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Written & Published March 16th, 2026 by Jai Shenoy

Kazakhstanis Vote in Referendum Regarding Presidential Power

On Sunday, voters across Kazakhstan headed to the polls for a referendum, a nationwide vote in which people approve or reject a specific proposal, on a new constitution that would strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s grip on Central Asia’s largest country. The proposal merges both chambers of Kazakhstan’s parliament and grants the president authority to appoint key government officials, subject to parliamentary approval. The 72-year-old president claimed that these changes are essential as “threats to national security are becoming increasingly tangible.” Analysts believe he could use the referendum to reset presidential term limits, as other leaders of former Soviet republics such as Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have historically restructured constitutions to solidify their stay in power. Tokayev is currently limited to one seven-year term that expires in 2029. As of March 16th, voters have approved the constitution. 

#intl-politics #asia 

Written & Published March 15th, 2026 by Dhruv Arun

Zelenskyy Accuses European Allies of Oil Pipeline Blackmail

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused European allies of seeking to "blackmail" Kyiv into reopening a pipeline transporting Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. He said restoring the flow of Russian crude oil through Ukraine into the European Union would be like lifting economic sanctions on Moscow. The pipeline has been offline since a Russian attack in January, and has been at the center of a bitter row between Ukraine and Hungary. In remarks made public on Sunday, the Ukrainian leader criticized European pressure to allow oil flow through the pipeline. Hungary depends on Russian energy and has been blocking fresh EU sanctions on Moscow.

#intl-politics #intl-environment #europe #conflict #alliances

Written & Published March 15th, 2026 by Arnav Goyal

Kennedy Center Head Steps Down

Amidst harsh criticism over the administration’s overhaul of the Kennedy Center, director Ric Grenell stepped down from his role. Critics assert that during his tenure, Grenell and Trump transformed the Kennedy Center from being an apolitical hub of the arts to one controlled by loyalists of the president. Due to this political shift, ticket sales plummeted and almost all performers pulled out. Moreover, under Grenell’s leadership, dozens of employees were fired and the entire board of directors was overhauled. Grenell stepped down because of Trump’s frustration about the public’s poor reception of these reforms and the mishandling of publicity.

#us-politics

Written & Published March 15th, 2026 by Arnav Goyal

Iran Continues Strait of Hormuz Closure

In his first televised message since assuming office, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei proclaimed that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed due to it being an area where "the enemy is highly vulnerable." This comes as oil prices are surging due to the closure, with American gas prices reaching an average of $3.70/gallon as of today. Measures have been taken to combat the economic effects, such as President Trump’s easing of sanctions on Russian oil, the International Energy Agency’s vow to release 400 million barrels of oil, and the US sending of warships to the Middle East to forcibly open the Strait.

#intl-politics #intl-econ #middle-east #conflict #us-FoPo

Written & Published March 14th, 2026 by Audrey Han

U.S. Embassy in Iraq Attacked With Missile

Marking the second attack on the base, the U.S. embassy in Baghdad has been attacked with a missile. The strike was confirmed to have hit the building’s helipad and reportedly destroyed part of an air defense system. Iran-backed armed groups were believed to be responsible for the attack in Iraq, where a movement called the Islamic Resistance has launched several assaults on U.S. bases. As a response, the United States urged all citizens to leave Iraq, upholding a Level 4 security alert for the country. There have been no confirmed injuries, but the attack is a demonstration of the quickly escalating conflict, as both the United States and Iranian-backed forces clash head-to-head. 

#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict #us-FoPo

Written & Published March 14th, 2026 by Christina Yang

Shooting at Old Dominion University Kills One

On Thursday, a gunman opened fire at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. ROTC instructor and former Army Lieutenant Colonel Brandon A. Shah was killed, and two others were injured. Shortly thereafter, ROTC students subdued and killed the gunman, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh. Jalloh pleaded guilty to attempting to aid the terrorist group ISIS and plotting to murder U.S. military personnel in 2016. FBI director Kash Patel stated that the campus shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. The incident occurs as the U.S. remains on heightened alert for domestic attacks after it started a war on Iran alongside Israel. 

#us-politics #humanitarian

Written & Published March 14th, 2026 by Brogan Jones

Cuban Protestors Attack Communist Party Office

The US’ blockade of Cuba's oil supply has not only resulted in widespread food and energy shortages, but widespread protests as well. Earlier today, antigovernment demonstrations culminated in attacks on a Communist Party office building. The protests, which are extremely rare in Cuba, had begun peacefully, but grew more intense as the energy crisis continued to worsen. The demonstrations ultimately resulted in the Communist Party office being ransacked, vandalized, and lit on fire. 

#intl-politics #latin-america

Written & Published March 13th, 2026 by Vivaan Gupta

Attack on Iran's Kharg Island Raises Fears of Oil Supply Disruption

As the US-Iran conflict rages on, American planes bombed Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal. Iran announced that the attack had resulted in damage to infrastructure at the terminal. There are fears that the attack could have a significant impact on the oil supplies that pass through the Strait of Hormuz, an important trade route that handles most of Iran’s crude exports. The attack has also caused concerns about further escalation of conflict in the region.

#intl-politics #intl-econ #middle-east #conflict

Written & Published March 12th, 2026 by Tanvi Ramkumar

Iran-Linked Hacker Group Claims Responsibility for Stryker Cyberattack

Handala Team, whose cybersecurity companies boast of their ties to Iran’s Intelligence Ministry, have taken responsibility for the Stryker cybersecurity hack in statements on X and Telegram. Stryker is a Michigan-based corporation that provides medical accessories and technologies, serving over 150 million patients across the world. The attack, which wiped critical data from over 200,000 servers and devices and disrupted order processing, shipping, and manufacturing, seems to be in retaliation for a strike on an all-girls' school in Minab, Iran. Iran has had a history of conducting “wiper” attacks on several national enemies to erase large amounts of data from their networks.

#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict #us-tech #us-FoPo 

Written & Published March 12th, 2026 by Rebecca Gehlmann

Trump Temporarily Lifts Sanctions on Russian Oil

On Friday, the war in Iran caused global oil futures to rise to more than $103 a barrel, a 40% gain since the start of the conflict. Iran is also continuing to close crucial oil shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. In order to ease projected price hikes at the pump, President Trump temporarily lifted sanctions on the around 124 million barrels (~$12 billion) of Russian oil currently stranded at sea. This follows America’s lifting of restrictions on India’s purchase of Russian oil last week, which marked a reversal from previous pressure. European leaders have rebuked the lifting of sanctions amidst Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. 

