Total isolation
The week's news at a glance.
Nauru
The tiny Pacific island nation of Nauru has been unable to contact the outside world since January, when its phone system broke down. Nauru, a nation of 12,000 inhabitants, was once a source of profitable phosphate mining. After the mines shut down, the island reinvented itself as a center for offshore banking—and, financial investigators say, for money laundering. Riots broke out after January elections, when former president Rene Harris refused to cede power to the winner, Bernard Dowiyogo. Many buildings burned down, including the telephone center and the presidential palace. Nauru’s diplomats abroad, cut off from their government, have no idea who is now in charge.
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US, China agree to lower tariffs for 90 days
speed read US tariffs will fall to 30% from 145%, while China will cut its tax on US imports to 10% from 125%
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Qatar luxury jet gift clouds Trump trip to Mideast
speed read Qatar is said to be presenting Trump with a $400 million plane, which would be among the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the US government
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Does ketchup belong on a hot dog and more May 12 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Monday's cartoons feature Pope Leo XIV, Newark airport, and Donald Trump's meme coin