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Read about current events as they happen. Publishing since January 2025.
Written & Published January 30th, 2026 by Jai Shenoy
Late this Thursday, US President Donald Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to temporarily halt attacks on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and other towns, with the weeklong pause set to end on Sunday. Trump requested this pause amid growing concerns over Ukraine’s deteriorating energy infrastructure, as relentless strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid have left hundreds of thousands of people without heating. In the coming days, temperatures are expected to drop to around -30°C in Kyiv, raising concerns about risking another humanitarian crisis. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov declined to clarify the specific terms of the pause, but said the goal was “the creation of favorable conditions for holding talks.”
#intl-politics #intl-environment #europe #conflict #humanitarian #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 30th, 2026 by Gita Uparkar
With more crude oil reserves than Russia and Canada combined, Venezuela’s 300 million barrels of oil have the potential to provide serious economic and financial reform for the country. But to critics, these have been poorly managed, with the CEO of Exxon stating that the country must first transition to democracy in order for Venezuelan oil extraction to become a good investment. In response, Venezuela's National Assembly has reformed a hydrocarbon law to give foreign private companies more autonomy in the South American nation's oil sector. The United States also eased select sanctions to allow American firms in Venezuela to potentially experience the same benefit.
#intl-politics #intl-environment #latin-america #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 30th, 2026 by Rebecca Gehlmann
Following a year of simmering tension between President Trump and Jerome Powell, chosen in 2017 to head the Federal Reserve, Trump has announced Powell's replacement. Battles over whether to lower interest rates have soured the relationship between the two, and the Department of Justice launched an investigation into Powell’s handling of building renovations at the Federal Reserve. Powell’s term is set to expire on May 15th. The president has picked Kevin Warsh, who served on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors during the 2008 financial crisis. However, he was passed over in favor of Powell for top leadership in 2017. Warsh has defended Trump’s tariffs and echoed his call for lower interest rates.
#us-politics #us-econ
Written & Published January 29th, 2026 by Tanvi Ramkumar
Following Tim Walz’s decision earlier this month not to seek a third term as governor, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar has formally entered her state’s race for the position. The former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate pledged to unite the state amid a widening welfare fraud scandal and a federal immigration crackdown by the Trump Administration. Republicans responded to her announcement by stating that Klobuchar “would have to answer for fellow Democrat Tim Walz’s blatant mismanagement that left Minnesotan taxpayers being swindled out of billions of dollars.”
#us-politics
Written & Published January 28th, 2026 by Audrey Han
In an attempt to pressure Iran on the restrictions on its nuclear program, Trump has ramped up his threats to Tehran, stating that a "massive armada" would be moving with “great power, enthusiasm, and purpose." This follows the retraction of his promise to intervene in Iranian protests by claiming that the protests appeared to have "died down," showing the president’s capricious nature when it comes to the country. However, it appears that Iran is not relenting, with both the protests and its nuclear program, both of which are directly linked to one another. Protests across the country arose due to a rapidly declining economic state, which are due to the sanctions placed on Iran for its attempts to accelerate its nuclear program, which the Middle Eastern nation claims is for peaceful purposes.
#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict #humanitarian #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 28th, 2026 by Audrey Han
Judge John Tunheim temporarily blocked President Trump’s new Minneapolis plan to detain over 5,600 lawful immigrants who have never been charged with immigration violations. The decision was made after complaints that the Trump Administration was targeting lawful immigrants to try to revoke their refugee status. The complaint highlights how federal immigration agents in Minneapolis have begun to send immigrants to deportation centers in Texas, where after hours of questioning, some are simply left on the streets without money or identification. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has already criticized the decision as anti-democratic, demonstrating growing tensions between the Trump Administration and the judicial branch.
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published January 28th, 2026 by Elisa Ma
Over the President Donald Trump's claims of fraud in the 2020 election, the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided an election office in Fulton County, Georgia, a county and a state where Trump lost the popular vote. This occurred after a federal judge approved the Department of Justice’s warrant to search the Fulton County Election Hub. Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory and other critics believe that this may be part of a larger trend of voter suppression and mobilizing the National Guard in order to secure elections. In November 2025, the last election interference case against President Trump in Georgia was dismissed.
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published January 28th, 2026 by Adhiyanth Ram
On Tuesday night, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was sprayed by an unknown substance during her town hall in Minneapolis. A witness said that a man around five feet away from Omar held up a syringe and made a forward motion with his arm. She continued with her town hall for over 20 minutes, finally addressing the incident when she left the podium. The suspect was identified as 55 year old Anthony James Kazmierczak, who was jailed on the account of third-degree assault. The FBI also recently made the decision to take the lead on this case.
#us-politics
Written & Published January 28th, 2026 by Janelle Lee
Zhang Youxia, one of China’s senior generals and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), was abruptly removed from his position by Xi Jinping and the CMC. Zhang, along with former Joint Staff Department head Liu Zhenli, is currently under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and law.” These removals are tied to Xi’s anti-corruption campaign within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), or China’s National Armed Forces. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry responded that it was closely monitoring the leadership changes, but would not reduce the island's military readiness in response.
#intl-politics #asia
Written & Published January 27th, 2026 by Arnav Goyal
Amid rising bipartisan discontent with the Department of Homeland Security's operations in Minneapolis, Senate Democrats have rejected a funding package containing provisions to fund the DHS, putting the government on the brink of a shutdown. After the shooting of Alex Pretti by border agents in Minneapolis, Democrats are demanding that the provision be removed; however, Republican leadership has signaled that they will not remove it. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that negotiations are underway, but even if a compromise is reached, the House will have to revote on the legislation. This is highly unlikely to happen before the Saturday deadline.
#us-politics
Written & Published January 26th, 2026 by Daniel Song
Israel announced that within a few days, it will reopen the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt for travelers on foot, which would allow displaced Palestinians who left Gaza to return home for the first time since the war began. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu's office also stated that the reopening will be conditioned on Israel successfully locating the remains of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili, the last remaining hostage in Gaza. The reopening of the Rafah border will allow humanitarian organizations to evacuate up to 18,000 people in Gaza who require medical attention.
#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict #humanitarian
Written & Published January 25th, 2026 by Ron Kim
On January 25th, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that the nation would not pursue a free trade deal with China, in a decision some see as a response to the United States’ threat to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada. Carney further elaborated that under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), there are existing commitments that prevent Canada from pursuing free trade agreements with non-market economies without prior warning. However, earlier today, Carney expressed that European nations should reject the United States’ “coercion” and “exploitation."
#intl-politics #intl-econ #north-america #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 25th, 2026 by Elisa Ma
The United States has officially left the World Health Organization, one year after President Donald Trump’s executive order to do so. The reasoning includes the WHO’s response to COVID-19 and a lack of American leadership in the UN agency despite heavy US funding. The Trump Administration previously withdrew from the WHO in 2020, but the decision was reversed by the Biden Administration. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that his state would join the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. In September 2025, California, Oregon, and Washington also formed the West Coast Health Alliance to provide public health guidance separate from the US Department of Health and Human Services.
#us-politics #intl-politics #us-health
Written & Published January 24th, 2026 by Sophie Baryalai
On January 24th, 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and ICU nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Local officials and Pretti’s family disputed parts of the federal account, particularly claims about whether he posed a threat to the officers. The shooting prompted protests and criticism from community leaders and residents. The incident was the second fatal shooting in the city this month involving federal agents, following a Jan. 7 fatality, and fueled ongoing protests and tensions over immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.
#us-politics #conflict #humanitarian
Written & Published January 24th, 2026 by Jack Zhou
After a turbulent week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canada if Canada decides to create a trade deal with China. This comes after similar tariff threats to NATO countries over America's pursuit of Greenland as well as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking up against Trump’s new world order. Trump said the tariffs would happen “immediately” despite the fact that a deal was already made last week. The Canadian deal with China would lower Canadian tariffs on EVs in return for lower Chinese import taxes on Canadian farm products.