#intl-politics #intl-econ #europe

Written & Published March 11th, 2026 by Elisa Ma

DHS Reopens Global Entry Program

On March 11, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) restarted Global Entry after a halt caused by the agency’s February shutdown. Global Entry is a program that allows pre-approved travelers a faster entry when returning to the U.S. The DHS claims that the shutdown was caused by Democrats. However, a simple majority in the Senate, which Republicans hold, can eliminate the filibuster to fastrack bills. The House of Representatives passed funding for the DHS on March 5. On March 11, the Senate failed to pass a compromise bill funding the DHS. but not ICE.

#us-politics #republicans #democrats

Written & Published March 11th, 2026 by Esshan Kharat

At Least 168 Schoolgirls Killed in Strike on Iran

On February 28th, the first day of the Iranian missile strikes, an elementary school for girls was struck, killing at least 168 people. The missile was a U.S. Tomahawk missile that only the U.K., Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands have official access to. President Trump claimed that Iran had illegal access to the missile. However, preliminary findings and media sources indicate that the missile was launched from the United States itself. The school was located near two bases of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a primary target for the U.S. during ongoing strikes. Senator John Kennedy (R-La) apologized for the strike and drew a comparison to Russia. 

#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict #us-FoPo #humanitarian

Written & Published March 10th, 2026 by Steven Zhang

China's Budapest-Belgrade Railway Opens After Years of Delay

In 2013, China, Serbia, and Hungary released a plan to renovate the existing Budapest-Belgrade (BuBe) railway. China’s then-premier, Li Keqiang, announced that the project would be completed in 2017. After nearly 9 years of delay, the railway has started operations. The project, financed by China’s Belt and Road Initiative, was originally planned to provide an inroad for Chinese products into Europe while simultaneously showcasing China’s ability to complete high-quality infrastructure that meets EU standards. A smaller Serbian portion of the railroad was completed in 2022 and was met with much enthusiasm. The railroad fully opened on February 27 and has cut travel time between the capitals of Serbia and Hungary by nearly half. 

#intl-politics #europe #asia

Written & Published March 9th, 2026 by Esshan Kharat

Kristi Noem Fired as Head of DHS

Donald Trump fired Kristi Noem, who was previously the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This follows criticism from both the left and right over her handling of the Trump Administration’s mass deportation efforts, with multiple American civilians dead and protests erupting all over the nation. Noem testified at a Senate oversight meeting, where senators probed her on $220 million of DHS contracts that were granted to three companies without bidding, raising suspicions of personal financial gain. Her duties will formally end on March 31st, and President Trump nominated Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to replace her.

#us-politics #republicans #democrats

Written & Published March 9th, 2026 by Brogan Jones

Trump Refuses to Sign Bills Until SAVE Act Passes

The SAVE America Act, fully known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, is currently facing an uphill battle for Senate approval. The proposed legislation, which has been heavily endorsed by the Trump Administration, would require stricter identification procedures in order to vote. Today, Trump attempted to coerce the Senate into passing the SAVE Act by declaring that he will not sign any other bills into law until the act is passed. The law has also been critiqued for its potential impact on the ability of married women to vote.

#us-politics #us-legal 

Written & Published March 9th, 2026 by Aryan Kondekar

U.S. Gas and Oil Prices Rise Due to Ongoing Iran Conflict 

The U.S. recently took military action against Iran, but their involvement is creating a shift in the global economy. Historically, Iran has played a major role in oil markets as the Strait of Hormuz is at their doorstep. This passageway of water carries 20% of the world's oil supply, making it critical to a multitude of countries, including America. The price of gas has jumped 34 cents, correlating to a 14% increase in just one week. This only worsens inflation, one of the U.S.’s key economic concerns, showcasing the ripple effects of the conflict in the Middle East. 

#intl-politics #intl-econ #middle-east #conflict #us-FoPo

Written & Published March 7th, 2026 by Sophie Baryalai

Court Blocks End to Haitian Protections  Amid Security Crisis 

On Friday, an U.S. appeals court refused to allow the Trump Administration to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that permits migrants from select crisis-stricken countries to live and work in the United States while avoiding deportation. Judges said returning the 350,000 Haitian migrants under TPS could expose them to violence amid Haiti’s collapsing security environment. The ruling comes as the Federal Aviation Administration continues to ban U.S. commercial flights into Port-au-Prince due to gang gunfire risks. International agencies continue to warn that Haiti faces severe humanitarian and governance challenges.

#us-politics #us-legal 

Written & Published March 6th, 2026 by Adrienne Wang

DOJ Releases New Epstein Files Related to Trump

The Department of Justice made previously unreleased files related to the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein public. In these new documents, there are a series of FBI memos which describe sexual assault allegations. These were submitted in 2019 when a woman contacted the FBI after Epstein’s arrest and claimed she was assaulted by him and President Donald Trump in the 1980s when she was a minor. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has since dismissed these accusations, stating “These are completely baseless accusations, backed by zero credible evidence, from a sadly disturbed woman who has an extensive criminal history,” and that “President Trump has been totally exonerated by the release of the Epstein Files.”

#us-politics

Written & Published March 5th, 2026 by Vivaan Gupta

Kalshi Traders Protest Frozen Bets on Khamenei Market

The prediction market platform Kalshi is under fire after traders who had placed bets on whether Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, would be “out” of office were denied their expected payouts after Khamenei’s death. This comes after over $54 million had been wagered on the market. Kalshi, however, froze the market and settled it based on the last traded price, citing their rule that they do not allow markets related to death. This, however, has caused Kalshi to be under fire by their users, who feel that they should have been fully paid after the event.

