St Petersburg’s airport was temporarily closed.
About 20,000 visitors from 130 countries are expected to attend the three-day annual summit, which has been described as Russia’s answer to Davos. They include the former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder, the far-right American influencer Candace Owens and the Tate brothers. » | Luke Harding, Pjotr Sauer and agencies | Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Germany's Economic Woes Weigh on Its Job Market | DW News
June 02, 2026
Argentine : les gagnants et les perdants de l’ère Milei à un peu plus d’un an de la présidentielle
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Deux ans et demi après l’arrivée au pouvoir de Javier Milei, la stabilisation macroéconomique tarde à se traduire dans les portefeuilles. À Buenos Aires, rencontre avec les gagnants discrets et les perdants silencieux d’un pays encore dans le doute.
« Forte augmentation du coût des aliments ». À Palermo, au nord de Buenos Aires, les téléviseurs des cafés tournent en boucle sur l’évolution de l’inflation qui frappe le portefeuille des Argentins. L’indice des prix est un sujet de préoccupation au quotidien, décortiqué au comptoir et débattu en toutes situations. À la manière du trader qui suit les cours de la Bourse, l’Argentin scrute en direct le moindre soubresaut de l’économie nationale. Les prévisions tablent sur une inflation de 2 % sur le mois de mai et un taux annuel qui avoisine les 30 %.
La lutte contre l’inflation était le principal cheval de bataille de Javier Milei, élu président, fin 2023. Le mandat que lui avait confié l’électorat était clair : redresser les comptes de l’État et éviter la catastrophe, symbolisé à l’époque par la chute des cours du peso, la monnaie nationale. Sur ce front, l’expérience de la tronçonneuse, des coupes massives, est une réussite. Alors que l’hyperinflation menaçait, du temps du gouvernement péroniste d’Alberto Fernandez (2019-2023), les indicateurs macroéconomiques semblent assainis avec une inflation contrôlée, un excédent budgétaire et un peso renforcé. Suffisant pour parler d’un miracle argentin ? La réalité du quotidien est plus nuancée, car marquée par une perte globale de pouvoir d’achat et un net recul de l’activité en février, de 2,1 % par rapport à l’année dernière. » | Par Fabien Palem, à Buenos Aires | mardi 2 juin 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
L’expérience anarcho-capitaliste de Javier Milei était téméraire dès le départ ! Elle était vouée à engendrer le chaos dans l’économie et à causer la misère au plus grand nombre, même si elle pouvait profiter à une minorité. Ce que les politiciens d’aujourd’hui semblent oublier, c’est qu’une économie bien gérée et efficace doit œuvrer pour le bien de tous les citoyens, et non pour celui d’une poignée de privilégiés. Cela signifie que les décisions judicieuses et sensées sont souvent le fruit d’un compromis. À quoi sert, au final, une nation si l’élite s’enrichit considérablement tandis que le peuple souffre et meurt de faim ? — © Mark Alexander
How Britain, Europe and the West Were Changed by Brexit
Brexit was a STUPID act of SELF-HARM. By choosing Brexit, the nation decided to commit suicide in slow motion! This nation is living through that slow death right now! Moreover, it should be added that Cameron showed his naïveté as a politician by giving the nation a referendum in the first place. And for several reasons. These are just a few of them…
Politically, it is very unwise to ask the people to decide on, and vote on, an issue of such humungous importance when even many politicians struggle to understand the intricacies and all-encompassing nature of the institution they were asked to vote on. The Europe question was also an issue of huge constitutional importance. So, to ask one’s granny living up the road, who probably knows little about geopolitics, and understands even less of it, to vote on such an issue which would PERMANENTLY change the future trajectory of the nation was nothing short of STUPID and RECKLESS!
Further, the WEAKENING of the EUROPEAN UNION was Putin’s greatest DREAM. It was speculated that he pumped millions into trying to bring Brexit about. He was certainly pleased to learn the news that the European Union had been weakened significantly by Britain’s exit from the Union.
Many British voters voted in favour of Brexit not for sound economic reasons, but for irrational reasons of emotion. “We don’t want “them forinners” in Brussels telling us what to do!” 😊
The whole caboodle needs to be reversed in whole at the very earliest possible convenience. No ifs and no buts! This nation needs to get back on track. — © Mark Alexander
Trump Targets Brazil With 25% Tariff, Citing Unfair Trade Practices
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The proposal marks the latest effort by the administration to rebuild its tariff agenda through Section 301 investigations.
