Milei Tames Inflation, but Argentines Still Struggle to Afford Basics

Aug 5, 2025 | Argentina’s government has slashed inflation from a record monthly high of 25 percent in 2023, to around two percent last month. But its economic policies have made housing, health and education more expensive.

Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo reports from Buenos Aires, Argentina on who's struggling and who's benefitting.

Brazil: Bolsonaro under House Arrest, Escalating Tensions with Trump

Aug 5, 2025 | Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been placed under house arrest by the Supreme Court.

He’s on trial for allegedly masterminding a coup to remain in office after he was defeated at the ballot box in 2022. The far-right leader denies he tried to overthrow the country’s current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Donald Trump’s administration has condemned the arrest calling it politically motivated and a silencing of the opposition.

Trump Supporter Goes Wild When Questioned about Trump's Tariffs! Incredible!

Jul 29, 2025 | In this video, Sebastian Gorka loses his cool when confronted about the global impact of Donald Trump's tariffs. …

This is arrogance personified. Gorka also sounds childish. What an AH! – © Mark Alexander

Trump’s Demand to Trading Partners: Pledge Money or Get Higher Tariffs

THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Trump is using an “Art of the Deal” approach to get other nations to hand over cash to lower their tariffs.

President Trump’s tariff threats have turned into a play for cold, hard cash as he tries to leverage U.S. economic power to cajole other nations to make multibillion-dollar investments in order to maintain access to America’s market.

The president’s second-term trade agenda has clear echoes of his “Art of the Deal” approach, essentially demanding that trading partners show him the money in the form of investment pledges or else face astronomically high tariffs.

The financial promises give Mr. Trump the opportunity to flex his negotiating prowess in relatable terms and show off the splashy sums he is pulling into America, adding to the reality show intrigue of his trade agenda. As the Trump administration races to reach trade deals with dozens of countries ahead of a Thursday deadline, he has embraced a strategy that goes beyond opening international markets and reducing the U.S. trade deficit.

The tactic was on display last week as Mr. Trump and his team rolled out a blitz of new trade agreements before a self-imposed Aug. 1 deadline. » | Alan Rappeport | Reporting from Washington | Monday, August 4, 2025

This is SHAMELESS behaviour by the president of the USA! This is tantamount to high society BEGGING! Isn't this a form of bribery? Isn't this corruption? Trump is sailing close to the wind! Clearly, the man is unworthy of the office of the Presidency. This behaviour STAINS the REPUTATION of America. One can only guess in whose pockets this begged money will end up! This is truly DISGUSTING! – © Mark Alexander

Tesla Grants Musk $29 Billion in Stock to Keep ‘Elon’s Energies Focused’

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The “interim” package announced on Monday was intended to help retain Elon Musk, whose previous pay plan was invalidated by a judge.

Tesla granted shares to Elon Musk worth nearly $30 billion, the company said on Monday, describing it as a “good faith” award to help retain the car maker’s chief executive after his previous multibillion-dollar pay package was struck down by a judge.

The company approved a grant of 96 million shares for Mr. Musk, which he could tap after two years of service in a “senior leadership role” at Tesla. The mercurial billionaire, whose business empire includes rockets, artificial intelligence, brain implants and more, hinted last month that he wanted more shares in Tesla, on top of his 13 percent stake, to prevent his ouster by “activist” shareholders. It was a “major concern,” he said on an earnings call with analysts.

With the new shares, Mr. Musk would own nearly 16 percent of Tesla, a stake that would be worth over $150 billion at the company’s stock price on Monday.

The package amounts to an extraordinary pay raise for Mr. Musk as Tesla sales and profit are falling, and the company is losing market share, in part because of his behavior. His involvement in right-wing politics has alienated many liberal car buyers who are more likely than conservatives to buy electric vehicles. Mr. Musk is already the world’s richest person, worth about $350 billion, according to Bloomberg. » | Jack Ewing | Monday, August 4, 2025

Nordkorea: Wandel durch Fortschritt | ARTE Reportage Reupload

Aug 3, 2025 | Nach dem Koreakrieg von 1950 bis 1953 wurde Pjöngjang mit Hilfe der Sowjetunion wieder aufgebaut, im Geiste des Kommunismus und als Vorzeigestadt der Kim-Dynastie: Gründer Kim Il-sung, sein Sohn Kim Jong-il und Kim Jong-un, der Enkel und Erbe seit 2011. Der Enkel scheint, von außen betrachtet, das Land modernisieren und öffnen zu wollen, für einen Frieden mit dem verfeindeten Süden.

