Curbed

Senator Elizabeth Warren has introduced legislation that would prohibit private equity firms from owning medical practices. The bill aims to curb Wall Street ownership of doctor's offices and clinics, a trend critics say drives up costs and reduces patient care quality. The proposal is drawing attention in debates over healthcare consolidation and corporate influence in medicine.

The European Union is moving to restrict the energy and water use of data centres, as the sector's rapid growth strains power grids and water supplies across the bloc. The proposal targets the booming infrastructure behind cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and is drawing debate about how far regulators should go in limiting an industry seen as key to Europe's digital economy.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten is pressing Washington to avoid new export restrictions targeting ASML's business in China. The appeal comes as US lawmakers pursue legislation that could tighten controls on the chip-equipment maker's immersion lithography systems and its servicing operations for Chinese customers. The standoff puts the Netherlands' most valuable tech firm between American policy pressure and its commercially important Chinese market, with both governments weighing next steps.

South Korea's housing market is under scrutiny as prices continue to climb despite repeated government regulatory interventions. Commentators and market watchers are debating why measures intended to cool the market have failed to curb price growth, and what current trends mean for buyers and policymakers. The discussion reflects growing public concern over affordability and the effectiveness of real estate policy.

India has proposed banning junk food sales in school canteens and within 50 meters of school premises, in a bid to curb rising obesity and diabetes rates among children. The health ministry move follows growing concern over children's diets and the spread of processed, high-sugar foods near educational institutions. Commentators are weighing the potential impact on students' health and on vendors who rely on school-adjacent business.

The Trump administration's crackdown on solar companies with Chinese ties is slowing the wave of new solar manufacturing factories that had been planned or under construction in the United States. The measures, aimed at curbing Chinese influence in the supply chain, are reportedly causing investment delays and putting the momentum of the domestic solar factory boom at risk.

Australia's four major banks now all expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates at its next meeting, according to ABC News' finance report. The unanimous forecast marks a shift in market expectations, and borrowers are watching closely as economists debate how far the central bank will go to curb inflation.

The European Commission has floated possible curbs on energy demand in a letter sent to member states, as the bloc searches for ways to tackle soaring energy prices. The proposal signals Brussels is considering demand-reduction measures among its options for the crisis, though the letter does not commit governments to any specific steps yet.

India's Supreme Court has issued a major ruling requiring police to record written reasons before making arrests, in a move aimed at curbing arbitrary detentions. Odia-language outlets are highlighting the decision with the message that police can no longer arrest without justification, and the ruling is drawing wide attention across the country.

A new EU directive aimed at curbing greenwashing in advertising comes into force. Terms like 'green', 'sustainable' and 'climate neutral' must now meet stricter rules so environmental claims are clearer and verifiable for consumers. Attention in Germany is focused on the national implementation, which has drawn criticism, along with practical questions about what happens to products already sold in old packaging with sustainability claims.

Bangladesh has begun a nationwide measles vaccination campaign as the country confronts a deadly outbreak of the disease. Health authorities are working to immunize children and curb the spread of infections, with coverage expected to expand in the worst-affected districts. The outbreak has raised concern among regional health officials about gaps in routine childhood immunization.

Supermodel Linda Evangelista has sold her penthouse loft in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood for $6.75 million. The apartment is located in the Spears Building, a well-known loft conversion prized for its architecture. The sale is drawing attention from luxury real estate watchers and fans of the model, whose property moves rarely make headlines.

Columnist Ron Bousso argues that restricting US diesel exports would play well politically with drivers facing high fuel prices, but makes poor economic sense. The US is a major diesel exporter, and curbing shipments would squeeze refiners and global supply while doing little to lower pump prices at home. The piece frames the tension between voter-friendly energy rhetoric and market reality.

Oheka Castle, the Gilded Age estate in Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island often called a real-life Xanadu, has been put up for sale. The sprawling mansion, one of the largest private residences in the United States and a landmark of American architecture, is being marketed through an auction process. The listing is drawing attention from real estate watchers and fans of historic estates, given the property's fame as a filming location and event venue.