#intl-politics #intl-econ #alliances #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 24th, 2026 by Brogan Jones
As a bitter cold rages across the US, at least 18 states have declared a state of emergency and more than 190 million people across the country are under winter weather alerts. More than 10,000 flights have been cancelled across Saturday and Sunday, making this one of the most aviation-disrupting natural disasters in the history of the United States. Conditions are set to gradually improve next week, though ice and snow may linger in the New England and Great Lakes regions. Federal offices in Washington D.C. have already announced that they will be closed on Monday.
#environment #us-politics
Written & Published January 23rd, 2026 by Jai Shenoy
Ukraine, Russia and the United States held joint peace talks on Friday, marking the first trilateral meeting since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion roughly four years ago. One day earlier, Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two-day meeting in the United Arab Emirates signals a renewed interest to strike a deal after months of discontinuous negotiations between both powers. A White House official told NBC News that the meeting was “productive.” However, territorial issues remain unresolved, with Moscow showing little willingness to budge on its demands. The Kremlin remained firm that Kyiv's military must withdraw from the Donbas region of Eastern Ukraine for any agreement to end the war.
#intl-politics #europe #conflict #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 22nd, 2026 by Tanvi Ramkumar
During a public congressional hearing on Thursday, former Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his criminal investigations related to U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions in 2020, arguing that “no one should be above the law in our country, and the law required that he be held to account.” The hearing underscored deep political divisions in Congress, with Republican allies echoing Trump’s claims that the investigations were politically motivated, while Democrats backed Smith and cited events following the January 6 riots as evidence of Trump’s partial responsibility. Trump later responded on Truth Social, calling Smith “a deranged animal” who “shouldn’t be allowed to practice law.”
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published January 20th, 2026 by Jana Schodzinski
Late Monday evening, US President Donald Trump intentionally leaked private text messages between himself and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The messages detail the recent actions taken by the US in efforts to cease conflict in Syria, Ukraine, and Palestine. However, the messages most notably detail President Trump’s ongoing threats to take military action against Greenland. Macron states in the leaked messages that “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” He goes on to propose a G7 meeting to discuss the events, as well as a private meeting between Trump and himself. Rutte, however, is seemingly more willing to cooperate with Trump, stating that “I am committed to finding a way forward on Greenland.” The specific actions to be taken by the US in pursuit of Greenland remain unclear.
#intl-politics #europe #us-FoPo #alliances
Written & Published January 19th, 2026 by Dhruv Arun
The International Monetary Fund slightly raised its outlook for global growth this year, but it warned that concerns about the reversal of the artificial intelligence boom as well as geopolitical trade tensions remain risks to the world economy. The Washington-based lender now expects global growth of 3.3% this year, up from the 3.1% predicted in October, according to the World Economic Outlook report published Monday.
#intl-econ
Written & Published January 19th, 2026 by Rosa Qin
Despite Denmark’s repeated statements that Greenland is not for sale, Trump asserts that Greenland is vital to Washington’s security. With this increasing pressure, Denmark is looking to up its military presence in the island. Through Operation Arctic Endurance, more than 100 extra troops have been dispatched. NATO allies such as Sweden have also sent military personnel to assist the troops. Denmark's top military commander, Gen. Søren Andersen, explained that the deployment of troops is likely going to continue for the next two years.
#intl-politics #europe #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 19th, 2026 by Gita Uparkar
New White House dietary guidance rules no longer generally discourage intake of fats and red meat, with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly "ending the war on saturated fats." The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) encourage lower carbohydrate consumption and higher fat intakes, and states that it is “putting real food back at the center of the American diet.” In contrast, registered dietitian Julia Zumpano's biggest concern is that “people will see the pyramid and not recognize the saturated fat guidelines.” She furthers that the FDA’s focus on prioritizing fresh produce, whose prices went up 40% in the last 5 years, can be out of reach for lower-income Americans, and the advertising against whole grains can cause people to consume higher amounts of sugar. The new dietary guidelines also got rid of the original alcohol recommendation. Despite backlash from doctors, Dr. Mehmet Oz calls the drink acceptable to consume in small amounts, and that “never really good data supports” the prior daily limits.
#us-politics #us-health
Written & Published January 19th, 2026 by Daniel Song
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi unexpectedly called a snap election for February 8th in an effort to strengthen her political power and help her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) regain a majority in the House of Representatives. The LDP has governed Japan for most of the past 70 years, but recent corruption scandals and public anger over inflation have caused it to lose its majority in both houses of parliament. Takaichi is betting that her personal popularity rating—often exceeding 70% in many polls—will translate into electoral gains for the LDP.
#intl-politics #asia
Written & Published January 19th, 2026 by Santiago Jimenez
In opposition to Europe's large-scale rejection of the United States’ push to acquire of Greenland, Donald Trump has threatened high retaliatory tariffs on several European nations. Markets have responded, resulting in rapid rises in the prices of gold and silver. Gold is now valued at $4689 an ounce. Silver is priced at $94 an ounce, marking a historic peak for the precious metals. This increase could potentially attract more investors in the ores, but likely raises the cost of certain goods that require gold and silver, such as jewelry and electronics.
#intl-econ
Written & Published January 19th, 2026 by Santiago Jimenez
Weak domestic consumption in China is resulting in an overall year-to-year GDP slump, with China 13.8 points down from their growth rate in the first quarter of 2021. However, China still managed to hit its market goals. The Economist reports that that the growth target was met in an unusual way—the Asian superpower made up for low local investment with strong exports. For some, this paradigm shift comes as a shock given the nation’s historic stance as a hub for innovation.
#intl-econ #asia
Written & Published January 18th, 2026 by Ron Kim
The United States Department of Defense has placed 1,500 active-duty soldiers in Alaska on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis. This comes amid ongoing protests following the fatal shooting of a Minnesota resident by an ICE agent earlier this month. Although no deployment orders have been issued yet, the Minnesota National Guard is “staged and ready to respond.” The Trump Administration's move has drawn heavy criticism, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stating on Sunday that sending active duty soldiers into Minnesota is ridiculous and unconstitutional.
#intl-econ #europe #latin-america #alliances
Written & Published January 18th, 2026 by Brogan Jones
Yesterday, Donald Trump threatened 8 European Union countries with retaliatory tariffs if they continued to oppose the US acquisition of Greenland. The American president warned of further consequences if these countries failed to reach a deal regarding the potential US purchase of the country. Now, those same EU nations have called an emergency meeting over Greenland, and are expected to have an update regarding their consensus by tomorrow.
#intl-econ #europe #us-FoPo #alliances
Written & Published January 17th, 2026 by Jack Zhou
President Yoweri Museveni declared victory in the Ugandan presidential election with a 72 percent win announced by the electoral commission. Mr. Museveni, who is now 81, will be extending his already four decades in power. However, this election did not run smoothly. The results have been heavily disputed by the opposition, most prominently the opposition leader, Bobi Wine, who was abducted from his home during the elections. The elections were also held during nationwide blackouts and violence. Despite having practically complete control over all state institutions.The government denies any such allegations of kidnapping nor election fraud
#intl-politics #africa
Written & Published January 17th, 2025 by Christina Yang
The European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur signed a free trade agreement in Paraguay after 25 years of negotiations, strengthening cooperation in a global market where tensions and tariffs are common. The finalized deal will gradually eliminate over 90% of tariffs on goods, thus making shopping cheaper for the 700 million consumers between the two regions. It creates the largest free trade zone in the world. Still, France and many environmental groups remain in opposition, with President Macron concerned that the accord does little to protect farmers’ interests and increases deforestation. The agreement now awaits ratification by the European Parliament.
#intl-econ #europe #latin-america #alliances
Written & Published January 17th, 2025 by Christina Yang
Amid the White House’s push to acquire Greenland, President Trump announced that the European nations who opposed American control of the island and have sent troops to Greenland will face a 10% tariff on all imports to the United States, starting February 1, 2026. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face the tariff, which will climb to 25% on June 1 if a deal is still not in place for the US to purchase Greenland. Leaders from France and the UK publicly criticized Trump’s new plan, stressing that Greenland is not for sale and that these tariffs will only threaten the stability of the NATO alliance.
