The generative AI landscape is evolving at a breakneck speed, with new models emerging daily. With technologies like Grok Imagine API, developers need high-performance, low-latency API access to scale applications.

Selecting a reliable API proxy platform is crucial when working with Grok Text-to-Image and Grok Text-to-Video models. This guide evaluates 10 leading API proxy platforms, focusing on their handling of Grok Imagine API and Grok Imagine Video API integration. Our aim is to help you choose the best infrastructure for your specific needs, ensuring success for the next generation of AI-powered applications.

Quick Comparison Overview

To provide an immediate snapshot of each platform’s core strengths and how it aligns with Grok Imagine API, here’s a condensed overview:

Platform Name	Best Known For	Grok Model Compatibility	Primary Performance Metric
ApiPass	High Availability	Full Support	99.9% Uptime
ApiMart	Model Diversity	Supported	High Throughput
WaveSpeed	Ultra-Low Latency	Supported	50ms Response
Fal	Visual Optimization	Excellent	GPU Optimization
Replicate	Model Variety	Partial Support	Scalability
PoYo	Ease of Integration	Supported	Rapid Setup
ApiFrame	Developer Experience	Supported	Robust Framework
ApiPod	Multi-Cloud Deployment	Supported	Global Reach
Crun	High Concurrency	Supported	Load Balancing
KIE	Enterprise Security	Supported	Audit Readiness

Detailed Breakdown

Now, let’s delve deeper into each platform, examining their unique offerings, pros, cons, pricing structures, and ideal use cases. We will especially consider their effectiveness in the context of the Grok Imagine API ecosystem.

1. ApiPass

ApiPass has quickly become a preferred choice for reliable, optimized API middleware in generative AI. It’s specifically tuned for Grok Imagine API, ensuring rapid generation of images and videos under high-concurrency loads. Its architecture is built for resilience and speed, making it an ideal partner for mission-critical AI applications. ApiPass also offers competitive pricing for Grok Imagine API usage, presenting an economical route compared to direct access for many use cases.

Pros:

• Exceptional Stability: ApiPass provides unparalleled uptime and reliability for consistent Grok Imagine API access.
• Fast Integration: Developer-friendly tools facilitate quick and seamless integration of Grok Text-to-Image and Grok Text-to-Video models.
• Comprehensive Technical Support: Responsive and knowledgeable support aids in troubleshooting and optimization.
• Optimized Performance: Actively optimizes traffic flow to and from Grok Imagine API for minimal latency and maximum throughput.
• Cost-Effectiveness for Grok Models: Offers competitive pricing for high-volume Grok Imagine API usage.

Cons:

• ApiPass primarily optimizes for mainstream, high-demand AI models like Grok Imagine API. It may offer fewer niche or experimental models compared to pure model repositories.

Pricing:

• grok grok-imagine
  • text-to-image: 0.020 per run
  • text-to-image-quality: 0.027 per run
  • image-to-image: 0.023 per run
  • image-upscale: 0.055 per run
  • text-to-video-480p: 0.009 per second
  • text-to-video-720p: 0.016 per second
  • image-to-video-480p: 0.009 per second
  • image-to-video-720p: 0.018 per second
• grok grok-imagine-video-1-5-preview
  • 480p: 0.077 per second
  • 720p: 0.127 per second

Best For: Enterprise-level applications and production environments demanding consistent performance and high availability. It’s ideal for efficient resource utilization with Grok Text-to-Image and Grok Text-to-Video models, and for cost-optimized high-volume Grok Imagine API usage.

2. ApiMart

ApiMart acts as a dynamic marketplace, offering a vast library of models from diverse providers. It’s excellent for experimenting with various architectures, including Grok Text-to-Video models. Its mission is to provide diversity and easy access to a broad AI ecosystem.

Pros:

• Extensive Model Repository: Unparalleled selection of models for easy integration.
• Mature Platform Ecosystem: Well-established infrastructure for model discovery and management.
• Centralized Access: Single interface for managing multiple AI service subscriptions.

Cons:

• API documentation updates occasionally lag new model releases, causing integration challenges.
• Performance optimization isn’t primarily for specific models, relying on individual providers.

Pricing:  Standard Image Generation: $0.028 per run; Video Generation: $0.08 per second.

Best For: Research projects, academic institutions, and innovation labs needing to frequently switch AI providers. It’s perfect for comparative studies of different AI models and Grok Imagine API permutations.

3. WaveSpeed

WaveSpeed is engineered for speed, excelling in latency-sensitive environments where milliseconds matter. Its performance tuning for Grok Imagine Video API is top-tier. This makes it a go-to choice for applications demanding real-time video generation and delivery.

