Kristen Stewart Directorial Debut Lands UK Release

Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, *The Chronology of Water*, has been acquired by BFI Distribution for UK and Ireland release following its acclaimed Cannes premiere. The film, starring Imogen Poots in a revelatory performance, is adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir and explores themes of trauma and self-discovery. BFI praised Stewart’s bold direction and the movie’s intense emotional impact ahead of its sold-out screenings at the BFI Film Festival. International rights have also been secured across multiple territories, building on its festival success and award wins.

Sitting On A Fortune

Sit on a fortune at London Design Festival with the Bank of England Museum’s „Reconstructing Value” pop-up, where shredded £2.5 million in old banknotes become sculptural benches. These functional art pieces, designed by Saskia Boersma in collaboration with Surface Matter and Plasticiet, cleverly mimic the pound sign while sparking dialogue on what we deem valuable. Crafted using sustainable methods, the benches retain the original currency’s colors and security patterns, merging aesthetics with eco-conscious innovation. Explore this unique installation to see how discarded money gains new life and challenges perceptions of value in today’s circular economy.

Kremlin Turns to Russias Rich for War Funds

Facing squeezed war finances, Vladimir Putin is turning to Russia’s wealthy elite to fund the Ukraine conflict through potential luxury and dividend tax hikes. The Kremlin’s budget is under pressure from falling energy revenues and international sanctions targeting its oil trade. As Russia’s richest citizens report record dividends, they become prime targets for new wartime levies, mirroring historical US tax policies during past conflicts.

Student Loan Changes Threaten Graduate Degree Funding

Graduate and professional students could soon face stricter federal loan limits under new Education Department proposals. The plan would cap annual borrowing at $20,500 for graduate students and $50,000 for professional students, while eliminating Grad PLUS loans. These changes aim to reduce excessive student debt but may limit financing options for advanced degrees. Education experts warn this could force borrowers to seek private loans or reconsider enrollment altogether.

The Great Canadian Disappearance

Vermont businesses are experiencing a surprising tourism drought as Canadian visitors vanish from border towns this summer, with Quebec license plates disappearing from mountain trails and stores sitting unusually empty. Data reveals a staggering 39% drop in border crossings from Canada to Vermont, while Canadian spending in the US has plunged nearly 8% amid ongoing trade tensions. From renamed streets in Burlington to heartfelt „Dear Canada” campaigns, American communities are launching creative efforts to woo back their northern neighbors and prevent lasting economic damage to small businesses.

Wall Street Embraces Crypto As ICE Nears 2 Billion Polymarket Deal

Wall Street’s crypto embrace intensifies as Intercontinental Exchange nears a $2 billion stake in prediction platform Polymarket, signaling major institutional validation for digital asset markets. This landmark investment coincides with record-breaking equity performances as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq surge on AI-driven rallies and banking consolidation. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s multibillion-dollar chip partnership with AMD accelerates the artificial intelligence arms race, while a prolonged government shutdown fuels economic uncertainty and gold’s push toward $4,000. Tesla’s affordable vehicle tease and emerging market rallies complete a transformative landscape where technological disruption and policy challenges reshape global financial trajectories.

Indonesian Cabinet Shake Up Amid Deadly Protests

In a dramatic cabinet shake-up, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has ousted Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and four other ministers following deadly nationwide protests over economic inequality and controversial parliamentary perks. The reshuffle comes after weeks of unrest triggered by lawmakers receiving lavish housing allowances while citizens grapple with financial hardships. New Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa takes office pledging to accelerate economic growth through strategic fiscal measures. This political upheaval highlights the intense public pressure on Prabowo’s administration after protests left multiple casualties and exposed deep societal divisions.

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card Review

Looking for a business credit card with no annual fee and interest-free financing? The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card offers a practical 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles, making it ideal for managing cash flow or funding large expenses. While it lacks rewards and welcome bonuses, its focus on interest savings and spend management tools benefits growing businesses. This card is best suited for owners prioritizing financial flexibility over earning perks on their spending.

Breaking Point to Breakthrough

From tennis prodigy to investment banker, Vitoria Okuyama achieved global rankings and Wall Street success only to face burnout in both careers, ultimately finding clarity through ayahuasca retreats and embracing a new path focused on personal fulfillment over relentless ambition. The former world No. 118 junior player and Citi analyst shares how hitting her limits in elite sports and finance taught her to prioritize mental health and walk away from high-pressure environments. Her journey from competing at the US Open to leaving banking after nine months reveals the hidden costs of pushing beyond sustainable boundaries in pursuit of external validation. Now working part-time in startups, Okuyama’s story offers a powerful lesson in recognizing burnout symptoms early and the transformative power of stepping off conventional career tracks to rediscover what truly matters.

Hidden Costs of New York Pipeline Project

New Yorkers are being forced to foot the bill for a controversial new pipeline, with a new independent analysis revealing the project’s costs are 17% higher than utility estimates. Despite claims of increased gas supply and job creation, critics argue the financial burden falls on residents already struggling with soaring utility bills. The fast-tracked federal approval process sidelines state oversight, leaving customers to face additional monthly charges amid pending rate hikes.