Pjöngjang ist das Schaufenster Nordkoreas, die blühende Stadt der Diktatur – sie zeigen sie gerne vor, fürchten aber, dass der Vergleich zwischen der Hauptstadt und dem Rest des Landes ungünstig ausfallen könnte: Schließlich gehört Nordkorea nach wie vor zu den ärmsten Ländern der Welt; die Krisenzeiten mit Hungersnöten sind noch nicht so lange her. Während des Koreakriegs von 1950 bis 1953 wurde Pjöngjang durch die Bomber der amerikanischen Streitkräfte in Trümmer gelegt; und nach dem Krieg mit Hilfe der Sowjetunion wieder aufgebaut, im Geiste des Kommunismus und als Vorzeigestadt der Kim-Dynastie: Gründer Kim Il-sung, sein Sohn Kim Jong-il und Kim Jong-un, der Enkel und Erbe seit 2011. Der Enkel scheint, von außen betrachtet, das Land modernisieren und öffnen zu wollen, für einen Frieden mit dem verfeindeten Süden. Im Nordkorea von heute hat der Wissenschaftler die klassischen Helden, Bauer, Arbeiter und Intellektueller, beiseite gedrängt. In einigen Modellfabriken kommunizieren die Leiter direkt mit den Wissenschaftlern, um den Produktionsprozess stets und ständig zu verbessern – denn Fortschritt ist das Opium fürs Volk von heute in Nordkorea: Damit die Dynastie der Kims noch lange an der Macht bleiben kann…

Video verfügbar bis zum 23/05/2027

Investor Confidence in EU Drops after Trump’s Brussels Trade Deal

THE GUARDIAN: Agreement is said to ‘dampen the mood’, with the US viewed as the winner at the expense of the eurozone

Investor confidence in the EU has fallen sharply after Donald Trump’s trade agreement with Brussels, amid mounting concern about the economic hit from the US president’s tariff war.

The latest snapshot from the Sentix index showed that investor sentiment fell significantly at the start of the month after the deal last week between Trump and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.

The data provider said its weekly survey of thousands of investors in more than 20 countries showed that the pact was a “deal that dampens the mood”, with Trump and the US viewed as “winners” at the expense of the eurozone.

“The result is devastating for the eurozone,” said Manfred Hübner, the managing director of the Sentix economic index. “The current situation and expectations are both declining. The wrinkles of concern in the economy are deepening again.” » | Richard Partington | Senior economics correspondent | Monday, August 4, 2025

Fareed's Take: Trump's Tariffs Have Caused a Seismic Shift in World Affairs

Aug 3, 2025 | "How is it a victory for the US that low-income Americans will now pay a good bit more for food and clothes at places like Costco and Walmart?" CNN's Fareed Zakaria asks, going on to note "the broadest effect of these tariffs will be to change the basic structure of the world economy."

This Isn’t a Presidency, It’s a One-Man Circus’: Sachs Tears Into Trump’s Trade War

Aug 3, 2025 | Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs tore into Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, branding them “Mickey Mouse economics” and accusing the former president of unleashing chaos on global markets. In a scathing takedown, Sachs said Trump’s trade logic was so flawed that “he wouldn’t pass a basic econ class,” slamming the former president’s obsession with trade deficits as “childish and dangerous.” Sachs blamed Trump’s economic policies for triggering a $10 trillion loss in global wealth, warning that the U.S. is now flirting with authoritarianism under “one-man rule by emergency decree.” Dismissing Trump’s talk of foreign nations “cheating” the U.S., Sachs countered: “It’s not a trade issue—it’s a spending problem.” The blistering critique comes amid rising fears that Trump’s return to power could reignite economic instability worldwide.

Ashish Prashar on Trump's Nonsense Trade Deals and Leveraging Humanitarian Aid for Gaza with Tariffs

Aug 4, 2025 | Political strategist and human rights activist Ashish Prashar joins Anthony Davis to discuss the fallout from Trump’s random tariff reboot as allies are punished by nonsense trade deals. Plus Trumps threatens geopolitical fallout with Canada, UK and France as they join 147 nations recognizing a Palestinian state in the face of mass starvation - only on The Weekend Show.

ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.

Trump Hits Brazil with Tariffs over Bolsonaro Trial | DW News

Aug 2, 2025 | Brazil’s finance minister says the Trump administration’s tariffs are “more favourable” than he expected, but that there is still “a lot of injustice” in the measures. Trump's order adds a 40 percent levy on Brazilian goods, bringing the total up to 50 percent. The tariffs affect coffee and meat, two major Brazilian exports, but exempts hundreds of other products. Today in Sao Paulo, demonstrators gathered outside the US Consulate. They claim that Trump is using tariffs to force Brazil into dropping the trial of his ally, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.

Republicans Slam Trump’s Firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Chief

THE GUARDIAN: President claimed that recently released figures showing jobs slowdown were ‘rigged’ to make him look bad

Senior Republican lawmakers are condemning the decision of their party leader, Donald Trump, to fire the leading US labor market statistician after a report that showed the national economy added just 73,000 jobs – far fewer than expected – in July.

The disappointing figures – coupled with a downward revision of the two previous months amounting to 258,000 fewer jobs and data showing that economic output and consumer spending slowed in the first half of the year – point to an overall economic deterioration in the US. » | Edward Helmore | Saturday, August 2, 2025

The US jobs market is slowing down because of Trump’s own mismanagement. It’s as simple as that! Trump has created great uncertainty in the economy. Uncertainty is poison for a flourishing economy. So the buck stops with Trump himself. – © Mark Alexander

Trump Attacks Brazil to Weaken BRICS. Lula Pushes Back: We Don't Want US 'Emperor' or 'World Police'

Aug 2, 2025 | The White House imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil and declared it a threat to US "national security". Donald Trump is blatantly meddling in internal Brazilian affairs, trying to undermine left-wing President Lula da Silva and help far-right former leader Jair Bolsonaro. The USA's attacks also aim to divide BRICS and discourage more countries from joining. Political economist Ben Norton explains how the US empire is attacking the Global South's multipolar project.