#intl-econ #europe #us-FoPo #alliances
Written & Published January 17th, 2025 by Sophie Baryalai
Japan lodged a formal diplomatic protest this week after China began constructing a resource development structure in the East China Sea, escalating tensions between the two countries. Japan’s foreign ministry said the move violates prior agreements and risks destabilizing regional security. The waters have long been contested, with both governments claiming rights to nearby energy resources in them. Analysts say the dispute reflects a broader concern in Tokyo over China’s increasingly assertive economic and military posture. The incident is expected to factor into upcoming regional security discussions as Japan seeks greater coordination with partners to counter growing pressure from Beijing.
#intl-politics #asia #intl-environment #conflict
Written & Published January 16th, 2025 by Adrienne Wang
President Trump announced federal payments will be paused for states with "sanctuary cities," effective February first. Sanctuary cities often have policies that limit cooperation between federal immigration officers and local law enforcement. Trump's critics immediately called this action “unconstitutional and immoral,” and previous moves to cut funding, similar to this one, have been shut down by courts. Brandon Johnson, the democratic mayor of Chicago, commented on the situation, stating the funds “belong to the people of Chicago, not the President.”
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published January 16th, 2025 by Jai Shenoy
Following international backlash over his comments on taking over Greenland, President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries that refused to cooperate with US ambitions. During a 45-minute speech at a rural healthcare event held in the White House, Trump stated that he “may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security.” Several European nations have already emphasized protecting Denmark’s sovereignty. This was the first time Trump has mentioned tariffs to enforce his goal of taking control over the self-governing region.
#us-politics #intl-politics #europe #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 15th, 2025 by Rebecca Gehlmann
On Wednesday, Danish and Greenlandic officials met Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio for talks at the White House. The meeting was said to be unproductive: President Trump continued to reiterate his desire to annex the semiautonomous island. This result led the Danish Prime Minister to declare that Greenland’s defense is a “common concern” for NATO. Beyond rhetoric, Denmark has stepped up its military presence on the island. Small numbers of troops from other NATO nations, including France, Germany, Norway, and the UK, are currently on their way to join Denmark for a joint military exercise. While such exercises are not uncommon, some say it seems to be a response to American aggression.
#intl-politics #europe #alliances #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 15th, 2025 by Tanvi Ramkumar
An ICE agent shot Venezuelan immigrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg on Wednesday evening after being "ambushed and attacked" by the immigrant and two other people during an arrest attempt. The Department of Homeland Security released a statement saying that the agents were conducting a targeted traffic stop when Sosa-Celis fled the scene in his car, crashed into another vehicle, and then fled on foot. The shooting occurred in northern Minneapolis, exactly one week after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was killed by an ICE agent in the city.
#us-politics
Written & Published January 14th, 2025 by Elisa Ma
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have cooperatively recognized ten guiding principles for good AI practice in medicine. Some principles include valuing human-centric approaches, the clearly defined use of AI, and scheduled monitoring of AI technologies. These guidelines are directed toward the considerations of industry developers, but enforcement methods have not been outlined. Separately, the FDA announced that restrictions on digital health products and clinical decision software will be loosened at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show. This allows some products to enter the market without extensive FDA review.
#us-politics #intl-politics #us-health
Written & Published January 13th, 2025 by Aditya Doizhode
Republican lawmakers are sharply criticizing the Department of Justice's ongoing investigation into the Federal Reserve. Their argument is that the action takes an unnecessary risk, weakens the Fed’s independence, and politicizes money. The DOJ is looking into possible leaks and ethical violations of the Fed, but Republicans insist that these concerns should be handled by the Fed’s oversight systems instead of federal prosecutors. Other parties in government are demanding briefings and hearings arise to ensure that this investigation is lawful and doesn't threaten the economy.
#us-politics #us-econ
Written & Published January 12th, 2025 by Rosa Qin
January 12 marks the third week of protests in Iran. More than 500 anti-government protesters have been killed and over 10,000 have been arrested. Furthermore, an internet blackout caused internet traffic to decline by nearly 90%. This blockade severely limited mobile data, calls, and communication with the rest of the world. The cut-off mirrors Iran’s previous blockades on Whatsapp, Instagram, and various social media during the Mahsa Amini protests. The Iranian government still stands its ground. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that Iran is “prepared for war.” However, hope remains as Araghchi affirms Iran is “also ready for negotiations," but any discussions must be “fair, with equal rights and mutual respect.”
#intl-politics #middle-east #humanitarian
Written & Published January 12th, 2025 by Gita Uparkar
Attorney General of Minnesota Keith Ellison reported Monday morning that he filed a federal lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “to end the unprecedented surge of DHS agents into the state and declare it unlawful.” After the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, the Minnesotan Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) released a statement assuring that trust must be placed in the FBI and that the “full investigative file will be shared with the appropriate prosecutorial authorities at both the state and federal levels,” promising full disclosure from both ICE and the DHS. This comes after backlash from both the killing of Good in South Minneapolis and a high school shooting.
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published January 12th, 2025 by Daniel Song
The Justice Department subpoenaed the Federal Reserve for information relating to the Fed headquarters renovation, threatening criminal indictments related to testimony given by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to the Senate Banking Committee in June 2025. In a speech, Powell called the threat of criminal charges “a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President.” Several Republican senators have criticized the Trump’s administration’s pressure campaign on the Federal Reserve, and Sens. Murkowski and Tillis have already threatened to block Trump’s Fed nominees until the investigation is resolved.
#us-politics #us-legal #us-econ
Written & Published January 11th, 2025 by Sophie Baryalai
The US Supreme Court is expected to rule this week on a challenge to President Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs. The case centers on whether the administration exceeded authority under a 1977 law that allows economic action during national emergencies. Trump has warned that an adverse ruling could force the government to refund billions already collected through tariffs. The dispute has drawn attention from lawmakers and business groups concerned about executive overreach. Supporters argue that the president needs flexibility to respond to economic threats. The final ruling could shape future limits on presidential power and US trade policy.
#us-politics #us-legal #us-econ #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 10th, 2025 by Jack Zhou
After 25 years of negotiations, the Council of the European Union (EU) approved a decision authorizing the signature of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and the Interim Trade Agreement (iTA). This is despite recent protests from farmers against the deal. It marks a historical development and milestone for both the EU and more significantly, the Latin American trade bloc Mercosur, centered around the economies of Argentina, Brazil, and many other states This deal would create the world’s largest free trade area of some 700 million people. The deal is not yet ratified, but after crossing these milestones, it is expected to be official soon.
#intl-econ #europe #latin-america #alliances
Written & Published January 8th, 2025 by Adhiyanth Ram
On Wednesday, Trump said in a Truth Social post that the US should no longer allow private equity to buy single-family housing. He argues that the commodification of housing pushes homes out of reach for many Americans. Specifically, he promised that he is “immediately taking steps to ban large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes” and “will be calling on Congress to codify it.” As a result, real-estate related stock prices dropped sharply. Invitation Homes' share value decreased by 6%, BlackRock dropped 5%, Apollo Global Management fell 5% and OpenDoor was down 11.5%.
#us-politics #us-econ
Written & Published January 8th, 2025 by Adhiyanth Ram
In response to escalating tensions following the killing of a Minnesota woman by an ICE agent, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz authorized the state's National Guard to support local law enforcement. Walz is also urging federal authorities to conduct the FBI's ongoing investigation into the shooting with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. This comes after the state agency said federal agents denied it access to important information and thus could not conduct the investigation themselves. Protesters continue to protest against ICE, especially in light of this event.
#us-politics
Written & Published January 8th, 2025 by Tanvi Ramkumar
In response to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the Senate voted Thursday to advance a bipartisan resolution preventing US President Donald Trump from using military force “within or against Venezuela” unless he attains prior approval from Congress. Five Republicans joined all forty-seven Democrats in voting yes on the motion, prompting Trump to call their votes an act of “stupidity.” Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who led the resolution, stated that Trump's military actions were “clearly illegal” because his administration failed to seek congressional approval beforehand.
#us-politics #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 7th, 2025 by Elisa Ma
Character.AI and Google have agreed to settle on five lawsuits regarding claims that Character.AI's chatbots caused harm to teen users' mental health. A key lawsuit alleged that the companies provided dangerous chatbots to Sewell Setzer III, a 14-year old boy who killed himself after developing a close relationship with a chatbot. Other lawsuits accuse artificial intelligence companies of exposing teenagers to explicit material and lacking adequate safeguards. Two months after the Federal Trade Commission started investigating the child safety effects of A.I. chatbots, Character.AI announced users under 18 would be banned from its platform.