#intl-politics #us-econ #middle-east #conflict #us-FoPo

Written & Published March 5th, 2026 by Rebecca Gehlmann

Trump Calls on Kurds to Strike Iran 

Before “Operation Epic Fury,” the CIA began arming pro-American Kurdish forces in Iraq with the intention of staging an incursion into Iran. While this plan was originally denied, President Trump reportedly offered support for anti-regime Kurdish forces looking to take over Western Iran in a call with Kurdish leaders earlier this week. Discussing a possible offensive on Thursday, he affirmed that he’s “all for it.” The United States has a history of using the stateless nation’s forces as proxy fighters. However, mobilizing Kurdish fighters risks the further souring of relations with Turkey, a NATO member recently drawn into the conflict as Iran launched missiles targeting American troops on its soil. Additionally, arming Kurdish forces could pressure the 2025 truce between Turkey and Kurdish separatists that are being closely monitored by Turkey. 

#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict #us-FoPo

Written & Published March 4th, 2026 by Janelle Lee

Markets Fall as a Result of Conflict in the Middle East

Recently, due to conflict in the Middle East, multiple markets have been on the decline. The Dow Jones has gone down 2%, London’s FTSE went down 1.5%, Germany’s DAX and Italy’s FTSE have gone down 1.6%, and other stock markets around the globe have been consistently falling. This is likely due to crude oil, which has risen 8% to reach above $80 per barrel, the highest price all year. Wizz Air, an airline company, states they will lose $50 million as a result of canceling flights to Israel, Dubai, Abi Dhabi, and Amman from March 4th to March 15th. Their shares have also fallen 11.3%. These factors lead to greater market uncertainty, which could exacerbate the negative impacts of warfare. 

#intl-econ #us-econ #middle-east #conflict

Written & Published March 4th, 2026 by Elisa Ma

Tech Companies Sign the White House's Energy Pledge

Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI, and Amazon signed on the “Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” an agreement with the White House to have technology companies cover the increased cost of electricity caused by data center development and usage. This pledge was announced at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address after local stakeholders pushed back against energy-intensive data centers. Notably, this announcement comes ahead of the midterm elections, where the cost of living is a concern. Additionally, critics warn the pledge is unlikely to be enforced federally as states already regulate energy suppliers. 

#us-politics #environment #us-tech

Written & Published March 2nd, 2026 by Rosa Qin

Iran Vows to Attack Any Ship Attempting to Cross Strait of Hormuz

An Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander announced that Iran would be closing the Strait of Hormuz. This threatens to stall a fifth of the world’s oil supply, contributing to rising crude oil costs. He further warns: “Don’t come to this region. We will not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region.” Diverted ships are forced to go around the Cape of Good Hope in the southernmost tip of Africa, causing weeks of delay and congestion in ports. Iran’s strategy is a double edged sword, as closing the Strait of Hormuz disrupts its own crude exports and may lead to further escalation with the US. If prolonged, this closure could severely impact automotive manufacturing, consumer electronics, and pharmaceuticals that rely on raw materials passing through the strait. 

#intl-politics #intl-econ #middle-east #conflict

Written & Published March 2nd, 2026 by Daniel Song

Argentina Passes Milei's Labor Reform

Argentina’s Senate gave final approval to a series of labor reforms championed by President Javier Milei. The reforms aim to free up Argentina’s labor market by making it easier to hire and fire workers by requiring employers to contribute into a fund meant to cover future severance costs, extend the legal workday to 12 hours from eight, and allow overtime to be replaced with extra vacation days instead of pay. The reforms also restrict the unions’ power to strike by mandating that essential services be at least 75% operational at all times. Supporters of the reform say it will boost job growth and promote formal employment, while critics argue it will hurt workers and lead to exploitation. 

#intl-politics #intl-econ #latin-america

Written & Published March 1st, 2026 by Dhruv Arun

A New Chapter in India-Canada Relations

On Monday, India and Canada agreed to strengthen their economic partnership in a move aimed at boosting ties after two years of strained relations. After talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two countries would soon finalize a “comprehensive economic partnership,” which is expected to increase bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Carney said that they have "an aim to finalize the partnership agreement by the end of this year.” After the talks on Monday, Modi said India and Canada also signed a nuclear agreement, under which Canada will supply uranium to India.

#intl-politics #intl-econ #north-america #asia

Written & Published March 1st, 2026 by Jai Shenoy

Israel Launches Airstrikes on Beirut

Israel launched a barrage of airstrikes on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, after Hezbollah fired missiles and drones towards a military site near Haifa in Northern Israel. Hezbollah, an Iran-allied militant group, said early Monday that its attacks were in response to the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and “in defence of Lebanon and its people.” The Israeli military claimed it was “vigorously attacking Hezbollah,” with witnesses reporting more than a dozen explosions across Beirut. These attacks mark the fiercest bombardment of the city’s southern suburbs since war between Israel and Hezbollah broke out in 2024.

#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict 

Written & Published March 1st, 2026 by Christina Yang

OpenAI Reaches Deal with Pentagon After Anthropic Ban

Just hours after President Trump ordered the US government to stop using services from AI company Anthropic, rival startup OpenAI reached an agreement with the Pentagon. Anthropic also negotiated with the Pentagon in recent weeks, but ultimately failed to strike a deal. In a $200 million contract, OpenAI agreed to allow the Pentagon to use their technology for all “lawful purposes.” The firm claims that this does not include using AI for mass domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons. OpenAI also negotiated the right to install certain safeguards to ensure that its systems are not used in unauthorized manners. It urged the government to not label Anthropic as a “supply chain risk.”

#us-politics #us-econ #us-tech

Written & Published February 28th, 2026 by Brogan Jones

Iranian Missile Strikes Tel Aviv

Following major strikes from both the US and Israel, as well as the alleged death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iran attempted several retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. The attacks targeted Israel, US military bases, and US allies throughout the region. Nearly all of the drones and missiles Iran deployed were intercepted by defense systems. Late Saturday night, however, an Iranian missile appeared to slip past defenses and strike Tel Aviv, one of Israel’s largest cities. According to local medics, the strike left 20 injured and one dead.  

#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict #us-FoPo

Written & Published February 27th, 2026 by Tanvi Ramkumar

Anthropic's Standoff Against Hegseth Ends

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a chilling ultimatum towards Anthropic this week, demanding that the artificial intelligence company provide the U.S. military with unrestricted usage of its AI technology or risk being banned from all American government contracts. The standoff reportedly originated from the military’s use of Anthropic’s AI model, known as Claude, during the operation to capture former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in January. Anthropic has repeatedly asked the Pentagon to agree to certain guardrails, among which a restriction on utilizing AI tools to conduct mass surveillance, while Pentagon officials have expressed concerns that such guardrails could interfere with essential military objectives. After a final refusal, the government has stopped its use of Anthropic's technology and designated the firm as a "supply chain risk."