Pros:

• Superior Speed: Optimized infrastructure for minimal latency with Grok Imagine API.
• Excellent Load-Balancing Capabilities: Efficiently distributes high traffic, maintaining consistent performance during peak demand.
• Edge Network Benefits: Distributed network brings AI processing closer to the end-user, reducing perceived latency.

Cons:

• Offers fewer options for advanced server-side customization than generalized cloud platforms.
• Focuses heavily on network speed, with less emphasis on deep AI-specific features beyond rapid proxying.

Pricing: Standard Image Generation: $0.025 per run;Video Generation: $0.020 per second.

Best For: Real-time interactive applications, live streaming platforms, and any product where Grok Imagine Video API generation speed is critical. This includes gaming, interactive media, and dynamic content creation.

4. Fal

Fal focuses heavily on visual AI models, building purpose-built infrastructure for complex image and video rendering. This specialization makes it a natural and efficient fit for Grok visual models. It handles the intricacies of Grok Text-to-Image models and advanced video synthesis expertly.

Pros:

• Industry-Leading Visual Model Handling: Optimized architecture for GPU-intensive visual AI workloads.
• Very Developer-Friendly Documentation: Clear, concise documentation tailored for visual AI development.
• Specialized Compute: Provides seamless access to high-performance GPUs for visual synthesis tasks.

Cons:

• Less effective or cost-efficient for non-visual AI models or language-only tasks.
• May be over-engineered for developers purely focused on text-based AI.

Pricing: Standard Image Generation: $0.050 per run; Video Generation: $0.10 per second.

Best For: Image rendering engines, digital art platforms, and short-form video creation platforms using Grok Text-to-Video models. It’s also ideal for applications emphasizing visual generative AI capabilities.

5. Replicate

Replicate is a veteran in AI model deployment, known for quickly getting models into production. It supports an incredible array of models, offering substantial flexibility. However, its specific optimizations for Grok Imagine API may not be as granular as specialized providers like ApiPass.

Pros:

• Outstanding Support for Open-Source Models: Enables easy deployment and management of publicly available models.
• Vibrant Developer Community: Benefits from an active, supportive community providing shared knowledge.
• Flexible Deployment: Robust platform for deploying any model, including custom wrappers.

Cons:

• Latency can fluctuate, especially with proprietary models like Grok, due to generalized optimizations.
• Direct performance tuning for Grok Text-to-Video models might require additional developer effort.

Pricing: Standard Image Generation: $0.050 per run; Video Generation: $0.15 per second.

Best For: Developers performing iterative AI testing and rapid prototyping with various models. It’s also ideal for those experimenting with different open-source and proprietary AI solutions, including Grok Imagine API aspects.

6. PoYo

PoYo is dedicated to simplifying the developer experience, especially for AI integration newcomers. Its intuitive dashboard streamlines managing Grok API keys, monitoring usage logs, and deploying models. This embodies user-friendliness for seamless operations.

Pros:

• Extremely Easy Setup: Designed for minimal friction, perfect for beginners or small teams integrating Grok Imagine API.
• Intuitive Dashboard: Clean and easy-to-navigate UI simplifies API key and usage management.
• Rapid Integration: Enables fast deployment of applications leveraging Grok Text-to-Image models.

Cons:

• Advanced traffic management and rate-limiting features are basic compared to enterprise-grade gateways.
• This might limit very high-volume or security-critical applications.

Pricing: Standard Image Generation: $0.035 per run; Video Generation: $0.09 per second.

Best For: Small to mid-sized projects, solo developers, and educational purposes. It’s ideal where ease of use, rapid Grok Imagine API deployment, and budget-friendliness are key.

7. ApiFrame

ApiFrame offers a robust framework approach for API management. It helps teams deeply integrate AI capabilities into existing backend architectures. Emphasizing structure and extensibility, it suits complex, long-term development strategies.

Pros:

• Clear Code Structure: Promotes organized and maintainable code for large-scale AI projects.
• High Extensibility: Highly customizable, allowing tailor-made solutions around Grok Imagine API.
• Enterprise-Grade Features: Balances security, monitoring, and traffic management vital for enterprises.

Cons:

• May present a steeper learning curve for developers new to the platform.
• Initial setup might require more time and expertise.

Pricing: Standard Image Generation: $0.022 per run; Video Generation: $0.07 per second.

Best For: Software companies and large development teams building complex, long-term AI-integrated systems. It requires deep integration of Grok Image API and high levels of customization and control.

8. ApiPod

ApiPod excels in multi-cloud deployment strategies, ensuring API services remain resilient and globally accessible. Its architecture supports flexibility across various cloud providers. This addresses the growing need for cloud-agnostic solutions with Grok Imagine API.