#us-politics #us-tech #us-legal
Written & Published January 7th, 2025 by Christina Yang
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cut the number of recommended vaccines for children from 17 to 11. This protection against diseases such as COVID-19, flu, hepatitis A, and RSV is no longer broadly recommended. However, these vaccines are still recommended for individuals deemed high risk. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the move as one that will “protect children and rebuild trust in public health.” However, pediatricians say that it will lead to more hospitalizations and deaths, and experts note that the U.S. may now significantly lag behind other developed countries in disease prevention.
#us-politics #us-health
Written & Published January 7th, 2025 by Brogan Jones
Earlier today, a Minneapolis woman was shot and killed by a US Immigration Customs and Enforcement agent. Her identity was confirmed to be 37-year-old Renee Good, a US citizen and mother to a 6-year-old boy. Good, who was in a vehicle when she was killed, was reportedly given conflicting orders by ICE agents about whether or not to pull off from the scene. Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security have asserted that the shooting was defensive, and the woman had weaponized her vehicle in an attempt to run over an immigration officer. The mayor of Minneapolis and the governor of Minnesota have both denied this claim and called for an investigation into the agent who shot Ms. Good.
#us-politics #humanitarian
Written & Published January 5th, 2025 by Rosa Qin
After the recent US attacks on Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro was taken into the US to face charges. Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's vice president, was sworn in as the interim president. Rodriguez could potentially be a keystone in America’s strategy, as Trump demands three pro-US actions from her: cracking down on drug flows, removing Iranian, Cuban, and other foreign agents that the U.S. considers hostile to Washington, and halting the sale of oil to US rivals as oil minister. In contrast to Maduro and previous administrations, Rodriguez has voiced that she wants to work with the “US government…on an agenda for cooperation that is aimed towards shared development.”
#intl-politics #latin-america #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 5th, 2025 by Aditya Doizhode
As the US-Venezuela conflict nears a close, President Trump and members of his administration addressed the nation from Mar-a-Lago with information regarding the current situation in the South American nation. On the night of January 4th, the US launched a military operation in Caracas that successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump, Minister of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced collectively that the US will be temporarily “running” Venezuela. America will also sell seized Venezuelan oil to reimburse the costs of American military operations. The United States has promised a new beginning and better living conditions for Venezuela.
#intl-politics #us-politics #us-FoPo #latin-america
Written & Published January 5th, 2025 by Gita Uparkar
On Sunday, President Trump told the press that Greenland was necessary to America “for the point of national security.” In response, Greenland Premier Jens Frederik Nielsen responded by saying "that's enough now," and described the notion of US control over the island as a "fantasy." Tensions further escalated when Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen tweeted yesterday, “I have to say this very directly to the United States,"..."It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the United States needing to take over Greenland. The U.S. has no right to annex one of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom.” An interview published by the Atlantic contains another response from Trump, stating that “We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense."
#intl-politics #us-politics #europe #us-FoPo
Written & Published January 5th, 2025 by Daniel Song
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, ended his reelection bid for the 2026 gubernatorial race today, citing “political gamesmanship” and the need for him to focus his attention on the fraud scandal currently gripping the state. Recent reports indicate that Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, also a Democrat, may run in his stead, however, she has not officially announced her campaign. Democrats had previously expressed concerns that Walz’s reelection could damage the party electorally due to the aforementioned fraud scandal. The fraud scandal erupted when federal investigators discovered that members of Minnesota’s Somali diaspora stole more than $1 billion in taxpayer funds over the last five years by setting up companies that charged state agencies for social services that were never provided.
#us-politics
Written & Published January 4th, 2025 by Elisa Ma
To address economic contraction due to falling diamond sales, Botswana is pitching a “golden passport”, offering citizenship in exchange for $100,000 in investment. This is similar to the Gold Card from US President Donald Trump, which has already raised over a billion dollars. Additionally, seeking Russian investment in rare earth minerals and diamonds, Botswana is also planning to establish an embassy in Russia.
#intl-politics #africa #europe
Written & Published January 4th, 2025 by Santiago Jimenez
On January 2nd, Nicolás Maduro was captured in Caracas and taken to New York to await trial. The act was unprecedented—seldom have American leaders kidnapped a head of state so publicly. As there is disagreement on whether the situation constitutes war, it is necessary to question what is implicated. In the wake of the invasion’s chaos, Secretary of State Marco Rubio elaborated on the crisis’ status: “I mean, we are at war against drug trafficking organizations, not a war against Venezuela.” On the surface, the United States has declared a policy of armistice.
#intl-politics #us-politics #us-FoPo #latin-america
Written & Published January 3rd, 2025 by Sarah Kumar
Zohran Mamdani’s proposed solutions to the housing shortage crisis in New York City are: a $100 billion investment to triple the amount of homes the city publicly subsidizes. The sum will be paid over 10 years, with a goal of building 200,000 new affordable units, some of which will be on city-owned land. The project will be partially funded by public funding and potential new taxes on the wealthy. Mamdani also intends to revitalize the Mayor’s Office to protect tenants and create task forces to speed up construction and housing access. He also wants to place a rent freeze to stabilize current rental rates.
#us-politics #us-econ
Written & Published January 3rd, 2025 by Sophie Baryalai
The US government finalized a rule allowing the denial of asylum to migrants deemed a public health risk. This policy is set to take effect this week at the US-Mexico border. Originally drafted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the regulation lets the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice bar asylum or related protections on the basis of “emergency public health concerns generated by a communicable disease.” Supporters say the rule strengthens border control, while critics argue it could be used to broadly restrict asylum access beyond genuine health threats. The change adds a new enforcement tool amid immigration debates.
#us-politics
Written & Published January 3rd, 2025 by Brogan Jones
For over a week now, the nation of Iran has been engulfed by widespread citizen protests, which are largely related to the high cost of living within the country. The demonstrations quickly turned violent, as tensions between Iranian citizens and the government led to at least one death and widespread chaos throughout the nation. Iran’s supreme leader insisted on Saturday that rioters needed to be "put in their place," suggesting that Iran’s government will likely do more to quell the nationwide demonstrations.
#intl-politics #middle-east #humanitarian
Written & Published January 2nd, 2025 by Jai Shenoy
Just hours after his inaugural ceremony at City Hall, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani revoked two orders established by his predecessor, Eric Adams. One order expanded the definition of antisemitism, while the other prohibited the ability to divest from or boycott Israel. These actions spurred criticism not only from some citizens of NYC, but also from the Israeli government. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that ”This isn’t leadership. This is antisemitic gasoline on an open fire.” New York City holds the largest population of Jewish people after Israel, further amplifying the magnitude of Mamdani’s actions.
#us-politics #intl-politics
Written & Published January 2nd, 2025 by Adrienne Wang
A earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.5 has rattled southern and central Mexico. It occurred at a depth of 21.7 miles (~35 kilometers). The quake interrupted President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first news conference of the year as it set off the country’s alert systems, however, she resumed her briefing shortly after. There were over 500 aftershocks, with multiple landslides around Acapulco and other highways. These aftershocks can happen for days, weeks, months, or even years after the first earthquake hits, and these have the potential to cause more destruction than the initial quake.
#intl-environment #latin-america
Written & Published January 1st, 2025 by Tanvi Ramkumar
NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani was sworn in at midnight on New Year’s Day, becoming the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor. The private ceremony took place beneath the Spanish-tiled arches of the decommissioned original City Hall subway station and was attended by Attorney General Letitia James and Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji. Sworn in on the Qur’an, Mamdani pledged to “govern expansively and audaciously,” describing his assumption of office as “the honor and privilege of a lifetime.” These remarks signal a bold, ambitious approach to leading the nation’s largest city.
#us-politics
Written & Published December 31st, 2025 by Audrey Han
Last week in response to Trump's emergency request to protect ICE workers, the Supreme Court ruled that it was unnecessary to add federal troops to the city of Chicago. In a statement, the justices said that they have failed to identify a source of authority that justifies the National Guard deployment. As a result, Trump has announced he would be removing troops from Chicago, Portland, and Los Angeles. However, when removing the troops, Trump promised that they would only come back stronger in the future, indicating his firm stance on the matter. The court ruling was seen as a victory for Democrats.