#us-politics #us-econ #us-tech

Written & Published February 25th, 2026 by Elisa Ma

SCOTUS Rules USPS Cannot Be Sued for Undelivered Mail

In Postal Service v. Konan, the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, ruled that the US Postal Service cannot be sued in the event of missing or otherwise undelivered mail, including when the agency's employees refuse to deliver it. Five of the six conservative-leaning justices sided with USPS, dismissing Konan’s claims that her mail was intentionally held for two years on the grounds of racial prejudice. Critics argue this could be weaponized in the upcoming midterm elections, where certain districts may have mail-in ballots delayed or otherwise interfered with. 

#us-politics #us-legal

Written & Published February 25th, 2026 by Blake McFalls

Updates on US-Iran Disputes 

The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in a multifaceted dispute. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Arabian, Mediterranean, and Red Seas, at first due to Trump’s concerns over the Iranian government's response to protests, and now to secure a nuclear deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserts that the U.S. and Iran are close to a new nuclear deal. Iran has agreed to three pre-conditions, two of which the U.S. has openly agreed upon: an end to Iran’s nuclear weapons program and permitted use of uranium for civilian purposes. The third will be controversial: no controls on Iran’s ballistic missile program, which removes regulations that the Trump Administration previously pursued.

#intl-politics #middle-east #us-FoPo #conflict

Written & Published February 25th, 2026 by Audrey Han

Former Harvard President Resigns 

Lawrence Summers, the former president of Harvard University and former US Treasury secretary, is announced to be resigning by the end of this academic school year, according to a Harvard spokesperson. Even though he has been on leave since November, insiders from Harvard reveal that his decision has a direct connection with his appearance in the Epstein files. The release of the files led to increased public scrutiny of Summers' lose relationship to the convicted sex offender. Mr. Summers confessed that he was deeply ashamed of his actions, and while not convicted of any criminal activity, he has already left his other positions of leadership in the Center for American Progress, Bloomberg News, the Brookings Institution, and the Yale Budget Lab. 

#us-politics

Written & Published February 25th, 2026 by Janelle Lee

Federal Government Halts Minnesota's Medicaid Funds

The Trump Administration has been withholding over $250 million in Medicaid funds from Minnesota. The reasoning provided was allegations of widespread fraud. Specifically, J.D Vance is accusing Gov. Tim Walz of failing to control the safety net program, which is a collection of government and private programs that support people during economic hardship. Vance furthers that the actions are to ensure that Minnesota is a “good steward of the American people’s tax money.” Walz responds on X that the fraud isn’t real, and agents sent to investigate the state are “shooting protestors and arresting children.”

#us-politics #us-health

Written & Published February 24th, 2026 by Sarah Kumar

Iran Nears Anti-Ship Missile Deal with China

Iran is close to finalizing its deal with China, which gives Iran CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, which would give Tehran naval strike capacity that could challenge the US naval forces in waters surrounding the Middle East. Negotiations have been going on for more than 2 years, but they are now progressing faster because of Iran's conflict with Israel. Senior Iranian officials visited China, but Beijing’s Foreign Ministry hasn’t confirmed the deal yet. The agreement would boost military ties between Iran and China and escalate tensions with the US. But, it could defy UN arms restrictions.

#intl-politics #intl-econ #middle-east #asia 

Written & Published February 23rd, 2026 by Daniel Song

EU Pauses Trade Deal with US After SCOTUS Ruling

After the Supreme Court invalidated President Trump’s sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Trump responded by imposing a 15% tariff on all imports under a different legal authority. As such, many products from the European Union, which struck a trade deal last year for a 15% uniform rate, will now face much higher rates because Trump’s post-IEEPA tariffs stack on top of existing tariffs. For example, tariffs on parmesan and camembert cheese will now hit 30%. In response, the European Parliament has postponed the vote to approve the EU-US deal to ensure that all EU products will be covered by the 15% as negotiated, and not subject to Trump’s new round of tariffs.

#intl-politics #intl-econ #us-FoPo 

Written & Published February 22nd, 2026 by Aryan Kondekar

Mexico's Most Powerful Drug Kingpin Killed

On Sunday, the leader of one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, was killed in a military operation directed by the Mexican government in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The kingpin, also known as El Mencho, ran the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC). It significantly impacted Mexico, as JNGC had a presence in 20 out of the 32 states in the country, supplying drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and highly potent fentanyl to Mexico. Cervantes' death has caused chaos and disorder in many Mexican regions. 

#intl-politics #latin-america #conflict

Written & Published February 21st, 2026 by Sophie Baryalai

Iranian Students Protest at Start of University Term

Students at several Iranian universities staged protests Saturday as the new academic term began, chanting against economic hardship and political repression, according to state media and witness accounts. Videos circulating online showed clashes between demonstrators and pro-government groups on campuses in Tehran and other cities. Authorities did not immediately report arrests but warned against “unauthorized gatherings.” The demonstrations signal continued domestic unrest amid inflation and tightening social controls, underscoring pressure on Iran’s leadership. Analysts say renewed campus activism could complicate Tehran’s efforts to project stability abroad.

#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict

Written & Published February 21st, 2026 by Arnav Goyal

Supreme Court Strikes Down Majority of Trump's Tariffs

On Friday, the Supreme Court delivered a striking blow to the Trump Administration’s economic agenda, ruling 6-3 that the bulk of the implemented tariffs were unconstitutional. The administration pointed to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which helps the president regulate commerce in the event of a foreign threat, as the mechanism for these tariffs. In the ruling, the court said that Congress, not the president, has the authority to impose tariffs. Trump said he was “ashamed” of the justices he appointed that ruled to strike the tariffs down. He later imposed a 15% global tariff under a different statute.

#us-politics #us-econ #intl-politics #intl-econ #us-legal #us-FoPo

Written & Published February 21st, 2026 by Jai Shenoy

Hungary Threatens to Block EU Loan to Ukraine

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Friday that Hungary will block a planned €90 billion ($106 billion) European Union loan to Ukraine until Russian oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline resume. He posted a video on social media on Friday, claiming that “As long as Ukraine blocks the resumption of oil supplies to Hungary, Hungary will block European Union decisions that are important and favorable for Ukraine.” This massive interest-free loan was designed to help Kyiv meet its military and economic needs for the next two years. Hungary’s move to block the key funding came just two days after it suspended diesel shipments to Ukraine. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has deepened its dependence on Russian oil. 