Pros:

• Highly Flexible Deployment Environments: Offers unparalleled flexibility across different cloud providers.
• Strong Global Server Distribution: Ensures optimal worldwide availability of Grok Imagine API endpoints.
• Resilience and Disaster Recovery: Robust features for high availability and quick recovery against outages.

Cons:

• Pricing structure can be a barrier for very early-stage startups or limited budgets.
• Managing configurations across multiple cloud environments might be complex for smaller teams.

Pricing: Standard Image Generation: $0.025 per run; Video Generation: $0.06 per second.

Best For: Multinational corporations and global enterprises requiring stable, region-agnostic API availability. It ensures resilience for Grok Text-to-Image models and other AI services.

9. Crun

Crun is engineered to handle massive, unpredictable spikes in traffic effectively. It’s an ideal choice for applications with volatile Grok Imagine API demand. If your application expects bursts of requests, Crun offers robust concurrency management.

Pros:

• Robust Concurrency Management: Excels at distributing high loads, ensuring system responsiveness under stress.
• Dynamic Scaling: Automatically scales resources to match demand, optimizing costs and performance.
• High Throughput: Processes a large number of concurrent requests, suitable for broad user bases.

Cons:

• Comprehensive configuration interface can be overwhelming for non-DevOps users.
• Initial setup requires a good understanding of load balancing and scaling strategies.

Pricing: Standard Image Generation: $0.015 per run; Video Generation: $0.04 per second.

Best For: High-load production environments and event-driven architectures with unpredictable usage patterns. It requires seamless scalability and robust handling of concurrent requests for Grok Imagine API.

10. KIE

KIE prioritizes security and compliance above all else. This makes it critical for specific industries and use cases. It provides comprehensive traffic monitoring, detailed logging, and granular access control for sensitive applications leveraging Grok Imagine API.

Pros:

• Best-in-Class Security Features: Offers advanced protocols, encryption, and threat detection for Grok Imagine API.
• Regulatory Compliance Support: Assists organizations in adhering to stringent industry regulations.
• Audit Readiness: Comprehensive logging and auditing ensure traceability and accountability for all API interactions.

Cons:

• Feature-heavy interface can lead to slower dashboard loading times or a steeper learning curve.
• Strong focus on security might prioritize verification processes over some performance optimizations.

Pricing: Standard Image Generation: $0.040 per run; Video Generation: $0.12 per second.

Best For: FinTech, healthcare, government, or any industry with strict data security requirements. It also fits regulatory compliance needs and a critical demand for audit readiness with Grok Imagine API.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right API proxy platform in 2026 depends heavily on your specific business goals. It also considers technical requirements and long-term vision. The distinction between a functional proxy and a strategic partner will become clearer as generative AI evolves. Each platform brings unique strengths to the table, catering to diverse needs.

For stability, specialized optimization, developer-centric features, and cost-effectiveness with Grok Imagine API, ApiPass stands out. Its design for high-concurrency tasks positions it as a leader for enterprise AI deployments. Replicate or PoYo suit those starting with prototypes. Fal remains a powerhouse for specific visual generation needs, and WaveSpeed for low latency requirements. ApiPod handles multi-cloud resilience, while Crun manages unpredictable traffic bursts. KIE provides robust security and compliance for sensitive applications.

We hope this assessment helps empower your generative AI projects. Utilize the groundbreaking capabilities of the Grok Imagine Video API to usher in a new era of innovation. The future of AI integration is bright, and with the right tools, your potential is limitless.

Discovering your family history often leads to exciting, unexpected opportunities. For many people with roots in Eastern Europe, tracking down their ancestral tree reveals a life-changing surprise: eligibility for a powerful European passport.

If your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents came from the Baltic region, you might hold a legal birthright to live, work, and travel freely across twenty-seven countries.

Reclaiming this legacy does not have to be an overwhelming process. By breaking down the legal rules, history, and paperwork into manageable steps, you can successfully turn your family history into a functional global asset.

What Does It Mean to Reclaim Ancestral Lithuanian Citizenship?

Reclaiming your heritage is based on a legal foundation known as ius sanguinis, which translates to citizenship by bloodline. Unlike countries where nationality depends entirely on where you were born, the Republic of Lithuania allows individuals to claim citizenship if their ancestors were nationals. This process is legally viewed as a reinstatement of citizenship rather than a standard immigration path, meaning you are simply reviving a status that your family technically never lost.

For the global Lithuanian diaspora, this legal path serves as an important bridge for heritage preservation. It recognizes the historical hardships that forced families to leave their homeland. By proving your direct lineage, you can regain your ancestral citizenship and officially re-enter the community of an active EU member state.

Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent

If you want to complete a successful Lithuanian citizenship by descent application, you must follow a highly specific legal path. The primary authority handling these cases is the Migration Department of Lithuania. This institution reviews historical evidence to verify that an applicant’s family tree connects directly to the sovereign state before specific historical conflicts took place.

Navigating this eligibility roadmap requires a solid understanding of the Law on Citizenship. The regulations ensure that your constitutional right to nationality remains protected, even if your family has lived abroad for two or three generations. Reclaiming this status provides a direct path to an ancestral passport, opening up a secure way of reclaiming EU citizenship without having to live in Europe first.

Who Qualifies for Lithuanian Citizenship Through Ancestry?

Determining if you qualify involves reviewing the specific dates your ancestors lived in the country. The legal requirements are strictly tied to key historical timelines in the Baltic region.

The Core Eligibility Criteria and Historical Timelines

To qualify for the right of return, your ancestor must have held valid citizenship during the 1918–1940 independence period. The most critical threshold date in Lithuanian citizenship law is June 15, 1940, which marks the beginning of the Soviet occupation. If your family member was a citizen before this date and later fled, was exiled, or left the territory before the country officially declared the restoration of independence on March 11, 1990, you are generally eligible to apply.

Understanding Generational Limits: From Parents to Great-Grandparents

The legal right to apply extends down to the third generation of descendants. This means you can apply if you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who met the citizenship criteria. You must be able to prove a clear, unbroken, and proven blood relationship showing you are a direct descendant of that specific individual. These regulations, established by the Seimas, ensure that family lines severed by historical displacement can be legally reunited.

How to Trace Your Lithuanian Family History Successfully

The foundation of a successful application relies on detailed genealogy research. Many families possess old stories but lack the physical paperwork required by European authorities.

Navigating Official Archives and Global Genealogy Databases

When tracking down your family line, you can find valuable records by using international platforms like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch. For individuals with Jewish heritage from the region, specialized databases such as JewishGen and LitvakSIG are excellent resources for locating specific ancestral towns, or shtetls. Eventually, you will need to contact official repositories in Vilnius, including the Central State Archives of Lithuania and the Lithuanian State Historical Archives, to secure official certificates.

Overcoming Broken Document Trails and Soviet-Era Name Changes

A common problem for many applicants is dealing with inconsistent records. When families migrated to countries like the United States, Canada, or South Africa, immigration officers often changed the spelling of foreign names. Additionally, many older documents display a Soviet-era name Russification, which can make records difficult to match. Working with a professional genealogist or an experienced immigration lawyer can help you locate historical maps, cross-reference parish registries, and establish clear legal proof despite these spelling variations.

Key Documents You Need to Prove Your Lithuanian Roots

Before submitting your file to European officials, you must collect a complete set of certified vital records.

The Essential Vital Records Checklist

Your application packet must contain specific official records that build an unbroken chain from you to your ancestor. The essential documents include:

• Your current, valid foreign passport.
• Your official birth certificate and marriage certificate.
• The birth, marriage, and death certificate of your parents and grandparents.
• An old internal passport, regular passport, or official military record of your ancestor issued before 1940.
• Baptismal records or local religious certificates if civil documents are missing.

Legalization, Apostilles, and Certified Translations

Every single document issued outside of Europe must be officially authenticated to be recognized by foreign authorities. This process requires obtaining an apostille validation from the local government office where the record was issued, such as the Office of the Secretary of State. Once your documents are gathered and authenticated, they must feature a professional, sworn Lithuanian translation. The Migration Department will only accept a certified copy that matches these strict legal standards.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Citizenship by Descent

The application process mixes modern online tracking with traditional document verification.

Submitting Your Case Through the MIGRIS Digital Portal

The entire application process begins digitally through the official online platform known as MIGRIS. Applicants must create a secure personal profile, fill out the required forms, and upload clear digital scans of their entire submission checklist. To verify that your documents meet the specific European digitization standards before uploading, checking a dedicated informational resource like https://www.lithuaniancitizenship.com/ can help you prevent common formatting mistakes. After you upload your files, officials will perform a preliminary review to confirm that your records meet the basic legal requirements.

Managing Consular Appointments and Biometric Processing Abroad

Once your digital file passes the initial check, you will receive an official notification to present your physical paperwork. You must schedule an in-person appointment at a Lithuanian Embassy, a regional consulate, or a designated migration office in Vilnius. During this visit, officials will verify your original documents and collect your safe fingerprinting data for your future biometric passport. Following this appointment, your case undergoes a final administrative review before a formal decision notice is issued.

Understanding Lithuania’s Dual Citizenship Rules in 2026

A primary concern for most global applicants is whether they can keep their current nationality. According to Lithuanian Constitution Article 12, the state maintains a strict stance on nationality, but specific exceptions exist for families affected by historical displacement.