Peak Summer Season Is Here, but Where Are the Tourists?

Jul 27, 2025 | The U.S. Tourism Crisis: What’s Really Happening? It’s the peak of summer, but U.S. tourist hotspots are unusually quiet. Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, San Francisco, and other major destinations are seeing far fewer visitors than expected. Hotels are slashing rates, small businesses are struggling, and border crossings from Canada are way down.

In 2025, what should be a booming season has turned into a confusing and costly downturn. Many travelers — especially Canadians — are staying away, and even business owners say they don’t fully understand why. Rising prices, hidden fees, visa issues, political tensions, and safety concerns are all adding up to a tourism crisis that could cost billions.

Workers in hospitality, retail, and entertainment are already feeling the impact, with fewer tips, fewer shifts, and growing uncertainty.

This video dives into the data, the stories, and the bigger questions: Is this a temporary slump or a sign of long-term change in how the world sees the United States?

Wall Street Update: Dow Tumbles over 500 Points amid New Tariffs, Weak Jobs Report

Aug 1, 2025 | As the global trade market is hit with President Trump's new tariffs, the latest jobs report shows job growth has slowed sharply. Trump is blaming Fed Chair Jerome Powell for the weak report. NBC News' Shannon Pettypiece and Garrett Haake have the latest reporting. Axios Chief Economic Correspondent Neil Irwin joins Ana Cabrera to share his analysis.

Britannia Unchained by Brexit SOLD OFF to USA

Jul 31, 2025 | £40bn LOST. Animal Welfare Downgraded. U.S. Corporations in Charge.

While the UK public is being distracted by talk of Brexit resets and animal welfare ‘carve-outs,’ the truth is far more alarming.

Keir Starmer has signed away Britain’s sovereignty to Trump’s America without a vote in Parliament. Using Henry VIII powers, his government is now rewriting UK laws by stealth, allowing U.S. agribusiness standards into our food system, including deregulated chicken handling (SI 2025/776) and backsliding on vital protections.

Meanwhile, a Judicial Review has just been granted to challenge this dangerous deregulation — proving we’re not imagining it, and we are not alone.

Stock Markets Open Lower after US Announces New Tariffs on More Than 90 Countries | BBC News

Aug 1, 2025 | Stock markets around the world have opened lower after US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on more than 90 countries.

Stephen Miran, an economic advisor to the president, said he sees "zero evidence" prices on goods will rise for Americans, but warnings are swirling that tariffs will hit consumers directly.

Trump announced higher tariffs for many Canadian goods but most products are exempted due to a free trade agreement - while Mexico has escaped higher levies for another 90 days.

What Now for Germany's Economic Model? | Berlin Briefing Podcast

Aug 1, 2025

Switzerland Is Stunned by 39% U.S. Tariff, Among the Highest in the World

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Swiss officials plan to negotiate furiously for a lower rate in the coming days, before the punishing levy takes effect.

Switzerland got a rude awakening on Friday, a national holiday, after President Trump imposed a 39 percent tariff on goods imported from the Alpine country, one of the highest rates of any country. Karin Keller-Sutter, the Swiss president, said that she had spoken with Mr. Trump on Thursday but that “no agreement could be reached.”

The Swiss were already indignant about Mr. Trump’s initial threat, in April, to levy a 31 percent tariff on their goods. When the White House announced revised rates late on Thursday, the Swiss were shocked to see that already steep rate raised further. Many other tariffs were maintained or lowered somewhat by Mr. Trump’s revisions.

Now, Swiss products imported in the United States, including pharmaceuticals, precision instruments and even coffee capsules, will be subject to the 39 percent tariff if the two sides don’t hash out a trade deal by Aug. 7. » | Liz Alderman | Reporting from Paris | Friday, August 1, 2025

Tracking Trump’s New Tariffs on Every Country

THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Trump unveiled an updated slate of sweeping tariffs on Thursday, targeting imports from dozens of U.S. trading partners, in a major escalation of a potentially damaging global trade war without parallel in modern history.

For the most part, Mr. Trump's duties will take effect on Aug. 7, capping off months of haggling, tinkering and delay. The president enacted the new rates through a series of executive orders, some of which reflect preliminary trade deals struck recently with countries that offered favorable concessions to the United States.

Together, the actions amount to an audacious gamble by the White House, which believes its policies can reset the world trading order, raise new federal revenue and pressure private businesses to make more of their products domestically.

But Mr. Trump’s campaign is only beginning — and whether he will succeed remains an open question with great consequence for the U.S. economy. The president's trade brinkmanship has rattled financial markets around the world, and his tariffs threaten to raise prices on American consumers and businesses, who foot the bill for those duties when they import foreign goods. » | Lazaro Gamio, Tony Romm and Agnes Chang | Thursday, July 31, 2025