#intl-politics #europe #conflict #alliances

Written & Published February 21st, 2026 by Jack Zhou

French President Calls for Calm Amid Protests

On February 14, 23-year-old Quentin Deranque, a far-right activist, was kicked, beaten, and killed by masked men during a political protest. As a result, on Saturday, February 21, about 3000 people marched in the streets of Lyon in protest. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm on Saturday morning, and plans to hold a meeting with other ministers over violent activist groups. These protests come at a time of resurgent right-wing-nationalism in France and across the European continent.

#intl-politics #europe 

fWritten & Published February 19th, 2026 by Tanvi Ramkumar

Iran Partially Closes Strait of Hormuz

As the US and Iran hold talks in Geneva, Switzerland to resolve an ongoing dispute concerning Iran’s nuclear program, Iran has partially closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing “security precautions." Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is currently conducting military drills across the waterway. The strait links crude producers with key markets across the globe and is considered the world’s most vital chokepoint. Despite publicly committing towards achieving a deal, both countries have taken escalatory action. The US has positioned the USS Gerald R Ford in the Middle East, and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has has threatened to sink the warships.

#intl-politics #middle-east #us-FoPo

Written & Published February 19th, 2026 by Harry Xu

Balcázar Named Peru's Interim President

On Wednesday night, Peru’s Congress elected José María Balcázar as the nation’s next president. The 83-year-old leftist will be Peru’s eighth president in less than a decade – his predecessor, José Jerí, was ousted over secretive meetings with a Chinese businessman. In the meantime, Balcázar’s controversial past has resurfaced: in 2023, he was the only legislator to vote against banning child marriage. Balcázar will oversee the country’s general election on April 12th and will hold power until the new president is sworn in at the end of July. He promised that the election will be “unquestionable.”

#intl-politics #latin-america

Written & Published February 18th, 2026 by Janelle Lee

US Military Kills 11 People in Alleged Drug Boat Strikes

On February 16th, the US military struck three boats in the eastern Pacific, killing all eleven people on board. Officials stated that all three boats were drug trafficking vessels as they were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes. This attack continues a death toll of up to 135 people killed in the process of eliminating drug-carrying vessels. This action caused backlash as the duty to interdict drug-trafficking boats typically falls on the Coast Guard, not the military. Critics state that the US military is using excessive violence to enforce the Trump Administration's anti-drug campaign. 

#us-politics #intl-politics #humanitarian

Written & Published February 18th, 2026 by Esshan Kharat

EPA Takes New Stance on Greenhouse Gases

The Trump Administration recently revoked the Obama Administration’s 2009 endangerment finding showing that greenhouse gases threaten public health. This finding granted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jurisdiction by serving as the legal basis for climate regulation in the US. The repeal, which will go into effect April 13, also eliminated all standards for motor vehicles, aircraft engines, and stationary sources. Yesterday, several environmental and health groups filed a lawsuit in the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. These groups claim that the EPA’s move to eliminate limits is illegal because it harms Americans.

#us-politics #democrats

Written & Published February 17th, 2026 by Adrienne Wang

White House Rejects Democrat DHS Proposal

The partial government shutdown in the United States continues to drag on. Democrats had sent their most recent proposal, outlining demands to reform the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and modify its funding. The shutdown has reached its fourth day, marking the second time DHS agencies have been affected since the longest shutdown in American history. The Democrats' requests seek to restrict immigration enforcement, in ways such as body cameras, judicial warrants, and a prevention of ICE agents wearing face masks. The White House has rejected these offers. As lawmakers disagree on the current role of the DHS, thee shutdown is expected to carry on. 

#us-politics #democrats

Written & Published February 17th, 2026 by Sarah Kumar

European Defense Chiefs Call for Spending Boost

Two top European defense chiefs, Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton of the UK and Gen. Carsten Breuer of Germany, are warning European nations to boost defense spending in order to deter the threat posed by Russia. They urge governments to cut funding for other public services in order to do this. Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, says that Britain “needs to go faster” on increasing its defense funding, and has discussed the potential of raising the military budget to 3% of GDP by 2029, an increase of €15 million. However, funding options are limited. 

#intl-politics #intl-econ #europe #conflict

Written & Published February 16th, 2026 by Aryan Kondekar

Munich Security Conference Comes to a Close

From February 13–15, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) was held in Germany. The MSC is an annual international meeting where world leaders discuss geopolitical tensions and security concerns. One of the overarching subjects covered was the burden sharing among NATO members. The US has historically pushed for its European allies in the alliance to meet a 2% GDP defense target. The MSC touched upon this, questioning whether the US should continue to bear the most military responsibility. In the bigger picture, the MSC highlighted both unity and disagreements within the transatlantic partnership, showing the possibility of changes in their cooperation.

#intl-politics #europe #alliances #us-FoPo

Written & Published February 15th, 2026 by Jack Zhou

Indonesia Prepares Troops to Enforce Gaza Peace Plan 

Yesterday, the Indonesian military announced that up to 8,000 troops will be ready for deployment to Gaza as part of US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan for the Middle Eastern territory. Roughly 1,000 personnel will be ready by April, with the remaining being ready by June. Importantly, Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that the troops’ role will include supporting humanitarian efforts, protecting civilians, distributing medical services, and reconstruction. No Indonesian forces will take part in combat operations. As such, it is unlikely that the Indonesian troops will play a meaningful role in getting Hamas to disarm.

#intl-politics #asia #middle-east #us-FoPo

Written & Published February 14th, 2026 by Brogan Jones

Rubio Addresses European Allies at Munich Security Conference

Today, at the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio seemed to be reassuring European allies that the United States is still committed to their transatlantic partnership. While he  underscored the importance of the US' primary goals for the continent, Rubio claimed that America and Europe "belong together," a sharp change in tune from Trump's occasionally reluctant attitude towards European allies.  