While recent public discussions and a national referendum focused on expanding dual nationality rules, the specific exceptions for descendants remain clearly protected under current law. If your family left the country during the turbulent historical window between 1918 and 1990, you are legally permitted to pursue retaining original citizenship. This allows you to hold a dual passport safely without facing complex renunciation requirements.

Practical Benefits of Holding a Lithuanian Passport

Securing your passport provides extensive practical advantages that go far beyond a simple connection to your family heritage.

MAJOR BENEFITS OF AN EU PASSPORT:

1. Absolute freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
2. Visa-free travel to over 180 global destinations.
3. Complete access to the European Union single market for business.
4. Affordable European university tuition and public healthcare.
5. Full protection and emergency assistance from any EU consulate.

Holding an official passport unlocks the full scope of EU passport advantages. You gain the right to live, build a career, or retire in any member state without needing a restrictive residence permit. It simplifies global travel by granting visa-free access to major economies worldwide and offers stable property ownership rights across the region. Ultimately, the process supports successful diaspora re-integration, allowing you to pass these valuable benefits down to future generations.

FAQ: Quick Answers to the Most Common Questions

Do I need to speak the Lithuanian language to apply by descent?

No. Applicants pursuing citizenship through direct lineage are granted a complete language exam waiver and a citizenship test exemption. You do not need to speak the language or pass a history exam to qualify.

What if my Lithuanian ancestor naturalized in another country?

If your ancestor acquired citizenship in another country after leaving, you can still qualify. The process depends on proving they held original citizenship before leaving the territory during the qualifying historical windows.

How long does the entire application process take in 2026?

The standard processing timeline generally ranges between twelve and twenty-four months. The total time depends on how long it takes to collect records from archives and the current volume of cases under review at the official government portal.

Reclaiming Your Heritage: Next Steps on Your Journey

Turning your family history into a real opportunity is a step-by-step process that requires patience and accurate documentation. By researching your family line, organizing your vital records, and utilizing official digital platforms, you can navigate the legal system with confidence. If you want to explore professional assistance to streamline your document search or review your family eligibility, you can visit Lithuanian Citizenship to connect with specialized resources. Taking the time to discover your roots preserves your family’s unique history and secures a flexible, global future for generations to come.

As many as three Bajaj Group companies including Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv and Bajaj Holdings and Investment have fixed June 30 as the record date for their respective dividends cumulatively worth Rs 138, effectively making today the last day for interested investors to buy the shares for the payouts.

Under SEBI’s T+1 settlement cycle, investors must purchase a company’s shares at least one trading day before the record date to ensure the shares are credited to their demat accounts in time, and they become eligible for the corporate action. Therefore, today is the last opportunity for investors to buy the shares so that they are credited to their accounts by Tuesday, making them eligible for the dividends.

Bajaj Finance dividend

Bajaj Finance announced in April that its board of directors recommended a final dividend of Rs 6 per share with a face value of Re 1 each for the financial year 2026. This includes a special payout of Rs 0.60 per equity share from the exceptional gain on sale of Bajaj Housing Finance Limited (BHFL) shares.

The said dividend will be credited on or after August 3. This comes after the company paid dividends worth Rs 56 per share in 2025 and Rs 36 in 2024, before the stock adjusted for a 4:1 bonus issue last year.

Also Read | Vedanta may fall further; M&M, JK Paper are top buys for this week, says Anand James

Bajaj Finserv dividend

Bajaj Finserv announced in April that its board of directors recommended a dividend of Rs 1.50 per share. This includes a 20% special payout in celebration of 100 years of the Bajaj Group, the company filing said. The company’s payout on dividends is Rs 240 crore compared to Rs 160 crore incurred in the year-ago period.

Bajaj Finserv has declared 19 dividends since June, 2008, according to data on Trendlyne.

Bajaj Holdings and Investment dividend

The highest dividend among the three companies has been announced by Bajaj Holdings and Investment. The company has fixed Tuesday as the record date for a special dividend of Rs 50 per share and a final dividend of Rs 80 per share, taking the total dividend payout to Rs 130 per share.
The company has declared 33 dividends since June, 2001, and has a dividend yield of 0.61%, according to data on Trendlyne.
Apart from the three Bajaj Group companies, Maharashtra Scooters and Welspun Corp also have fixed Tuesday as the record date for their respective dividends worth Rs 60 per share and Rs 5 per share.
Also Read | PFC-REC merger explained | Swap ratio, rationale, other key details as merger set to create Rs 11 lakh cr power financing giant

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Available for over a year

Many of us have our own theories about sleep. Perhaps it’s avoiding coffee after lunch, drinking chamomile tea before bed, or having a warm glass of milk. But what does the science actually say?

