Kevin Christensen looks on as his son, Lane Christensen, sharpens an industrial drill bit. Christensen’s four-person company turned into an international exporter in a matter of months with help from the US Commercial Service. 

Economics

The underfunded govt program that got drill bits from rural North Dakota to Zimbabwe

North Dakota leads the nation in the production of several crops including: barley, canola, spring wheat, and honey. A low population state, farmers there rely heavily on exports. 

Trump says we’re losing badly with trade. But North Dakota suggests otherwise.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un shake hands during their meeting in Vladivostok, Russia on April 25, 2019. 

Ukraine

North Korea-Russia relations are warming up amid war in Ukraine

Jorge Drexler poses in the press room with his Grammys at the 23rd annual Latin Grammy Awards at the Mandalay Bay Michelob Ultra Arena on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in Las Vegas. 

Music

Uruguayan musician Jorge Drexler wins big at Latin Grammy Awards

A giant inflatable copy of the trophy is displayed prior to the start of the World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Nov. 20, 2022.

Sports

Qatar opens World Cup with lavish half-hour ceremony

Investigators look for answers after Russian forces buried more than 400 bodies in a mass grave in Ukraine

This address is listed on an official police website back in China as an “Overseas Police Service Center,” but the locale appears abandoned. 

Global Politics

China has a police network that stretches across some 30 countries, NGO says

Brazil’s yellow-and-green soccer jersey stirs up controversy

Lionel Messi’s last shot at World Cup glory

After the discovery of commercial quantities of oil in 2006, Hoima, Uganda, is being referred to as “Oil City,” Hoima, Uganda, November 2022.

Energy

Why African countries like Uganda are investing in fossil fuels

Surf's up!: Riding the world's largest waves in Portugal's Nazaré 

Demonstrators show "stop oil in Africa" written on their hands during a protest with Stop Pipelines coalition against pipelines in East Africa.

Land issues at the heart of Uganda’s oil showdown

Nick Bartman, Counterfeit Expert

Business, Economics and Jobs

Found a deal on a nice bottle of wine in China? Don't be so sure

Vicente Robles in his apple orchards in Bachíniva, Chihuahua. 

Mexico is waging war against American apples

A member of the Kurdish security forces takes up position with his weapon as he guards a section of an oil refinery.

Conflict & Justice

After ISIS advance, Kurds win back important control over northern Iraq's oil

An Israeli flag is painted on one of the walls on the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza.

Conflict

At the only place where Israel will export things to Gaza, both sides remain at arm's length

international trade

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