News published on Globe Banner in August 2025

News from August 2025


Oxford professor proposes targeted wealth taxes on high-value properties

Professor John Muellbauer from the University of Oxford has put forward a proposal for reforming property taxation in the UK, arguing that current high prices of houses and land have negatively affected economic productivity and increased inequality.


U.S. Embassy in Budapest seeks bids for kitchen furniture at Chancery building

The U.S. Embassy in Budapest has announced a request for quotation for the supply of complete kitchen furniture at its Chancery building, located at 12 Szabadság tér, 1054 Budapest, Hungary.


Johnson & Johnson invests $2 billion in North Carolina biomanufacturing expansion

Johnson & Johnson has announced a $2 billion commitment to expand its manufacturing capabilities in the United States, specifically at FUJIFILM’s new biopharmaceutical site in Holly Springs, North Carolina.


U.S. Embassy outlines travel guidelines for Green Card holders living abroad

Traveling abroad as a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) involves specific rules and responsibilities, according to the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy in Guyana’s monthly “Ask the Consul” column.


Standard Chartered comments on DOJ filing in Brutus qui tam litigation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed in the legacy Brutus qui tam case, resulting in what Standard Chartered PLC described as a favorable outcome.


United States and European Union agree on new framework for reciprocal trade

The United States and the European Union have reached a Framework Agreement aimed at creating reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade between the two economies.


Avanse secures $200 million syndicated ECB led by DBS Bank and HSBC India

Avanse Financial Services Limited has secured a multi-currency syndicated External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) loan equivalent to USD 200 million.


U.S. Ambassador addresses new group of Peace Corps Volunteers beginning service in Mongolia

At a ceremony in Terelj, Ambassador Richard L. Buangan addressed the newest group of Peace Corps Volunteers, known as the M34 cohort, as they completed their pre-service training and prepared to begin two years of service in Mongolia.


United States and Taiwan sign MOU to boost cross-border drug enforcement

The United States and Taiwan have formalized a new phase of cross-border drug enforcement cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the 4th Annual Cross-Border Drug Enforcement Cooperation Forum.


U.S. Embassy warns citizens of new Nicaraguan land control law

On August 6, 2025, the Nicaraguan National Assembly enacted legislation granting the government authority over all land within 15 kilometers of its borders.


U.S. Embassy in Maputo seeks bids for roof access stair installation

The U.S. Embassy in Maputo has announced a tender for the fabrication and installation of roof access stairs at its mission facility.


U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua announces visit by federal benefits representatives

Representatives from the Regional Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica will travel to Nicaragua to provide in-person assistance regarding U.S. Social Security and other federal benefits.


Samsung expands home appliance remote management service globally

Samsung Electronics has expanded its Home Appliance Remote Management (HRM) service to a global scale, now available in 122 countries and supporting 17 languages.


U.S. Embassy introduces online fee payment for passport renewals by mail

The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago has introduced an online payment option for adult U.S. passport renewal applications, allowing eligible applicants to mail their documents rather than applying in person.


U.S. Embassy Nassau announces move to Shirley Street after five decades

The United States Embassy in Nassau will close to the public on Tuesday, August 26 at its current Queen Street location and reopen at a new site at 235 Shirley Street on Tuesday, September 2.


Oxford researchers develop new deployable microstent for improved glaucoma treatment

A research team has developed a new deployable microstent designed to improve treatment for glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss worldwide.


Sun Life executives to speak at Scotiabank Financials Summit on September 4

Kevin Strain, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life, is scheduled to take part in a fireside chat at the upcoming Scotiabank Financials Summit.


U.S. Consulate General Porto Alegre issues alert ahead of planned demonstration

A demonstration is scheduled to occur in front of the U.S. Consulate General in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on August 15, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM.


U.S. Secretary of State congratulates Liechtenstein on its national day

On August 15, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement recognizing Liechtenstein National Day and expressing the United States' appreciation for its relationship with the principality.


U.S., Mexico mark progress after 90 days with focus on security and trade

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has outlined a series of achievements following 90 days of renewed partnership between the United States and Mexico.