In this episode of The Food Chain, Ruth Alexander explores the relationship between food and sleep, asking whether changing what we eat and drink can help us get a better night’s rest.

Professor Marie-Pierre St-Onge, Director of the Center of Excellence for Sleep & Circadian Research at Columbia University, explains what decades of research have revealed about the links between diet and sleep quality. She discusses why poor sleep can change our food choices, how certain dietary patterns are associated with better sleep, and why scientists are increasingly interested in nutrients such as fibre and tryptophan.

Sleep physician Dr Allie Hare, President of the British Sleep Society, brings the perspective of the clinic. She explains the questions patients ask most often, from caffeine and alcohol to herbal remedies and sleep supplements, and discusses some of the biggest misconceptions people have about improving their sleep.

Together, they explore whether there really are “sleep foods”, what role meal timing might play, and whether social media trends and expensive supplements are distracting us from the basics.

Along the way, they answer listeners’ questions and share practical, evidence-based advice on the changes people can make today to improve their chances of a good night’s sleep tonight.

If you’d like to get in touch with the programme, please email: thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk

Producer: Izzy Greenfield
Sound engineer: Hal Haines

(Image: A woman with brown hair holding an orange cushion stands next to an open fridge full of food and yawns. Credit: Getty Images)

Programme WebsiteShow less

Andy Burnham’s pledge to deliver the biggest shift of power away from Whitehall in modern history has won early backing from London’s business community, with leaders arguing the capital is just as hobbled by centralised policymaking as the regions it is so often accused of overshadowing.

Responding to the Greater Manchester mayor’s speech, which set out a vision for a “No 10 in the North” and a sweeping transfer of decision-making to local leaders, John Dickie, chief executive of BusinessLDN, said the direction of travel was exactly what the economy needed.

“Andy Burnham is right to put greater devolution at the heart of his agenda,” Dickie said. “Giving regions the powers they need to attract investment, upskill communities and deliver infrastructure is key to getting the economy moving again.”

The intervention is notable because BusinessLDN, the business membership group formerly known as London First, represents firms in a city frequently cast as the chief beneficiary of Westminster largesse. Dickie was quick to challenge that framing, arguing that proximity to Whitehall has done the capital few favours.

“It’s good to hear him backing London as the world’s greatest capital and setting out plans to devolve further powers to the city,” he said. “Contrary to the perception, proximity to Whitehall has not automatically worked in the capital’s favour and London is just as constrained by one-size-fits-all policymaking as other parts of the country.”

The crux of the business lobby’s case is that London punches below its weight on the powers and purse strings available to comparable world cities. The mayor of London currently holds fewer powers than counterparts in New York and Paris, and less financial freedom than the mayors of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

The numbers behind that argument are stark. London and its boroughs retain only around 7 per cent of the taxes raised in the capital, against more than 50 per cent in New York, according to BusinessLDN’s recent report on the new powers London needs to thrive. Roughly three-quarters of the city’s funding still arrives as central grant, much of it with strings attached.

That dependence sits awkwardly with London’s status as the engine room of the national economy, and analysts at the Institute for Government have long noted that the capital’s governance is best compared with Paris, New York and Berlin rather than with English regions of a very different size and shape. For BusinessLDN, the lesson is that a stronger settlement for London and a stronger settlement for the North are not competing demands but two halves of the same growth strategy.

Dickie also welcomed Burnham’s willingness to take on the structural problems that have dogged successive governments, singling out housing supply and the tax that falls hardest on the high street.

“The commitment to grappling with some of the long-standing thorny challenges facing the country, from housebuilding to reforming business rates, will also be welcomed by firms across the capital,” he said.

Both issues are live for the business community. Pressure for a wholesale overhaul of business rates has been building for years, with retailers, manufacturers and hospitality operators all warning that the current system penalises bricks-and-mortar firms and discourages expansion. The question of how far to go on fiscal devolution, meanwhile, has already been flagged by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as a piece of unfinished business, as the Treasury weighs handing more tax-raising and tax-retention powers to local leaders.

There are signs, too, that Burnham’s economic prospectus reaches beyond the machinery of devolution. His own advisers have floated ideas such as tying pension tax relief to British investment, part of a wider push to channel domestic capital into domestic growth.

For Dickie, the prize is ultimately about prosperity that is felt in people’s pockets, in the capital as much as in the North.

“The only way to improve living standards is through growth, and unleashing London’s potential is vital to achieving that, while also tackling the deep inequality and poverty that persists across the capital,” he said.