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published December 29th, 2025 by Rosa Qin
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of attempting an attack utilizing 91 long-range drones on Vladmir Putin’s presidential residence in the Novgorod region. Since Russian air forces were able to destroy all 91 drones, nobody was hurt. However, there were immediate consequences, with a statement that Moscow’s negotiating position on an end to its war in Ukraine was under review. The foreign minister vaguely furthered that Russia had already selected targets for retaliatory strikes. So far, Ukraine has denied these allegations, but this has not stopped Russian officials from classifying the strike as a terrorist attack.
#intl-politics #europe #conflict
Written & Published December 29th, 2025 by Christina Yang
President Trump has indicated that the U.S. carried out a strike on a dock facility linked to alleged Venezuelan drug boats, marking the first known attack on Venezuelan land since the administration began its pressure campaign against the South American country. Trump declined to provide details regarding when the strike occurred, and also did not confirm whether the military or the CIA carried out the attack. But, he did expand the CIA’s authority to conduct operations in Venezuela earlier this year. This marks the 30th known strike carried out by the US, and has the potential to significantly escalate tensions between America and Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro.
#intl-politics #latin-america #conflict #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 29th, 2025 by Daniel Song
President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel met at Mar-a-Lago today, where Trump committed to support Israeli strikes on Iran if Iran continued to develop its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. Trump also said that Hamas had to disarm, or "there will be hell to pay,” indicating that he wants the next phase of the Gaza peace plan to move forward as soon as possible. This comes as analysts have found that Hamas has been clearly reestablishing itself during the ceasefire with no clear plan in place to facilitate the group’s disarmament. During the meeting, Trump and Netanyahu indicated that they had an “understanding” on policy towards Syria, but specific details are unclear.
#intl-politics #middle-east #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 29th, 2025 by Aditya Doizhode
With 2026 just around the corner, frustrated lawmakers are looking to take back some of the authority that some believe is now conceded to the Trump Administration. The Democratic Party hopes to make Congress more relevant in important decisions such as tariffs and federal agencies, which the White House have largely held control over. Added political pressure from the upcoming 2026 midterm elections may not bring change, as some GOP politicians are defending President Trump’s current executive stances over Congress. However, in a scenario where Congress has new members and a new majority, the situation could shift dramatically.
#us-politics
Written & Published December 28th, 2025 by Dhruv Arun
After a face-to-face meeting at President Donald Trump's Florida resort this Sunday, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that they are close to a potential peace deal that ends the Russo-Ukrainian war, but did not announce any major breakthroughs. In addition, Trump says negotiators are getting “closer" to a deal. However, the American leader also acknowledged that “thorny issues” remain and declined to provide reporters with a concrete timeline for when these problems might be resolved.
#intl-politics #europe #conflict #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 27th, 2025 by Sophie Baryalai
Israel has formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so since the breakaway region declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The Israeli government said the move reflects Somaliland’s long-standing self-governance and political stability, and Somalia immediately condemned the decision as a violation of its territorial sovereignty. African regional organizations and several governments also rejected Israel’s recognition, warning that it could undermine regional stability and set a precedent for separatist movements. The decision has sparked diplomatic backlash across Africa and the Middle Eas, as international debate grows over the legitimacy of Somaliland’s independence.
#intl-politics #africa #middle-east #alliances
Written & Published December 26th, 2025 by Jai Shenoy
In the midst of rising tensions in East Asia, Japan’s cabinet approved a historic defense budget that exceeds $58bn for the 2026 fiscal year. The decision aims to strengthen the nation's defense and military capabilities within the Indo-Pacific—particularly against China’s increasing aggression—by investing in unmanned weapon systems and cruise missiles. It marks the 4th year of Japan’s five year defense plan to increase military expenditures by 2% of its GDP, putting the country on track to becoming the world’s third-largest defense spender, only behind the United States and China. The plan still awaits parliamentary approval.
#intl-politics #intl-econ #asia
Written & Published December 26th, 2025 by Jack Zhou
After recent attacks against and the kidnapping of Christians in Nigeria, President Trump announced that the United States launched a “powerful and deadly” strike against the Islamic State (IS) group in northwest Nigeria. These Christmas Day strikes were in collaboration with the Nigerian government. The overall effects are still unknown, as many details have not been released yet. However, security experts remain skeptical on the full extent of damage these strikes can cause on the extremist group that has long ravaged the African nation.
#intl-politics #africa #conflict #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 25th, 2025 by Tanvi Ramkumar
At around 10:51 AM on Wednesday, ICE agents conducting immigration operations just outside Baltimore approached a white van, which then attempted to run them over. The agents responded by firing at the vehicle, which accelerated before crashing into a nearby wooded area. The driver was shot and taken to the hospital in stable condition, while a passenger injured in the crash was also hospitalized. Both people in the car were identified as undocumented immigrants. Their names were Tiago Alexandre Sousa-Martins (driver) and Solomon Antonio Serrano-Esquivel, a Salvadoran native.
#intl-econ #us-econ #us-health
Written & Published December 24th, 2025 by Elisa Ma
The national economy of the United States saw a growth in GDP (gross domestic product) at an estimated annual rate of 4.3% for the third quarter of the year encompassing from July through September. This better-than-expected growth is largely attributed to military spending, consumer spending, a smaller trade deficit, and corporate investment in A.I. Notably, the increase in spending was mostly done by large corporations and higher-income consumers. This could be reflective of how tariff-induced prices impact lower-class and middle-class households hardest.
#us-econ
Written & Published December 23rd, 2025 by Brogan Jones
Throughout the first year of his second term, President Trump has frequently attempted to deploy the National Guard to prominent cities like Los Angeles and Chicago to “protect immigration agents.” In Chicago's case, the Supreme Court officially struck down Trump’s bid to send the national guard to Illinois’ largest city in a 6-3 decision. The Court’s majority opinion found that Illinois' government has enough capacity to maintain order on its own, making a National Guard deployment unnecessary. Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, traditionally conservative members who have previously sided with the Trump Administration, joined the Court’s three liberal justices in rejecting the motion.
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published December 22nd, 2025 by Aditya Doizhode
After announcing pursuit on a third Venezuelan tanker, the Trump Administration faces a narrowing set of decisions regarding a potential invasion of Venezuela. As the stated motives of promoting democracy and reducing Venezuelan oil revenues become more prevalent, compromise between the two nations seems increasingly unlikely. America's handling of this situation could be crucial in shaping their global image, and the credibility of Trump's diplomatic vision is at stake. Furthermore, President Trump’s $50 million bounty on current Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro puts pressure on Maduro to step down. If Maduro were to actually leave office, some supporters claim that 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner María Machado could provide greater stability when it comes to Venezuelan conflicts and relations.
#intl-politics #latin-america #us-FoPo #conflict
Written & Published December 22nd, 2025 by Gita Uparkar
This Monday, shots from the Kurdish-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) rang out on the streets of Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and economic hub. The targets were Syrian security forces positioned near the Sheihan and Lairmoun roundabouts. As of late Monday, three civilians had died from their wounds. Shelling from the artillery also struck al-Razi Hospital, killing and injuring at least 15 more. Dozens and families and local workers were forced to evacuate on short notice, leaving the local area prone to attack. Syria’s Ministry of Interior stated that two security personnel, including a soldier, were injured in what the ministry called a “treacherous SDF attack against the country’s security forces.”
#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict #humanitarian
Written & Published December 21st, 2025 by Ron Kim
Foreign ministers from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) met in Malaysia to address the escalating conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The recent clashes have killed dozens and displaced about half a million people. Officials emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further regional instability. The organization's secretary-general, Kao Kim Hourn, also attended, highlighting the meeting's importance of the meeting. Just days before the meeting, Thai F-16 fighter jets struck O’Chik Bridge in Oddar Meanchey. The attack also damaged the Thomoda Casino and destroyed a nearby artillery base.