The Trump administration on Monday proposed a 25 percent tariff on a broad range of Brazilian imports, concluding after a trade investigation that Brazil had engaged in unfair practices that imposed burdens on American businesses.
In a news release, the United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, said the investigation found that Brazil had failed to adequately enforce intellectual property rights and had not taken sufficient measures to combat corruption and bribery. The administration also cited Brazil’s restrictions on access to its ethanol market, and what it described as inadequate enforcement of anti-deforestation laws.
The investigation was conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes the United States to impose tariffs and other penalties in response to unfair foreign trade practices.
Mr. Greer said that he and President Trump had “several constructive meetings” with the Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, over the past year, but that “substantial differences” remained over issues identified in the investigation. The United States Trade Representative is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed measures on July 6. » | Daisuke Wakabayashi | Tuesday, June 2, 2026
This sounds like harassment to me! Trump loves harassing people, especially if they have a socialist leaning. — © Mark Alexander
The Trump administration on Monday proposed a 25 percent tariff on a broad range of Brazilian imports, concluding after a trade investigation that Brazil had engaged in unfair practices that imposed burdens on American businesses.
In a news release, the United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, said the investigation found that Brazil had failed to adequately enforce intellectual property rights and had not taken sufficient measures to combat corruption and bribery. The administration also cited Brazil’s restrictions on access to its ethanol market, and what it described as inadequate enforcement of anti-deforestation laws.
The investigation was conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes the United States to impose tariffs and other penalties in response to unfair foreign trade practices.
Mr. Greer said that he and President Trump had “several constructive meetings” with the Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, over the past year, but that “substantial differences” remained over issues identified in the investigation. The United States Trade Representative is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed measures on July 6. » | Daisuke Wakabayashi | Tuesday, June 2, 2026
This sounds like harassment to me! Trump loves harassing people, especially if they have a socialist leaning. — © Mark Alexander
Somerset Detectorist Strikes Gold with ‘Spectacular’ Roman Ring Find
THE GUARDIAN: Kevin Minto’s discovery near Ilminster, showing goddess Victoria, has been acquired with coin hoard for £78,000
This screenshot has been taken from this Guardian article. | You’re a little dumbfounded, really,’ Minto said of the find. ‘One of the boys I was with was screaming: “We’re rich, we’re rich.”’ Photograph: South West Heritage Trust
When Kevin Minto, a lorry driver, former soldier and keen metal detectorist, came upon something glinting in a Somerset field, he thought at first it was a coin – potentially quite interesting, probably not amazing.
But the object turned out to be extraordinary: a gold Roman ring, unusually large and exquisitely crafted, set with a finely engraved gemstone depicting the goddess Victoria driving a two-horse chariot.
“It’s hard to explain what if feels like when you find something like that,” Minto said. “It was like being hit by an express train. At first I thought it was a coin, then a brooch, and then realised it was a ring. You’re a little dumbfounded, really. One of the boys I was with was screaming: ‘We’re rich, we’re rich.’” » | Steven Morris | Tuesday, June 2, 2026
When Kevin Minto, a lorry driver, former soldier and keen metal detectorist, came upon something glinting in a Somerset field, he thought at first it was a coin – potentially quite interesting, probably not amazing.
But the object turned out to be extraordinary: a gold Roman ring, unusually large and exquisitely crafted, set with a finely engraved gemstone depicting the goddess Victoria driving a two-horse chariot.
“It’s hard to explain what if feels like when you find something like that,” Minto said. “It was like being hit by an express train. At first I thought it was a coin, then a brooch, and then realised it was a ring. You’re a little dumbfounded, really. One of the boys I was with was screaming: ‘We’re rich, we’re rich.’” » | Steven Morris | Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Orbán’s Oligarchs on Edge as Hungary Poised to Launch Wealth Tax
THE GUARDIAN: New PM Péter Magyar calls policy a sign of ‘social justice’ after years of political loyalty being rewarded with economic opportunity
This screenshot comes from this article. | Péter Magyar and his party, Tisza, have their sights firmly set on Viktor Orbán’s oligarchs. Photograph: Olivier Matthys/EPA
In a dimly lit television studio, one of Hungary’s richest men is on the verge of tears. It is early May, weeks after the general election that ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year grip on power, and the advertising mogul Balásy Gyula has an announcement to make.
Gyula tells the interviewer that he has just surrendered his businesses to the state, along with a chunk of his private savings. He has even brought along a notarised deed – a legal document setting out the change of ownership.
“In the current situation, I don’t think that our group of companies has a future,” he says.
