France is facing a manufacturing crisis. Factory closures jumped 30% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Industrial production is contracting. Jobs are being lost. And there's no quick fix in sight. The dual pressures of Asian competition and US tariffs are
China just announced its GDP growth target for 2026, and it's the lowest in decades. The government is aiming for 4.5% to 5% growth, down from around 5% in 2025. That might not sound like a big drop, but for China, it's a massive shift.
From healthcare to infrastructure to jobs, connecting policy to people By David Thornton When politicians debate spending bills in Washington, it's easy to tune out. Billions here, trillions there, the numbers feel abstract, disconnected from your morning commute or your family's health insurance. But government spending