#intl-politics #asia #conflict #alliances
Written & Published December 20th, 2025 by Adhiyanth Ram
On Friday, a significant batch of large European and American drugmakers voluntarily formed deals with President Donald Trump to sell prescriptions for lower prices. These nine companies are: Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, Amgen, Gilead, GSK, Sanofi, Genentech, Boehringer Ingelheim and Novartis. This new deal comes as firms Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have already struck deals with the Trump Administration to cut prices. In order to compensate them, the companies were granted three-year grace period in which their products wouldn’t face Trump’s pharmaceutical tariffs as long as the companies continue to invest in American manufacturing.
#intl-econ #us-econ #us-health
Written & Published December 19th, 2025 by Patrick Li
This Friday, the United States Department of Justice began releasing more Epstein files ahead of the deadline mandated by Congress in late November of this year. The records—which pertain to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died of suicide in 2019—were published on an official government website with heavy redactions. Todd Blanche, the deputy Attorney General, said that more would be published in coming weeks. Among the thousands of records released are photos, call logs, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts. Some of the "new" documents have already been in the public domain.
#us-politics
Written & Published December 19th, 2025 by Adrienne Wang
This Friday, the United States has conducted strikes to multiple targets in Syria, now dubbed as “Operation Hawkeye.” The name is a reference to Iowa, the home state of the two American soldiers who lost their lives after they were shot on December 13 by a member of the Syrian Security Forces. The gunman was also declared as affiliated with the Islamic State (IS or ISIS). As a result, the Trump Administration has remained steadfast in its operations in Syria. Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of the United States Central Command, stated that the “operation destroyed over 130 mortars and rockets” as well as other weaponry.
#intl-politics #middle-east #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 18th, 2025 by Brogan Jones
In 2024, Congress passed a bill which forced TikTok, a popular social media app created and operated by the Chinese-based company Bytedance, to either sell their US unit to American owners, or stop operating in the United States. Since then, TikTok has faced a series of close calls, even once being unavailable to US users for a little over 12 hours. Since January, President Trump has signed over 5 executive orders to postpone another ban, giving Bytedance time to work out a deal. Finally, such an agreement has been reached. Bytedance has officially agreed to sell over 80% of TikTok’s U.S. unit to a group of American investors that includes Oracle and Silver Lake, allowing over 170 million Americans to continue using the app.
#us-politics #us-health
Written & Published December 18th, 2025 by Rebecca Gehlmann
After a plan to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine failed to pass, EU leaders agreed on a 90 billion euro loan to the country. The failure of the original plan was a blow to German Chancellor Frederich Merz, who led these efforts. It was a victory for Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who opposed the plan out of fear that Russia would retaliatate against his country’s banks. Projections for the success of the EU’s alternate funding mechanism, backed from the bloc’s budget, were grim—it required unanimous approval, including that of Hungary's leader Viktor Orban. The exact nature of this hastily agreed loan and how leaders convinced Orban remains unknown.
#intl-politics #europe #alliances #conflict
Written & Published December 18th, 2025 by Tanvi Ramkumar
Less than a year after taking office, Deputy FBI Director Dan Borgino announced that he will step down in January. He thanked President Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Attorney General Pam Bondi “for the opportunity to serve with purpose.” Trump suggested that Bongino plans to return to his conservative commentary show. During his brief tenure managing the bureau's day-to-day operations, Bongino clashed with the Justice Department over the Epstein files and oversaw the arrest of the suspect accused of placing pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican committee headquarters hours before the January 6th, 2021 attack.
#us-politics
Written & Published December 17th, 2025 by Elisa Ma
In a 213-209 vote, the House of Representatives passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. The legislation aims to spend more on cost-sharing reductions, which is predicted to lower premiums (monthly payments) for some, but net reduce subsidies and cause higher payments for others. Notably, Republican leadership did not address the Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring at the end of the year, prompting four Republicans (all of whom voted to pass the act) to join Democrats in a discharge petition to discuss them in January. The bill is now being moved to the Senate, where amendments can potentially be made.
#us-politics #us-health
Written & Published December 17th, 2025 by Aditya Doizhode
As the year comes to a close, business activity within the Eurozone has expanded significantly. The economic region just completed its first calendar year of growth since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022. Moreover, it has had a Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) - a measurement of manufacturing and service sector health - over 50 PMI for nine consecutive months. This signals a very promising start to 2026 after manufacturing and service sectors, especially in Germany and France, contracted at the start of 2025.
#intl-econ #europe
Written & Published December 16th, 2025 by Brogan Jones
President Donald Trump has announced that he will deliver a live, primetime address from the Oval Office on Wednesday night. The announcement is notable due to the rarity of presidential addresses given directly from the office to the American public. Such speeches have historically been reserved for matters of great importance. Additionally, Trump himself has provided few details about what subjects the address, which is slated for 9 p.m. eastern time, will cover. However, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt has indicated the speech may reflect on the administration's successes this year.
#us-politics
Written & Published December 16th, 2025 by James Savin
The federal jobs report, delayed due to the government shutdown, has shed light on the state of the domestic labor market. Between October and November, the market netted a total loss of 41,000 jobs. Unemployment has hit a 4–year high at 4.6%, the highest it has been since the COVID-19 pandemic. This is largely due to the tens of thousands of federal employees who took deferred resignations during the shutdown. The market is edging closer to stagflation, where unemployment and inflation grow in tandem, marking an overall negative blowback for the U.S. economy that could have significant future implications.
#us-politics #us-econ
Written & Published December 15th, 2025 by Sadie Zwonitzer
On Monday, President Trump and his administration declared fentanyl, the synthetic opioid substance, a weapon of mass destruction. The distinction has been employed in the past to describe militaristic weapons like nuclear missiles, but this is the first time it has been used to classify a drug. Trump’s team suggests that fentanyl could be deployed as a deadly chemical weapon, though the only case of this occurring was a 2002 Russian attack. The new distinction could lead to stricter regulations surrounding the drug, and will likely escalate Trump’s war against drug cartels in Mexico.
#us-politics #intl-politics #us-FoPo #north-america
Written & Published December 15th, 2025 by Rosa Qin
The Sudanese civil war, fought between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for control of the nation, has already claimed the lives of at least 150,000 individuals. The UN has characterized Sudan as home to the “world’s largest humanitarian crisis.” With millions in need of aid, the EU has stepped up, sending nearly 100 tons of fresh aid, which includes water, shelter materials, and sanitation items. The organization further confirmed that future flights to the Darfur region will continue to provide help from December 2025 to January 2026. Together, these make the EU one of the largest contributors to Sudan.
#intl-politics #africa #humanitarian
Written & Published December 15th, 2025 by Santiago Jimenez
On Sunday, chaos broke out after a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach was interrupted by a shooting carried out by a father-son duo. The attack was conducted using legally licensed firearms, raising concerns about the accessibility of deadly weaponry within Australia. As a result, the nation has promised to strengthen gun laws to prevent similar acts from occurring in the future. The already strict gun guidelines are to be modified so that firstly, there will be more “usage of criminal intelligence” in the process of licensing firearms. Secondly, the number of guns an individual can legally own will be limited, and thirdly, only Australian citizens will be able to possess a firearm.
#intl-politics #pacific #humanitarian
Written & Published December 15th, 2025 by Dhruv Arun
Two gunmen opened fire this Sunday evening at a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney, Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach, sending crowds fleeing for their safety. The terror attack at the Jewish celebration left at least 16 people dead, including one alleged gunman and a 12-year-old child. 38 others were wounded. More details are still emerging about those killed in the attack.
#intl-politics #pacific #humanitarian
Written & Published December 15th, 2025 by Daniel Song
Media tycoon and China critic Jimmy Lai was found guilty of publishing seditious articles and colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security. He faces life in prison and will likely be sentenced next year. Lai used his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper to champion Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and lobby foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. Lai’s conviction comes in the wake of sweeping national security laws imposed by China in 2020 and the Hong Kong government in 2024 which target treason, secession, subversion and sedition. These laws were passed in response to the widespread and sometimes violent protests that erupted in 2019.
#intl-politics #asia
Written & Published December 14th, 2025 by Roshan Shivnani
Far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast has just won a run-off election to become Chile’s 38th president, ousting the current centre-left government. This victory wasn't achieved by a small margin, with Mr. Kast winning 58% of the popular vote. This was largely driven by an environment of rising crime and immigration concerns, both of which many Chileans thought the existing administration wasn’t doing enough to address. Mr. Kast campaigned on change: for example, in his security platform - dubbed the “Implacable Plan” - he included a tougher stance on issues like crime.