#intl-politics #europe #us-FoPo #alliances

Written & Published February 13th, 2026 by Adhiyanth Ram

ICE Plans to Purchase More Detainment Facilities

Documents released last Thursday demonstrate Donald Trump's newest immigration plans. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) plans to spend $38.3 billion on buying warehouses around the country in order to retrofit them into detainment centers that can hold thousands of immigrants. This new system so that there are more large-scale waiting spaces for people while they await deportation. While ICE has previously acquired $690 million in industrial buildings in the past few weeks, this plan is a major step-up, indicating Trump’s desire to ramp up deportations. 

#us-politics

Written & Published February 12th, 2026 by Tanvi Ramkumar

Canada School Shooter Suspect Identified

The suspect behind a deadly school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School has been identified as eighteen-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who died by suicide following the attack on Tuesday. Rootselaar, who had previously received police intervention due to mental health concerns, killed her mother and stepbrother before attacking her former school. School shootings are rare in Canada. In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Mark Carney postponed a trip to Europe and ordered all flags on government buildings to be flown at half-mast for seven days. Officials have not yet released details regarding a possible motive.

#intl-politics #north-america #humanitarian

Written & Published February 12th, 2026 by Harry Xu

Switzerland to Vote on Capping Population at 10 Million

In June, Switzerland will hold a referendum regarding a proposal to limit the nation’s population – currently at 9.1 million – to 10 million people. It aims to increase the difficulty for foreigners to obtain permanent residency and requires the country to back out of their EU free-movement agreement if the population exceeds the limit. Introduced by the populist, right-wing Swiss People’s Party, the proposition faced heavy opposition from the government; however, a vote will be held since a petition received over 100,000 signatures from Swiss citizens. This development reflects the nation’s shift to the right and renewed controversy regarding immigration.

#intl-politics #europe

Written & Published February 11th, 2026 by Arnav Goyal

Canada Suffers Worst Shooting in Years

On Wednesday, Canadians were alarmed as a shooter killed seven people at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Two more were killed in a home situated in the same small mountainous area of British Columbia where 2,700 people reside. Canadian gun law means that school shootings are rare, but not eradicated. Responses were swift, with Prime Minister Mark Carney delivering an emotional statement condemning the shooting. Local government officials also deployed resources to support the investigation into the shooting. The suspect, a transgender woman named Jesse Van Rootselar, had a host of mental health issues that were known to police.

#intl-politics #north-america #humanitarian

Written & Published February 11th, 2026 by Elisa Ma

Instagram Head Calls Platform "Non-Addictive" on Trial

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram (by Meta, formerly Facebook), has stated in a landmark California trial that Instagram is not considered clinically addictive. Rather, users just display problematic usage patterns. Psychologists have yet to name social media addiction an official diagnosis. Meta lawyers stated that heavy social media usage can alternatively be attributed to teenage mental health struggles.  However, Mosseri remarked that protecting minors would be profitable in the long term. The trial is expected to run for 6 weeks, and companies like TikTok and Snapchat have made settlements before the trial.

#us-politics #us-legal #us-tech

Written & Published February 11th, 2026 by Esshan Kharat

Pam Bondi Makes Contentious Comments Over Epstein Files

Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, stood before the House Judiciary Committee for a hearing on Wednesday. In the 5-hour meeting, lawmakers asked various questions regarding mistakes among the release of the Epstein files as mandated in H. R. 4405, such as the direct exposure of multiple victims' identities. Bondi refused to apologize to the victims, who sat directly behind her in the room. She vehemently defended President Trump and refused to engage with questions that  asked whether she was participating in a cover-up. Additionally, Bondi attacked multiple Democrats and even Republican Thomas Massie (R-KY-4). She demanded that Democrats apologize to President Trump for impeachments and their “theatrics.”

#us-politics #us-legal

Written & Published February 10th, 2026 by James Savin

Immigration Agency Leaders Gather to Defend ICE in the House

The acting head of ICE, the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, and the director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services took questions from the United States House of Representatives today. The three of them largely declined to answer questions involving the deaths of Minnesotans Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were shot and killed by ICE officers. The officials reaffirmed their commitment to accomplishing President Trump’s immigration orders. The acting head of ICE said, “The president tasked us with mass deportations, and we are fulfilling that mandate.” The hearing comes after rising criticism by both Democrats and Republicans of the Trump Administration's handling of immigration issues.

#us-politics

Written & Published February 9th, 2026 by Aditya Doizhode

Crypto Market Falls to Quarter Low

The 'Crypto winter' continues to get worse and worse by the day. The market is currently taking a massive hit in value thanks to an spike in volatility. This suggests that the versatility once acknowledged with crypto is now being doubted. For example, Bitcoin, the world’s current largest cryptocurrency, has lost over $1.2 trillion in the past fiscal quarter, and the value of a single Bitcoin has lost 35% of its market value. As a result, investors have pivoted from riskier investments to safe haven commodities such as gold futures, which have increased by over 11%. 

#intl-econ #us-econ

Written & Published February 9th, 2026 by Rosa Qin

Trump Threatens to Block Opening of New Michigan-Canada Bridge

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to connect the cities of Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. The project started in 2018 and is expected to open in early 2026, however, Trump has threatened to block the opening until Ottawa "treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve." The new infrastructure is publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan. Yet, Trump insists that the US should own "at least one half of this asset." Furthermore, this exacerbates existing tensions caused by Canada’s trade negotiations with China. Trump is adamant that the US has not been paid its fair share, arguing “I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them.”

#intl-politics #us-politics #north-america #us-FoPo

Written & Published February 9th, 2026 by Brogan Jones

Maxwell Campaigns for Trump Pardon in Exchange for Testimony

Ghislaine Maxwell, the infamous co-conspirator of Jeffrey Epstein who is currently serving 20 years in prison, refused to answer questions pertaining to Epstein in a House deposition on Monday. The deposition was part of a larger congressional investigation into the highly redacted Epstein files, and the potential ties between Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump. Following her pleading the fifth (citing 5th amendment right to refuse to give incriminating testimony), Maxwell's lawyers made it clear that she would agree to testify and clear Trump’s name of any wrongdoing if he granted her clemency, in the form of a pardon or commutation.

#us-politics #us-legal

Written & Published February 8th, 2026 by Jai Shenoy

Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison on national security charges, with two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one of publishing seditious material. A prominent critic of Beijing, Lai used his pro-democracy paper, Apple Daily, to challenge Chinese authority after the CCP imposed a national security law in 2020 that eroded civil liberties. The 78-year-old British citizen denied all charges, calling himself a “political prisoner.” His son, Sebastian, condemned the sentence, claiming it was draconian and “life-threatening.” This sentence is the harshest ever imposed under the controversial national security law, which Chinese authorities argue is essential for maintaining stability in Hong Kong.

