The America Times

Nicaragua has awarded Chinese mining companies concessions covering roughly a tenth of its national territory, according to a Financial Times report. The move hands foreign firms access to land in one of Central America's most gold-rich countries, drawing attention to the deepening economic ties between Managua and Beijing and raising questions about sovereignty, environmental impact and local communities' rights over the affected areas.

A quote from Chinese President Xi Jinping is circulating widely on X: he said the 'great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation' and Trump's 'Make America Great Again' slogan 'can be mutually inclusive.' Posts describe it as a big moment at the White House, apparently during a high-profile meeting between Xi and Donald Trump. Users are reacting to the striking framing of US-China relations, with many weighing what this apparent warmth between the two leaders could mean for trade and geopolitics.

The Financial Times reports that US companies are increasingly adopting cheaper 'open' AI models rather than relying solely on costly proprietary systems from major vendors. Businesses are drawn to open models for their lower cost and greater flexibility, a shift that could reshape how enterprises buy artificial intelligence and put pressure on providers of expensive closed systems.

CBS reports that the United States is preparing for possible military action against Cuba, according to the Spanish outlet El Mundo America. No further details about the timing, scale, or rationale of any operation have been confirmed, and U.S. officials have not publicly commented on the report. Tension over Cuba remains a sensitive topic given the long history of U.S.-Cuban hostility.

Rising mortgage rates are affecting the San Francisco Bay Area real estate market, with higher borrowing costs weighing on home affordability and buyer demand across the region. The report examines how lenders, buyers, and sellers are adjusting as rates climb, and what the trend could mean for home prices and sales activity in one of America's most expensive housing markets.

China has reaffirmed its support for Cuba as the two countries mark 66 years of diplomatic relations. Beijing reiterated its commitment to cooperation with Havana, in a statement reported by Chinese state media. The announcement underscores the enduring political alignment between the two Communist-ruled states, and comes amid continued US sanctions on Cuba and growing Chinese engagement across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Columbus Crew beat Inter Miami 2-1 after Jamal Thiaré scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time, despite Lionel Messi scoring a remarkable free-kick from an almost impossible angle. The result dent Miami's form while Columbus keeps hope alive for a late push toward the MLS playoffs. Fans are debating Messi's moment of brilliance versus the late heartbreak, with the match drawing attention across Europe and Latin America.