#intl-politics #latin-america
Written & Published December 14th, 2025 by Ron Kim
Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy party, the Democratic Party, has voted to dissolve after more than 30 years of activism. On Sunday’s vote, roughly 97% of members supported liquidation, with party chairs saying the current political environment left them little choice. Founded in 1994, the party was once an electoral juggernaut, sweeping city-wide elections and constantly fighting against the Chinese Communist Party. However, Beijing’s 2020 national security law has greatly limited their success. “To have journeyed through these three decades, shoulder to shoulder with the people of Hong Kong, has been our greatest honour,” said Party Chair Lo Kin-hei.
#intl-politics #asia
Written & Published December 14th, 2025 by Brogan Jones
Earlier this evening, a gunman fired shots at the Barus & Holley building of Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island. The gunfire was reported at 4:05 p.m., and an active shooter situation was declared. In response, Brown enacted a shelter-in-place order for all students, some of which had been taking their end-of-year exams when the shooting took place. The currently reported casualties consist of 2 deaths and 8 serious injuries. While an individual was detained, he was quickly released after local police determined that he was not the suspect. As of today, a suspect in connection with the shooting is in custody at a hotel around 21 miles away from Providence.
#us-politics #humanitarian
Written & Published December 13th, 2025 by Patrick Li
The US Central Command, which directs military operations by America in Africa, Europe and the Indo-Pacific, announced on Saturday that two US soldiers and one US civilian interpreter were killed by an Islamic State (IS or ISIS) gunman in Syria. Both the American and Syrian governments have condemned the attack, with Trump going as far to state that there will be “a very serious retaliation.” The attack comes during interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s battle against terrorism, as well as his nation's growing cooperation with the US.
#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 13th, 2025 by Sophie Baryalai
Renewed federal support has revived debate over Alaska’s proposed Ambler Access Road, a 211-mile industrial route intended to connect the Dalton Highway to mineral deposits in northwest Alaska. The road would cross land in the Gates of the Arctic National Park and hundreds of rivers and streams in a region warming faster than the global average. Supporters argue the project could provide jobs and access to important minerals. Critics, including Indigenous groups and environmental advocates, warn the road could damage ecosystems, disrupt caribou migration and salmon runs, and threaten subsistence livelihoods as climate change intensifies pressure on the region.
#us-politics #environment
Written & Published December 12th, 2025 by Adrienne Wang
In Washington State, floodwaters have begun to recede this Friday. However, more flooding is expected. The director of Washington State’s emergency management system has stated that these circumstances are “not over” and will not be over “in a couple of days.” The state is vulnerable to flooding, however, this year has been exceptional, as water levels on at least four rivers have achieved record highs. With these conditions, evacuations are forced to remain rapid and widespread. Tens of thousands of residents under evacuation advisories.
#us-politics #environment #humanitarian
Written & Published December 12th, 2025 by Patrick Li
This Friday, House Republicans unveiled a narrow health care package that critically does not extend soon-to-expire enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. The GOP proposal would instead seek to expand the availability of association health plans, in which employers band together to purchase coverage, funding a cost-sharing reduction program meant to lower premiums for certain Affordable Care Act enrollees. Proponents say that such plans increase the leverage businesses have to negotiate lower costs. But critics say that the plans provide skimpier coverage than what is required under the Affordable Care Act.
#us-politics #us-health #republicans
Written & Published December 12th, 2025 by Sarah Kumar
On Friday, the European Union froze Russian assets worth about $247 billion indefinitely. This move was made so that Moscow-friendly countries like Slovakia and Hungary cannot veto peace efforts. The idea is that Russia would be forced to take accountability and help in the rebuilding of Ukraine. The EU intends to use the frozen assets as a loan to Ukraine. Russian central banks call this “illegal.” However, by invoking Article 122 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the EU, Brussels has the ability to declare an economic emergency, which freezes the money without unanimity. The international and European community agree that this is the best action they can do for now.
#intl-politics #intl-econ #europe #conflict
Written & Published December 12th, 2025 by Rebecca Gehlmann
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve cut rates by a quarter of a percent. This marks the third consecutive rate cut as the nation’s central bank attempts to stave off rising unemployment. However, the decision was not unanimous. Three officials dissented, with two voting to hold rates steady. This dissent stems from fears that the rate cut will exasperate inflation. Trump-appointee Stephan Miran voted to cut rates by half a percent. Additionally, the Federal Reserve's decision was based on shaky data due to disruptions caused by the government shutdown. The bank has received criticism for coalescing to pressure from the Trump administration.
#us-politics #us-econ
Written & Published December 11th, 2025 by Tanvi Ramkumar
On Wednesday afternoon, President Donald Trump launched his“gold card” visa program, which grants legal status and a potential pathway to U.S. citizenship to foreigners willing to pay $1 million to the government. Prior to the payment, interested applicants must submit a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security and undergo a thorough vetting process, including a visa interview. According to the administration, one key difference between the Trump Gold Card and traditional green cards is speed. While a traditional green card application can take anywhere from eight months to three years to process, the new program promises approval within just a few weeks.
#us-politics #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 10th, 2025 by Elisa Ma
For the first time in 28 years, Miami has elected a Democratic mayor. Eileen Higgins, who is also the city’s first woman mayor, campaigned against partisanship and addressing the city’s affordability. SHe defeated Republican candidate Emilio Gonzalez, who was endorsed by both President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. This is following a broader shift towards favoring Democrats in major cities, which may have ramifications for the midterm elections in 2026.
#us-politics
Written & Published December 9th, 2025 by Christina Yang
Alina Habba has resigned as the U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey after a panel of judges ruled that she was serving in her position unlawfully. Habba was appointed by President Trump in March but was never approved by the Senate, and she continued to serve after her temporary 120-day term had expired. Habba will now serve as a senior advisor to Attorney General Pam Bondi, and she will be replaced by three prosecutors who already serve in office. Bondi has stated that she will still appeal the Third Circuit’s ruling in an attempt for Habba to lead th New Jersey office again.
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published December 8th, 2025 by Audrey Han
During a White House round table event, President Trump announced that the Trump Administration would be giving out a total of $12 billion in a one-time payment to farmers all across America. This was done in light of the tariffs that the administration has set on major US trading partners, who are major importers of crucial crops like soybeans, corn, and wheat. This mirrors Trump’s first presidency, where due to his tariffs, 40% of net farmer income came from government subsidies rather than trade. Unfortunately, many farmers are still unhappy, stating that the handout is not enough, as many of them are still struggling with bankruptcy after facing a plummeting export market.
#us-politics #us-econ #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 8th, 2025 by Daniel Song
In the latest continuation of a decades-long border dispute, Thailand’s fighter jets bombed Cambodian targets on Monday, killing at least five people and displacing hundreds of thousands more. The Thai government said it was retaliating against an earlier attack by Cambodia, which killed at least one Thai soldier and injured eight others. Despite President Trump’s claims of brokering a peace between the two countries, the violence has restarted after Thailand suspended peace talks in November in the wake of two Thai soldiers getting injured by a land mine planted in a disputed border area. Since a military victory would be popular in Thailand and could also boost Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government ahead of likely elections in 2026, political considerations might be at play too.
#intl-politics #asia #conflict #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 8th, 2025 by Gita Uparkar
The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, was one of the politicians sued in a lawsuit alleging that a dozen FBI agents were unlawfully fired for taking a knee during the George Floyd protests in 2020. 9 out of the 12 agents who filed the case were women, and stated that their choice to kneel was to deescalate the situation, and wasn't politically motivated. The plantiffs' attorneys stated that “Five years later, Kash Patel and the Trump Administration are targeting these patriotic and highly skilled FBI agents for purely partisan reasons.” The FBI Agents Association, which represents most agents, reported that it “strongly condemns" the firings and urged Congress to investigate in late September. As of Monday, the FBI has refused to comment.