#intl-politics #asia 

Written & Published February 8th, 2026 by Ron Kim

India and Malaysia Deepen Strategic Partnership

Today, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledged to strengthen their countries’ ties during Modi’s visit to the city of Putrajaya. The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation on trade and investments and signed 11 agreements covering everything from semiconductors to defense. Both governments said they will push for local-currency trade settlements and aim to grow bilateral trade beyond last year’s $18.6 billion. Malaysia also offered support for India’s plan to open a consulate in Sabah as part of broader efforts to deepen economic and strategic collaboration. 

#intl-politics #asia #alliances

Written & Published February 7th, 2026 by Jack Zhou

US Gives Russia and Ukraine Deadline to End War

Zelensky told reporters that the US has indicated that the war between Russia and Ukraine should end by this summer, and that the Trump Administration would continue to apply pressure until then. These new deadlines come after trilateral talks between the countries in Abu Dhabi didn't yield any major breakthrough. Future trilateral talks could be held in Miami. In a sign of potential compromise, both Russia and Ukraine have most recently agreed to each hand over 157 prisoners of war, with officials from all three countries confirming the swap occurred. 

#intl-politics #europe #us-FoPo #conflict

Written & Published February 6th, 2026 by Roshan Shivnani

US Furthers Humanitarian Aid for Cuba

Cuba and the US have had constant tensions over recent years, but that didn’t stop the announcement of a $6 million aid package. The new round of supplies comes in response to a humanitarian crisis in Cuba, partly driven by Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, which battered Cuba in October. This precedent of moderate diplomacy over humanitarian aid isn’t a new trend in US-Cuba relations, given that the US had sent Cuba about $3 million in aid after the hurricane struck. As Cuba continues to navigate its internal conflict, the US will likely maintain an intricate role, balancing the qualities of both an ally and an adversary.

#intl-politics #intl-environment #us-FoPo

Written & Published February 6th, 2026 by Sarah Kumar

India Buys Boeing Jets

After announcing a new trade deal, India is deepening relations with the US by placing a huge $80 million order for Boeing aircraft, which could potentially boost American manufacturing. With those Boeing jets, India is preparing a future air fleet on a large scale. Purchases of engines, parts and aviation imports from the US could exceed $100 billion. Experts say that India has the broader potential to purchase around $500 billion worth of US goods over five years. Future plans are set to be announced in a joint statement later this week. 

#intl-econ #intl-politics #asia #us-FoPo #alliances

Written & Published February 5th, 2026 by Finian Knepper

US-Russia START Treaty Expires, Pending Renewal

The New START (The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) between the US and Russia has just expired. UN Secretary General António Guterres said its end "marks a grave moment for international peace and security" and called for its renewal. The New START, signed in 2010, is not to be confused with the original START I treaty, which was signed by then US and USSR Presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1991 to reduce nuclear weapons stockpiling during the Cold War. The 1991 START was formally renewed in 2010 by “New START." Several world leaders such as Pope Leo have urged for the signing of a new treaty. The US and Russia appear to be in the process of closing a new deal, but it has not been approved yet. 

#intl-politics #europe #us-FoPo #conflict

Written & Published February 4th, 2026 by Audrey Han

US Returns $500 Million in Oil Revenue to Venezuela

The United States announced that they finalized the return of all of the revenue from initial sales of Venezuelan oil back to the South American country. Additionally, Mark Rubio released a statement announcing their long-term goal for future sales was to keep them in a fund located in the United States in order to supervise and approve Venezuelan expenditures and sales. This announcement was quickly followed by Venezuela's  reassurance of Chinese allies that the United States will not control Venezuelan oil prices, showing the tension between Venezuela and the US over control of oil.

#intl-politics #intl-econ #intl-environment #latin-america

Written & Published February 4th, 2026 by Janelle Lee

Supreme Court Allows Redistricted California Voting Map

The Supreme Court allowed California to use a new voting map that favors Democrats. California Republicans and the Trump Administration had previously made an emergency request for the court to block the map, but a lower federal court rejected a similar request just last month. Many Republicans argue that the new map is a form of racial gerrymandering, but the justices rejected this claim. The result is that 43 of the 52 Californian seats in the House will likely be won by Democrats, despite 25% of the state being Republican. Governor Gavin Newsom stated that Trump will lose the redistricting war.

#us-politics #us-legal

Written & Published February 4th, 2026 by David Hain

ICE Partially Leaves Minnesota

Following the assassinations of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, Tom Homan – President Trump’s “border czar” – has called for the repeal of 700 ICE agents in Minnesota. The decision came as a response to sharp backlash; for days, intense protests have erupted across Minneapolis. People organized peaceful opposition in negative 20 degree weather, demanding the revocation of ICE's presence in the North Star State. Though Trump initially advocated for the agents, the repeal shows that he’s taken a stance of calling for de-escalation. Yet, there will still be around 2,000 ICE and other federal agents in the state's capital. 

#us-politics

Written & Published February 3rd, 2026 by Rosa Qin

Democrat Taylor Rehmet Wins Texas State Senate Seat

As of February 1st, with nearly all votes counted, Democrat Taylor Rehmet had a 14-point lead over Republican Leigh Wambsganss. Wambsganss is a staunch supporter of the GOP, and President Trump reciprocated by aiding her campaign with a social media post. Rehmet primarily ran his campaign on improving public schools and affordable housing. The election results come as a surprise, as the Republican National Committee (RNC) holds nearly a $100 million cash advantage over Democrats. Texas State Senate District 9 has been Republican in the past; Trump won it by 17 points in 2024. The final election results shocked both Democrats and Republicans alike. 

#us-politics

Written & Published February 3rd, 2026 by Ron Kim

Polio Outbreak in Malawi

Malawi has declared a polio outbreak after the poliovirus was confirmed to be in sewage samples from Blantyre City. The announcement mirrors a previous 2022 disaster that shook up the nation. Secretary for Health and Sanitation Dan Namarika stated that “following advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), the ministry is working around the clock to intensify measures to contain the outbreak.” The government is also planning a national vaccination campaign to mitigate the spread of the disease. At the same time, Malawi is responding to cholera activity, with health officials conducting intensified hygiene and clean-water efforts to control cases this season. 

