Politics
Politics
CRISIS ESCALATES IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ AS BLOCKADE BEGINS
Tensions in the Middle East have intensified dramatically after a U.S.-led blockade was initiated in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important chokepoints for global energy shipments. The decision follows a collapse in diplomatic talks with Iran and has immediately disrupted maritime traffic through the region.
Oil markets reacted within hours, pushing prices higher amid fears of constrained supply. Shipping companies are reporting rerouted vessels and increased security escorts as naval forces establish tighter control over movement in the waterway. Analysts warn that if the situation escalates further, it could trigger sustained energy volatility and broader inflationary pressure worldwide.
EUROPE FACES MAJOR POLITICAL TURNING POINT IN HUNGARY
Hungary is entering a new political era after long-serving leader Viktor Orbán was voted out following more than 15 years in power. The result marks one of the most...
(BPT) - Are you prepared in case of a local emergency? From severe storms to wildfires and floods, it's critical that you and your loved ones have the knowledge and resources to weather these and other disasters. This National Preparedness Month, take small steps to prepare your family for big emergencies.
Don't know where to start? T-Mobile knows how important it is for families to stay in touch with each other and reach emergency services. Over the past few years, the mobile provider has added resilience tools like AI-driven network automation, satellite-powered emergency messaging and priority service for first responders. In addition to these investments in technology and resources to support community connectivity during disasters, T-Mobile offers a few simple steps you can take now to prepare your family for a future emergency.
1. Save local emergency numbers
In a crisis, it's vital that you're able to reach your family and emergency services as quickly as possible. Look up and...
(BPT) - High school graduation is a milestone worth celebrating - but for 73 students at DeVry University Advantage Academy (DUAA), this year's ceremony marked two academic achievements. In addition to their high school diplomas, 38 students earned associate degrees in information technology and networking and 35 earned associate degrees in business management - with the vast majority completing their degrees before turning 19.
"Graduating with both my high school diploma and associate degree was a really big personal accomplishment," said 2025 DUAA graduate Ben Bednar. "The work and greater expectations of our college classes pushed me to realize that I just enjoy learning and DeVry further refined my personal ambitions for the future."
A dual path, a singular goal
Founded in 2004, DUAA helps qualifying 11th and 12th grade students from 48 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) earn college degrees alongside their diplomas - all at no cost to families. Through a rigorous and accelerated model...
(BPT) - No matter your stage in life's journey, it's never too early or late to make financial plans. For military families especially, planning helps you withstand major transitions and gives you confidence about the future. From your first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to deployment and separation, you'll have many decisions to make and high-priority items on your to-do list, including managing your finances.
Financial Planning Month is the perfect time to work on setting goals for your financial future. Here are tips to get you started.
Begin with the basics: Savings
Developing a savings plan is a great place to start. Even when you're starting out in your career, developing the habit of setting money aside from each paycheck can help you build an emergency fund for unexpected events. One approach is to open a separate savings account for that purpose and have a small portion of each paycheck automatically deposited into that account, so you don't even have to think about it....