Whether Burnham’s blueprint survives contact with the Treasury, and with the political reality that any meaningful devolution means central government letting go, remains to be seen. But on the morning’s evidence, the business voices that are often assumed to defend the Westminster status quo are lining up behind a different model entirely, one in which power, money and accountability sit a good deal closer to the communities they serve.

---

BEAVER, Utah — Three firefighters died and two others were injured Saturday while battling rapidly spreading wildfires along the Colorado-Utah border, authorities said, as hot, dry and windy conditions fueled blazes across the drought-stricken West.

The fatalities occurred during a burnover on the Knowles and Gore fires in western Colorado’s Mesa County, where crews were part of an interagency response effort. The injured firefighters were transported to a hospital with burn injuries after deploying emergency shelters in a last-ditch effort to protect themselves from the advancing flames.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service confirmed the deaths Sunday, describing the incident as a tragic loss during operations on the fast-moving fires. Hot, gusty winds and low humidity created dangerous conditions that caused the blazes to intensify quickly, overrunning the firefighters’ position.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “I’m devastated by the loss of three heroic firefighters who died in the line of duty,” he said in a statement.

The incident highlights the extreme risks faced by wildland firefighters as the wildfire season intensifies across the region. Prolonged drought, above-average temperatures and strong winds have created tinder-dry landscapes primed for rapid fire spread.

Multiple fires continue burning in Utah and Colorado, prompting firefighting resources to be stretched thin. In Utah, officials have imposed restrictions on fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday due to extreme fire danger. The Snyder Fire, burning near the border, has scorched thousands of acres.

Fire officials urged caution and vigilance as conditions remain volatile. Crews are working around the clock to contain active blazes, but shifting winds and rugged terrain complicate suppression efforts.

The deaths come amid a challenging wildfire season in the Western United States. Climate patterns, including La Niña influences in some forecasts, combined with persistent dry weather have elevated fire risks. Experts warn that such conditions may become more frequent as the climate warms.

Wildland firefighting involves coordinated efforts from federal, state and local agencies. The fallen firefighters were part of a larger team responding to the border fires, which threatened communities and vast areas of public lands.

Investigations into the exact circumstances of the burnover are underway, a standard procedure following line-of-duty deaths. Officials will examine weather data, fire behavior models and deployment decisions to learn lessons for future incidents.

The two injured firefighters are receiving medical care, though details on their conditions were not immediately released. Support services for first responders and their families have been activated in the wake of the tragedy.

Across the West, other fires are also demanding attention. Utah has seen significant activity, with blazes forcing evacuations and road closures in some areas. Colorado has similarly grappled with multiple starts, taxing resources already committed to the border incident.

Fire managers emphasize the importance of public cooperation. Campfire restrictions, fireworks bans and awareness of dry vegetation help prevent human-caused ignitions, which account for a large percentage of wildfires.

The loss of three firefighters serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in protecting lives, property and natural resources. Wildland firefighters often work in remote, hazardous environments with limited escape options when fires behave erratically.

Communities near the affected areas have rallied in support. Processions honored the fallen as news spread, with residents lining roads in Grand Junction and other locales to pay respects.

Federal and state leaders have pledged full support for ongoing firefighting operations and investigations. Resources from across the country are being mobilized to assist as the season progresses.

Climate scientists note that wildfire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer in many regions due to changing weather patterns. Drier fuels and more extreme fire weather days increase both frequency and intensity of blazes.

For families of the deceased, the coming days will involve mourning and memorial arrangements. Fire agencies typically hold formal honors to recognize the ultimate sacrifice made in service to the public.

Meanwhile, containment efforts continue on the Knowles, Gore and other fires. Progress has been made in some sectors, but complete control remains elusive amid challenging conditions.

Residents in fire-prone areas are advised to prepare evacuation plans, maintain defensible space around homes and stay informed through official channels. Air quality alerts have also been issued due to heavy smoke in downwind communities.

The incident underscores the critical role of wildland fire management in the American West. As development expands into wildland-urban interfaces, the stakes for both firefighters and civilians continue to rise.

Support for wildfire prevention and suppression funding remains a priority for Western lawmakers. Investments in technology, training and fuel reduction projects aim to reduce risks, though experts acknowledge that complete elimination of danger is impossible.

As recovery and investigation efforts proceed, the focus remains on honoring the fallen and supporting their colleagues and loved ones. The bravery displayed in the face of such peril exemplifies the commitment of those who choose this demanding profession.

Broader weather patterns suggest the fire season may have more challenges ahead. Forecasts indicate continued hot and dry conditions across much of the region, necessitating sustained vigilance from both responders and the public.

NEW YORK — The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed Monday as Wall Street welcomed reports that the United States and Iran had agreed to halt their tit-for-tat military exchanges, easing fears of a wider Middle East conflict that had rattled global markets heading into a holiday-shortened trading week.