#intl-politics #africa

Written & Published February 2nd, 2026 by Daniel Song

Laura Fernández Wins Costa Rica Presidential Election

Right-wing candidate Laura Fernández won 48% of the presidential vote, enough to avoid a runoff. Her Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) party secured a majority of 31 seats in the legislature, allowing it to pass a range of laws unilaterally. Fernández ran on a platform of continuing the tough-on-crime policies of term-limited incumbent Rodrigo Chaves Robles, her political mentor. These proposals resonated with Costa Ricans, who have been dealing with a surge in violence and crime fueled by transnational drug trafficking. Since 2023, the country has recorded nearly 900 homicides every year, a 20% increase in 2022. 

#intl-politics #latin-america 

Written & Published February 2nd, 2026 by Aryan Kondekar

Amazon May Invest $50 Billion into OpenAI

On January 29th, Amazon discussed the possibility of investing $50 billion into OpenAI. One of Amazon's incentives is that other top technology companies are already investing billions in AI, such as Google with DeepMind, Microsoft with OpenAI, and Meta with its very own models. Globally speaking, Amazon's potential actions could have a huge impact. When the world economy made a giant $211 billion investment in AI in 2025, select companies grew by over 75%. If Amazon invests in OpenAI, OpenAI would have a huge cash injection, which could lead to faster, more efficient AI models. 

#us-econ #us-tech #intl-econ

Written & Published February 1st, 2026 by Aditya Doizhode

EU Establishes Mega Trade Deal With India

In order to secure economic stability for both countries and avoid the tariffs placed by President Trump, the EU and India recently met in New Delhi to finalize "the mother of all deals." This mega-deal includes provisions to mitigate the effects of China’s economic instability and the impact of the US’s tariffs through greater cooperation. The EU and India are already trading €180 billion in goods, supporting 800,000 EU jobs each year. The deal is expected to double European exports to India by 2032, creating a potential economic impact of over €200 billion euros by 2030. This agreement could secure a viable alternative to America and Chinese dependency for both countries. 

#intl-politics #intl-econ #europe #asia #alliances

Written & Published February 1st, 2026 by Adrienne Wang

Former UK Minister Mandelson Resigns After Epstein File Release

Today, former British government minister Peter Mandelson quit his job as a member of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party. This comes right after newly released Epstein files revealed Mandelson's ties with disgraced financier and sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. The files suggest he received $75,000 from Epstein and had lobbied against a tax on British bankers’ bonuses. Mandelson stated he did not want to cause “further embarrassment” to the party, and said that “I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and I feel regretful and sorry about this.” However, he denies any recollection of the reports’ allegations and has claimed he will investigate them.

#intl-politics #europe

Written & Published January 31st, 2026 by Jack Zhou

Iran's President Accuses Countries of Stoking Unrest

Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s president, has accused the United States, Israel, and Europe of exploiting the economic troubles of Iran in order to stoke unrest and protests. Pezeshkian claimed in a state TV broadcast that these countries were trying to “provoke…[and] create division” and were “drawing some innocent people into this movement.” He went as far as to say this was a coordinated effort between the three nations. These statements come after Donald Trump announced that he would be sending the “armada” to force Iran into the negotiating table. 

#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict #us-FoPo 

Written & Published January 31st, 2026 by Rebecca Gehlmann

UN Liquidity Crisis Looms

in a letter to member nations on Friday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the United Nations can “run out of cash by July.” If this happens, the UN will be forced to shutter its New York headquarters, cancel the General Assembly, and halt key humanitarian operations. The UN’s 2026 budget of $3.45 billion, around 7% lower than the previous year, was approved in late 2025. Reforms to make the multilateral organization more cost-effective were included via the UN80 Initiative.  Yet, a liquidity crisis was sparked, in part due to the United States’ refusal to pay its record $1.57 billion in outstanding dues. The US’ commitment to the United Nations remains in question especially after its creation of the Board of Peace.

#intl-politics #intl-econ #alliances #us-FoPo

Written & Published January 30th, 2026 by Gita Uparkar

Venezuelan Parliament Passes Law to Open Up Oil Industry

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

Trump Announces Nomination for Federal Reserve Chairman

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 28th, 2026 by Audrey Han

Trump Warns of Massive Armada to Iran

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

Minnesota Federal Judge Blocks Plan to Detain Immigrants 

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 Adhiyanth Ram

Ilhan Omar Attacked

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

China's Top General Has Fallen

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 26th, 2026 by Daniel Song

Israel Will Reopen Rafah Border Crossing 

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

Canada Will Not Pursue China Trade Deal Amid US Tariff Threats

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 24th, 2026 by Sophie Baryalai

Minneapolis Federal Agent Shooting Sparks Protests

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

Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Canada

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 23rd, 2026 by Jai Shenoy

Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Held for First Time Since Invasion

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

Jack Smith Publicly Testifies to the House 

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 19th, 2026 by Dhruv Arun

IMF Flags AI and Trade as Threats to Global Growth

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

Denmark Sends More Troops to Greenland Amid Tensions

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 Daniel Song

Japanese Prime Minister Calls Early Snap Election

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

Noble Metal Prices Increase Amidst Tariff Threats 

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 18th, 2026 by Ron Kim

US Military Places 1,500 Soldiers on Standby

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

EU Ambassadors Meet Over Greenland 

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, 2025 by Christina Yang

EU and Mercosur Bloc Sign Landmark Trade Deal

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

Eight Countries Hit With Tariff for Opposing US Control of Greenland 

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 16th, 2025 by Adrienne Wang

Trump Announces Federal Funding Cut to "Sanctuary Cities"

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

Trump Threatens Tariffs on Nations Opposing Greenland Takeover

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 Tanvi Ramkumar

ICE Officer Shoots Venezuelan Man in the Leg

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

FDA Changes Oversight for AI Medicine & Devices

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 12th, 2025 by Rosa Qin

Iran Declares Itself "Prepared for War," but Open for Talks

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

Minnesota Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against DHS

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 11th, 2025 by Sophie Baryalai

Supreme Court to Rule on Emergency Tariff Powers

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

Qualified Majority of EU Backs Trade Deal with Mercosur

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.