Author: Andrew Rogers

American Express is enhancing benefits for its Platinum and Business Platinum cards. Starting September 18th, both cards will offer $300 in Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) credits every six months. This is a major upgrade from the current arrangement, where the consumer Platinum card gets only a $200 annual credit and the Business Platinum card has none. These updates come alongside other changes announced earlier, including a rise in annual fees to $895 and modifications to the Business Platinum’s 35% points rebate on premium cabin flights booked through Amex Travel. The rebate will now only apply to your selected airline.…

As talks of a fourth stimulus check in 2025 circulate, many Americans are asking whether they will receive additional money from the IRS. Here’s what you need to know about the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, upcoming payments, eligibility, and tracking options. Several states have already issued or plan to send “inflation relief checks” to residents affected by rising prices. For instance, New York is distributing one-time payments based on income. Individuals earning up to $75,000 may receive $200, while married couples filing jointly earning up to $150,000 can get $400. Other states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado, have…

A Labour MP has stepped down as the UK’s trade envoy to Turkey following a controversial visit to northern Cyprus, which is under Turkish control. Afzal Khan, who represents Manchester Rusholme, resigned from his government role on Friday. A government spokesman confirmed the departure, citing the sensitive nature of the visit. Mr Khan explained that his trip to the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was personal. He said he visited his nephew and attended a ceremony to receive an honorary degree. The MP also confirmed that he paid for the visit himself. Northern Cyprus has been occupied by Turkish…

Zealand Pharma has reported strong financial results for the first half of 2025, marking progress in its obesity and rare disease programs while reinforcing its leadership team and financial position. The Copenhagen-based biotechnology company, focused on peptide-based medicines, continues to advance its innovative drug pipeline, setting the stage for a promising year ahead. The collaboration with Roche on petrelintide, an amylin analog for weight management, is off to a fast start. The co-development and co-commercialization agreement aims to establish a leading amylin-based franchise in the U.S. and Europe, with profit sharing on a 50/50 basis. Zealand Pharma is also eligible…

The United States has approved a potential $346 million sale of ammunition, precision bombs, and rockets to Nigeria. The move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s military capabilities against terrorism and illegal trafficking. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Wednesday that the State Department authorized the possible sale. Congress was notified of the planned transfer of munitions and related equipment. Nigeria requested a variety of advanced weapons, including 1,002 MK-82 500-pound general-purpose bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for 500-pound Paveway II GBU-12 bombs, and 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for 250-pound Paveway II GBU-58 bombs. The package also includes…

Australia will officially recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed, citing Israel’s military actions and comments by Benjamin Netanyahu as key reasons. The decision comes amid growing international pressure to support the people of Gaza. Opposition leader Sussan Ley said the Coalition would reverse the recognition if it returned to government. The Coalition Shadow Cabinet said it opposes the unilateral move to recognise Palestine outside international agreements. Ley and Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Michaela Cash stated that recognition would be revoked under a Coalition government. Ley added that the decision does not…

Indonesia is accelerating its transition to renewable energy, aiming for 35% of its energy mix from clean sources by 2034. After the United States withdrew from the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) in March, China is emerging as the country’s main financing partner. However, experts warn that China’s domestic and international priorities may limit its full involvement in global climate financing. Putra Adhiguna, managing director of the Energy Shift Institute, says China and Germany could show leadership in renewable energy finance. Yet he notes challenges, including China’s resistance to being labeled a developed country. This classification would require it to…

Russia has sharply reduced support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) as budget pressures mount and the economy slows. Economists and business leaders warn that the cuts could hurt the sector’s long-term health. Government subsidies for SMEs fell 43% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to a report from the Higher School of Economics Development Center. Total aid dropped from 127.8 billion rubles ($1.6 billion) to 72.3 billion rubles ($918 million). This is also below the support level in early 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when aid…

The Washington DC National Guard started deploying on city streets Tuesday night after Donald Trump ordered control of the local police, calling the capital a “lawless” city despite statistics showing violent crime at a 30-year low. Defense officials confirmed a small group of the roughly 800 guard members were already mobilized by Tuesday afternoon, with more expected to arrive in the coming days. On Monday night, about 850 officers and agents participated in a large law enforcement operation, making nearly two dozen arrests for homicide, firearms violations, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, fare evasion, lewd acts, and stalking. Authorities…

Oil prices climbed on Tuesday as the United States and China agreed to extend a pause on raising tariffs. This move eased fears that their trade war might worsen and harm the economies of the two biggest oil consumers in the world. The deal also supports hopes for stronger fuel demand. Brent crude futures increased by 26 cents, or 0.39%, reaching $66.89 per barrel by 00:15 GMT. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 22 cents, or 0.34%, to $64.18 per barrel. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day extension of the tariff truce with China. This extension…