The blue-chip index rose 141.70 points, or 0.27%, to close at 52,028.65, building on gains in futures trading that had pointed to a higher open from the early hours of the session. The advance followed a turbulent stretch for stocks, in which the Dow proved considerably more resilient than its technology-heavy counterparts, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite, both of which suffered sharp weekly losses last week.

The rally was driven largely by news that Washington and Tehran had agreed to stand down from further attacks, clearing the way for peace talks to resume in Doha this week. The de-escalation came after a tense weekend in which Iran targeted a container ship, a vessel carrying Qatari oil, and military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain, prompting retaliatory strikes from the United States. Those exchanges had tested an earlier agreement intended to pause hostilities during a 60-day negotiating window, and President Donald Trump had warned of the possibility of further American military action if Tehran continued to violate the truce. By Monday morning, however, two U.S. officials told CNN that both sides would “stand down for now” and that talks remained on track, helping calm investor nerves that had built up over the weekend.

Oil prices reflected the shifting mood only partially, rising modestly even as the immediate security threat appeared to ease. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 0.85% to $69.82 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, added 0.56% to reach $72.39 per barrel. The continued movement of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz throughout the recent escalation had already helped ease some of the more acute supply fears that initially gripped energy markets when hostilities first flared. Gold, meanwhile, slipped 1.07% to $4,052.30 per ounce, and silver fell 2.54% to $58.16 per ounce, as some investors rotated out of the safe-haven assets that had drawn heavy buying during the worst of the regional tension.

Monday’s gains came on the heels of a difficult week for technology stocks, which dragged down the broader market even as the Dow managed to eke out a 0.6% advance for the five trading days. The S&P 500 fell 1.95% over the same stretch, while the Nasdaq Composite tumbled 4.6%, its steepest weekly decline in some time. Megacap technology names bore the brunt of the selling, with Nvidia and Alphabet both sliding more than 8%, while Apple, Amazon and Meta each lost more than 4%. The pressure on the sector intensified after reports surfaced that OpenAI could be delaying its planned initial public offering, adding to broader unease about the pace of spending and returns tied to the artificial intelligence boom that has powered much of the market’s gains over the past several years.

Few names captured that volatility more dramatically than SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite communications company, which went public on June 12 in what has been described as the largest initial public offering in history. The stock plunged 17% last week, erasing nearly all of the gains it had notched since its market debut, before steadying somewhat in premarket trading Monday, when shares climbed 2.3% to $156.70. Nasdaq confirmed last week that SpaceX will be added to the Nasdaq 100 index on July 7, a milestone that will bring the newly public company into one of Wall Street’s most closely tracked benchmarks even as its stock continues to find its footing.

The Dow’s relative outperformance compared with the tech-heavy indexes has been helped along by a reshuffling of its own components. Alphabet replaced Verizon in the 30-stock index on Friday, a change that briefly exposed the Dow to more of the same technology-sector turbulence weighing on the Nasdaq, though healthcare stocks helped offset some of that pressure and kept the index near its record highs. Strength in defensive sectors, including healthcare, has been a recurring theme in recent sessions, with analysts noting that some of the broader market’s softness may simply reflect investors trimming equity exposure ahead of quarter-end portfolio rebalancing rather than a more fundamental shift in sentiment.

Markets are entering a holiday-shortened week, with U.S. exchanges closed Friday in observance of the Fourth of July holiday, which falls on Saturday this year. That compressed schedule has pushed back the release of the closely watched June jobs report, with the Labor Department’s nonfarm payrolls data now scheduled for Thursday instead of its usual Friday slot. The monthly employment report is considered a key input for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate deliberations, and economists have suggested early forecasts point to a notable slowdown in hiring after May’s surprisingly strong gain of 172,000 jobs.

Ahead of that release, investors have a steady stream of other economic data to digest this week, including June consumer confidence figures and the May Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, both due Tuesday, along with earnings from Nike and Constellation Brands. Wednesday’s calendar includes the ADP private payrolls report for June, construction spending figures and the Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index, which will offer an early read on factory-sector activity heading into the back half of the year. Inflation data released last week showed some signs of cooling, though investors remained cautious about exactly when the Federal Reserve might feel comfortable moving forward with additional interest rate cuts.

For now, Monday’s advance offered a measure of relief after a choppy stretch defined by geopolitical risk, a reshuffling tech sector and lingering questions about the durability of the artificial intelligence-driven rally that has underpinned much of the market’s gains over the past year. Whether that relief proves durable is likely to hinge on how the renewed diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran progress in the days ahead, alongside a packed slate of economic data that will shape expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next moves heading into the second half of 2026.