Gyula was among the most prominent beneficiaries of the Orbán era. His companies operated a network of poster sites known as the blue billboards, on which a succession of figures from the financier George Soros to the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, were designated as public enemies, in propaganda campaigns paid for by the state.
…
The wealth tax debate is a global one, with the government in Brazil and trade unions in California pushing for legislation. In the UK the Green party and many Labour MPs back the idea. In France the socialist president François Mitterrand introduced the Impôt sur les Grandes Fortunes in 1982, only for it to be repealed under Emmanuel Macron. Last year the French parliament came very close to reinstating the levy, and it is likely to be a big talking point in next year’s presidential election. For now, however, Hungary looks set to move first. » | Juliette Garside | Tuesday, June 2, 2026
In a dimly lit television studio, one of Hungary’s richest men is on the verge of tears. It is early May, weeks after the general election that ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year grip on power, and the advertising mogul Balásy Gyula has an announcement to make.
Gyula tells the interviewer that he has just surrendered his businesses to the state, along with a chunk of his private savings. He has even brought along a notarised deed – a legal document setting out the change of ownership.
“In the current situation, I don’t think that our group of companies has a future,” he says.
Gyula was among the most prominent beneficiaries of the Orbán era. His companies operated a network of poster sites known as the blue billboards, on which a succession of figures from the financier George Soros to the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, were designated as public enemies, in propaganda campaigns paid for by the state.
…
The wealth tax debate is a global one, with the government in Brazil and trade unions in California pushing for legislation. In the UK the Green party and many Labour MPs back the idea. In France the socialist president François Mitterrand introduced the Impôt sur les Grandes Fortunes in 1982, only for it to be repealed under Emmanuel Macron. Last year the French parliament came very close to reinstating the levy, and it is likely to be a big talking point in next year’s presidential election. For now, however, Hungary looks set to move first. » | Juliette Garside | Tuesday, June 2, 2026
June 01, 2026
How to Tax Billionaires
May 25, 2026 | How many billionaires are there in the world? How much has their wealth grown by? Why do lots of billionaires pay almost no income tax? How much of a problem are tax havens? Would a 2% global wealth tax (on people with over $100million) work in practice?
Robert and Steph talk to prominent economist Gabriel Zucman about his decades long research on wealth inequality and discuss the pros and cons of wealth taxation policies.
The Rest is Money is brought to you by Octopus Energy, Britain’s smart energy pioneer.
Robert and Steph talk to prominent economist Gabriel Zucman about his decades long research on wealth inequality and discuss the pros and cons of wealth taxation policies.
The Rest is Money is brought to you by Octopus Energy, Britain’s smart energy pioneer.
JD's Billionaire Sugar Daddy Leaks. Something BAD is Coming...
Strong language alert!
Trump in Ruins as He Faces Economic Nightmare
May 31, 2026 | Why has Trump forgotten the old political adage "it's the economy, stupid" in his policies? Trump’s policies have crashed the economy and led to wholesale voter suffering?
Popok is joined by financial expert and host of Wall Street Truthbombs Mark Malek for the answer.
Popok is joined by financial expert and host of Wall Street Truthbombs Mark Malek for the answer.
Steve Rosenberg: "Russian Regions & Big Business Arming Themselves to Defend against Drones" - Russian Paper
May 31, 2026
Billionaires Quietly Added THIS to Your Meat (And You’re Eating It Daily)
What Is Orange Wine? And Why Is It on Every Brunch Menu?
May 30, 2026 | Orange wine isn't made from oranges — and it isn't a trend. It's the oldest wine in the world, made for 8,000 years in Georgia using clay vessels called qvevri.
Today, it's on every brunch menu. So, is it worth the hype, or just expensive, amber-coloured marketing?
I taste three orange wines — the icon, the ancient original, and the supermarket version — and answer the questions people are too embarrassed to ask: what it is, why it's everywhere, and when NOT to order it.
I'm Anya Gariboldi — sommelier, wine judge, WSET Diploma. Stop ordering wine to impress. Start ordering wine you actually understand.
Today, it's on every brunch menu. So, is it worth the hype, or just expensive, amber-coloured marketing?
I taste three orange wines — the icon, the ancient original, and the supermarket version — and answer the questions people are too embarrassed to ask: what it is, why it's everywhere, and when NOT to order it.
I'm Anya Gariboldi — sommelier, wine judge, WSET Diploma. Stop ordering wine to impress. Start ordering wine you actually understand.
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