Your Local Information Microportal

1. How to improve interpersonal conflicts. In today’s fast-paced and often high-pressure work environments, the ability to navigate interpersonal relationships is more critical than ever. Even the most capable teams experience conflict - it’s a natural byproduct of collaboration, diversity of thought, and ambitious goals. Conflicts are inevitable, but how we respond to them defines our leadership. READ MORE

2. Tariffs, tensions, and trouble. In a bold (some say reckless) move, President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium, triggering global concern. Britain dodged the worst, facing 25% duties instead. But the economic fallout is real. The OECD warned that Trump’s combative trade stance has helped tip the global economy into a downturn - and the US isn’t spared. Its 2025 growth forecast has been cut from 2.2% to 1.6%, with further slowing expected in 2026. Meanwhile, Britain’s very thin public finance buffer has put it in a tight spot. The OECD urged the UK to raise taxes and cut spending. The leadership lesson? Playing hardball on the world stage can lead to bruises at home - especially when economics forgets to follow politics. Editor

3. The era of nice bosses may be over. In a shifting economy, once-empathetic executives are dialling up the pressure. A growing number of leaders are demanding more output, fewer complaints - and showing less patience. The tone shift reflects a broader power pivot: companies are cutting middle managers at a brisk pace, tightening control from the top. Experts say the growing rift between workers and leadership is partly to blame. AI adds fuel to the fire, introducing both productivity gains and job insecurity. But some caution against panic. “When the market turns around,” says one Stanford professor, “employees will take advantage of it.” The Wall Street Journal

4. AI anxiety in Anglosphere. New global research highlights a stark divide in public attitudes toward AI. People in English-speaking countries like the UK, US, Australia, and Canada are more anxious about AI’s rise than those in major EU economies, where excitement is higher. This nervousness is linked to low trust in governments to regulate AI effectively - especially in the UK, where only a minority trust the government’s approach. By contrast, countries in southeast Asia are far more optimistic. A quarter of people globally still don’t fully understand AI, yet many believe it will reshape jobs and content creation. While AI is increasingly used in music, media, and recruitment, public resistance is growing, especially among artists and writers pushing for stronger copyright protections amid the rapid deployment of large language models. The Guardian

5. Should leaders prioritise employee well-being over organisational profit? In today’s corporate landscape, the debate between prioritizing employee well-being versus organisational profit has gained prominence. Advocates for employee-centric approaches argue that a satisfied workforce leads to increased productivity, innovation, and long-term profitability. Conversely, traditional business models emphasize profit maximization as the primary objective, suggesting that financial success enables better employee benefits. Striking a balance between these perspectives is crucial, as neglecting either can impact organizational sustainability. This poll seeks to understand your viewpoint on whether leaders should place greater emphasis on the well-being of their employees or focus predominantly on achieving financial targets. VOTE HERE

6. Puff, Puff, Non Merci! France is taking the “oui” out of wheezing this summer! From 1 July, smoking will be banned in outdoor spots where children roam - think beaches, parks, sports venues, and bus stops. Light up in the wrong place, and it’s a €140 fine and some very disapproving glares from toddlers. The Health Minister declared, “Freedom to smoke ends where children’s right to breathe begins” - a slogan ripe for a motivational poster. It’s all part of France’s plan to raise a smoke-free generation by 2032. Spain’s also butting out, banning smoking in more public areas and supporting quitters. The message from Europe’s leaders? Puff less, lead more. And maybe swap that cigarette for a baguette - still French, but less likely to get you fined. Editor

7. European hotels dominate luxury rankings. Europe reaffirms its status as the epicenter of high-end hospitality, with Paris and London each placing two hotels in the world’s top 10, according to the prestigious travel guide La Liste. Iconic names like The Savoy in London and LVMH’s Cheval Blanc in Paris lead the charge. Italy also makes a strong showing with Il San Pietro in Positano and J.K. Place in Capri. The rest of the elite list is rounded out by standout properties in Bangkok, Shanghai, Chicago, and Cancún. Compiled by a Paris-based publisher, La Liste synthesises insights from over 400 global sources to create what it calls “the most selective” guide to luxury hospitality. Bloomberg

8. AI and the gender divide in automation. Artificial intelligence is poised to disrupt the workforce - and women are more at risk. A new report from the UN’s International Labour Organization finds that 9.6% of jobs traditionally held by women, such as secretarial and administrative roles, face automation, compared to just 3.5% of male-dominated roles. While human skills remain essential, the report urges employers, governments, and unions to act now - ensuring women in vulnerable roles are supported through reskilling and inclusion in future-focused industries. Editor

9. Coffee and healthy ageing. A 30-year study of nearly 50,000 women by led by Harvard University suggests that regularly drinking caffeinated coffee may support healthier ageing - both mentally and physically. Women who consumed around 315mg of caffeine daily (about three small cups) were more likely to maintain good cognitive and physical function into their 70s. Interestingly, decaf coffee and tea did not show the same benefits. These findings build on growing evidence linking coffee consumption with reduced risks of Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. It’s a small daily habit that could have a big long-term impact. The Times

10. The bottom line. More than 30,000 criminal cases collapsed due to lost, damaged or missing evidence, between October 2020 and September 2024, according to Crown Prosecution Service data. The figures, which include 70 homicides and over 550 sexual offences, follow “a series of damning reports” about how police forces store evidence. BBC