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published December 8th, 2025 by Brogan Jones
Jasmine Crockett, who currently serves as the representative for Texas’ 30th Congressional District, has officially launched her campaign to be the Lone Star State’s next senator. Crockett filed the paperwork to run for the position just hours before the deadline and right after prominent Texas Democrat Colin Allred suspended his campaign. Crockett kicked off her campaign with a video targeting President Trump, who she has harshly criticized in the past. The outspoken Congresswoman’s biggest competition in the Democratic primary will likely be James Talarico, a rising star in Texas politics who is also currently a state representative.
#us-politics
Written & Published December 7th, 2025 by Ron Kim
On December 7th, a group of Beninese soldiers appeared on state television and claimed they had removed President Patrice Talon from power. Although the nation has experienced political instability since its formation in 1960, the coup would’ve marked the end of three decades of relative steadiness. However, Benin Interior Minister Alassane Seidou stated that even though "a small group of soldiers [had] launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state,” loyalist soldiers had been able “to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.” President Talon later stated on state television that the situation was “totally under control."
#intl-politics #africa #conflict
Written & Published December 6th, 2025 by Sophie Baryalai
European Union member states agreed on a revised version of the Child Sexual Abuse Regulation this week, keeping voluntary scanning of private messages in the proposal after removing mandatory detection orders. Supporters say tech companies will be required to assess platform risks and may adopt scanning tools to mitigate liability for illegal content. Advocates for privacy warn the approach still expands online surveillance and weakens digital rights. Former European Parliament member Patrick Breyer argued that the policy makes online safety enforcement the responsibility of private companies, raising concerns that companies may feel pressured to monitor encrypted communications as negotiations with the Parliament begin.
#intl-politics #europe #intl-tech #pf-novdec25
Written & Published December 6th, 2025 by Jack Zhou
The Supreme Court allowed Texas to use their redrawn congressional map to add as many as five Republican-friendly seats, despite the map initially being blocked by a Texas appeals court for racial gerrymandering. This was accomplished with an unsigned order by the 6-3 conservative majority, which granted the request by the states to lift the lower court’s ruling. This is a major victory for President Donald Trump as he continues to promote gerrymandering to maintain his party's control of the House going into the 2026 midterms.
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published December 5th, 2025 by Sarah Kumar
Today, the U.S. brokered a historic peace deal between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda that aims to end the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The deal's main requirements included the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and halting Rwanda's support for M23 rebels, which is the militia lead group destabilizing the region in their goal to control Congo’s natural resources. On the DRC's part, they pledged to neutralize the FDLR militia and give the U.S. more investment opportunities in Congo’s critical minerals. However, critics has said the deal only reaffirms a past June agreement. Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege believes that the deal will not work out because it prioritizes minerals over peace and is “not sustainable.” Furthermore, violence in the region continued right after the signing of the deal.
#intl-politics #africa #conflict #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 5th, 2025 by Brogan Jones
Within the first 24 hours of his inauguration, President Donald Trump passed many controversial executive orders. Among these was an order declaring that any children of illegal immigrants born in the United States in the immediate future would not be considered U.S. citizens. Many advocacy groups immediately challenged the order in court, citing a violation of the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to any individual born on US soil. Lower courts agreed on the EO's unconstitutionality and struck down the order. The Trump Administration then appealed to the Supreme Court, and the nation’s highest court has now officially agreed to hear the case, setting the stage for a potential landmark ruling. As of late, the court's 6-3 conservative majority has seldom ruled against Trump’s White House.
#us-politics #us-legal
Written & Published December 3rd, 2025 by Elisa Ma
President Donald Trump pardoned Henry Cuellar, a representative from Texas’s 28th Congressional District, and Cuellar's wife for federal bribery and conspiracy charges. The charges were initially set to go to trial next April. Cuellar has been accused of accepting over $600,000 in bribes from Azerbaijani and Mexican oil and banking entities. As justification, Trump stated that Cuellar was targeted by the Biden Administration for political purposes, as Cuellar opposed Biden’s border policies. Following the pardon, Cuellar clarified he intends to seek reelection as a Democrat.
#us-politics
Written & Published December 3rd, 2025 by Bryan Gu
On November 26th, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) in the United Kingdom mistakenly published a document about budget and fiscal details before its intended release date. The error enraged many in the House of Commons because it revealed sensitive information such as tax calculations, economic predictions, and policy changes. The OBR has called the incident a technical error, and have since launched an investigation and removed the document from the Internet. Government officials have called the incident a serious mistake. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has said that "This is deeply disappointing and a serious error on their (the OBR's) part.”
#intl-econ #intl-politics #europe
Written & Published December 2nd, 2025 by Brogan Jones
The resignation of Republican Congressman Mark Green became a potential problem for the party when the Democratic candidate running to replace him, Tennessee state representative Aftyn Behn, began gaining momentum in the polls. In the state's 7th Congressional District, a deep-red area that Donald Trump won by over 20 points in 2024, Behn’s popularity was unexpected. The race garnered national attention, because an upset would've followed a recent trend of Democratic victories and dwindling Republican support. However, unfortunately for liberal hopefuls, Republican candidate Matt Van Epps narrowly won the seat on Tuesday night. While the thin margin still may not have been the most preferable outcome for Republicans, the party managed to prevent an unexpected loss.
#us-politics
Written & Published December 1st, 2025 by Sadie Zwonitzer
On September 2nd, President Trump's newly named "Department of War" struck a vessel reportedly carrying cartel members twice, marking the most aggressive policy taken on this issue as of late. However, the American people now have more context. Initially, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was blamed for the attack, which prompted discussions around the ethics of such a military decision. But earlier today, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that the attack was not Hegseth's decision, but rather an order passed on to Hegseth by Trump, suggesting he had ordered Hegseth that "everyone be killed". Despite the order including what critics would call morbid language, Leavitt defended Trump, suggesting that if transnational cartels posed a threat to American society, then the president held a responsibility to deal with them accordingly. As Secretary Hegseth now appears to be distancing himself with these decisions, President Trump's stance on cartels in the Caribbean seems to be coming to a boil.
#us-politics #intl-politics #us-FoPo
Written & Published December 1st, 2025 by Rebecca Gehlmann
Voters in Honduras tensely await the results of the South American country’s presidential election on Sunday, as both top candidates remain deadlocked at 40% of voters. As of now, 57% of votes have been counted, and Nasry Asfura, the former right-wing mayor of capital city Tegucigalpa, is leading his center-right opponent by a narrow margin of 525 votes. Involvement by the US are escalating these tensions. Following his pardoning of Juan Orlanado Hernández, Honduras’ former president convicted of drug trafficking crimes, President Trump has been vocal about his support for Asfura. He has warned if there is suspected election interference, Honduras will have “hell to pay.” This follows his earlier threats to halt funding to the country should Asfura lose.
#intl-environment #humanitarian
Written & Published December 1st, 2025 by Gita Uparkar
Following harsh rain and monsoon winds triggered by Cyclone Senyar in the Strait of Malacca, a crucial trade and cargo chokepoint where nearly 1/3 of all worldwide goods go through, extensive damage has been recorded in Southeast Asia. As of November 28th, flooding in the Thai Songkhla destroyed two homes and damaged 1,074 others, along with 228 roads, 12 bridges, 41 schools and 38 temples. Further damage has been recorded in parts of southern Thailand. The death toll from Sumatra in Indonesia on December 1st reached 604, with 484 of the victims reported missing. 80,000 people have been evacuated out of flood-prone areas in Indonesia, however, humanitarian aid has been unable to access in nearly 2/3 of Sumatra.
#intl-environment #humanitarian
Written & Published December 1st, 2025 by Daniel Song
Today, a federal appeals court unanimously reaffirmed a prior district court ruling that Alina Habba, President Trump's former personal lawyer, has been unlawfully serving as the U.S. attorney in New Jersey since July 1st. Habba was first appointed on an interim basis for 120 days as allowed by law. After Habba’s appointment expired, the district court chose veteran prosecutor Desire Grace to fill the job. The Trump Administration then fired Grace and appointed Habba to replace her. Habba's disqualification could impact the prosecution of several criminal cases in New Jersey, as multiple defendants have sought to have their cases dismissed due to Habba’s illegitimacy. The appeals court panel did not dismiss the defendants' cases.
#us-politics #us-legal
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