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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy
Brendan Ruberry

Brendan Ruberry

Newsroom Fellow

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Brazil celebrates 30 years of its most famous extraterrestrial sighting

The anniversary is being honored with a new documentary and ufology conference in the city of Varginha.
A statue of the Varginha extraterrestrialSecretaria de Turismo e Comércio de Varginha/YouTube

Oscars look beyond Hollywood

International films were represented in all four Oscars acting categories for the first time, reflecting an Academy Awards that is increasingly looking beyond Hollywood.
Wagner MouraWagner Moura. Mike Blake/Reuters

Leaping through fire

Horses jumped through bonfires in a Spanish tradition performed this week in honor of St. Anthony.
A horseman rides his horse through a bonfire during the ‘Las Luminarias’ festival in the village of San Bartolome de PinaresBurak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images

Guatemala’s gang crackdown signals regional security shift

Guatemala became the third Latin American government to declare a state of emergency to combat gang violence, as the region retrenches around security.
Riot police officers enter Zone 18 prison during gang violence following prison riots that left several police officers dead, in Guatemala City. Josue Decavele/Reuters

Fighting to save Japan’s ‘snow monsters’

Climate change threatens Mount Zao’s ‘juhyo,’ gargantuan forms created around fir trees by snow and ice accretion.
Snow monsters of Mont Zao in JapanDavid Mareuil/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Blending Buddhist chants with electronic music

Japanese performers Cyber NamuNamu are offering a cure to tech-driven disorientation.
Screenshot of a video of a Cyber NamuNamu performanceCyber NamuNamu/YouTube

Indian Railways bids farewell to iconic ‘bandhgala’

Also known as a Jodhpuri suit, the centuries-old garment was the target of a campaign against colonial-era symbols.

The Shōwa-era nostalgia of Japan’s coffee shops

‘Kissaten’ are seeing a revival by young people seeking out chic interiors and a warm atmosphere.

Old-school horror in a high-tech world

A frightening new production at London’s Hampstead Theatre combines gothic horror with cutting-edge audio design.

Prada’s $939 Indian Kolhapuri sandals to hit stores following backlash

The fashion house drew charges of appropriation after initially unveiling a sandal that closely resembled the Kolhapuri chappal without crediting its Indian origins.

EU nations back landmark Mercosur trade deal

The agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc would create the world’s largest free trade zone after 25 years of negotiations.

Wanted: A treasure hunter

The British Museum is seeking a qualified professional to help recover more than 900 stolen artifacts.

An ‘ordinary’ Quran makes history

The historic Quran used to swear in Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first Muslim mayor goes on display at the New York Public Library.

A library devoted to Arabian horses

A first-of-its-kind library in Abu Dhabi delves into the Middle East’s long history of equestrianism.

500-pound tuna reels in record $3.2 million in Japan

“When I see a good-looking tuna, I cannot resist,” the winning bidder told reporters.

China’s biotech boom drives up lab monkey prices

Breeders did not increase their populations during an investment downturn in 2023, contributing to a supply squeeze.

China ends tax exemption on contraceptives

Beijing ended a 30-year tax exemption for condoms and other contraceptives, as Chinese officials attempt to boost the country’s flagging birthrate.

Iceland sees record-breaking heat on Christmas Eve

Like other polar regions, Iceland’s climate is warming two to four times faster than the global average.