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Trump has dubbed April 2nd as Liberation Day to impose tariffs and free the US from reliance on international goods, but a lot is unclear about how these tariffs will reciprocate charges from other countries. He revealed he has settled on a plan for the tariffs this week but didn’t elaborate. This has surprised several White House officials, as the news hadn't been widely shared in the administration. Chief economists find that the 20% tariffs Trump is pushing may be a negative scenario for the US economy, wiping out 5.5 million jobs and causing a serious recession.

#us-politics #intl-econ #intl-politics #econ

Marine Le Pen, the far-right French politician and parliamentary leader of the National Rally party, was convicted of embezzling European Parliament funds to pay party staff members. This conviction immediately bans her from running for public office for five years, including for president. Le Pen was the front-runner for the 2027 French presidential election, leading by 10% in the polls. Many conservative politicians, including US president Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, condemned Le Pen’s conviction. Le Pen has pledged to appeal the court decision. If she loses her appeal, Le Pen will face two years under house arrest. 

#intl-politics #europe

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)—a force that includes soldiers from within Africa aimed stemming the insurgency in West Africa’s Lake Chad Region—has recently seen Niger quit the international force. With division and poor coordination, the failure of the MNJTF has allowed armed insurgents such as the Islamic State in West Africa and Boko Haram to flourish. The withdrawal of Niger from the Task Force will have unclear effects. 

#intl-politics #africa #conflict

On March 28th, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, the third-largest earthquake to hit the region in a century. Creating gaping holes in roads, toppling religious monuments and destroying residential buildings, the destruction has spread through Southeast Asia. Although a preliminary death toll from Myanmar’s Junta said that at least 144 people had been killed and 732 injured, major cities like Mandalay have been left out of the count. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the death toll may surpass 10,000. 

#intl-politics #asia #humanitarian 

With the May 17 deadline for electing a new parliament fast approaching, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for national elections on May 3rd. With PM Albanese now launching a five-week campaign, his Labor Party is neck-and-neck with the opposition Liberal-National coalition in recent opinion polling. The tight campaign season is likely to be a turning point in Australian Politics. 

#intl-politics #pacific

Elise Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman from New York, has had her nomination for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations revoked. President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal, citing the need to maintain the Republican Party's slim majority in the House of Representatives. Stefanik's nomination had previously advanced out of committee in January, but concerns over the GOP's narrow majority stalled her confirmation. The decision underscores the strategic considerations of the Republican party in preserving legislative strength in Congress.

#intl-politics #us-politics #republicans

On Thursday, March 27th, six Russian tourists died after a submarine sank in the Red Sea near Hurghada, Egypt. The vessel went down at around 10:00 am local time. The sink left 39 survivors, with four of them deemed critically injured. The submarine, which was exploring coral reefs at a depth of 20 meters, reportedly hit a reef and lost pressure, ultimately causing it to sink. This tragedy follows another recent maritime disaster in the region, when a boat capsized near Marsa Alam in November, presuming 11 people dead. 

#intl-politics #europe #middle-east

On Wednesday, copper prices skyrocketed after President Trump threatened tariffs on copper imports much earlier than expected. Though these tariffs have not been placed yet, threats alone led to the most popular New York copper futures hitting $5.324 per pound. Copper prices in total have grown even more than gold, another commodity known for its recent price shifts. The research conducted surrounding Trump’s recent executive order to research the impacts of copper tariffs is speculated to come to fruition in the next few weeks. 

#us-econ #us-FoPo #intl-econ 

On March 24th, 2025, Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, publicized that he was added to a Signal group chat where key officials like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President J.D. Vance discussed military plans in Yemen. Congress is raising concerns regarding national security and possible espionage, with many accusations being denied. President Donald Trump has downplayed Golderberg’s piece as a “witch hunt”.  On March 26th, Goldberg revealed more messages sent in the chat. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard now acknowledges the sensitive information, and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz has claimed responsibility for making the chat.

#us-politics #us-FoPo

In a 7-2 decision handed down by the Supreme Court, the justices—save for Justices Thomas and Alito—upheld a Biden-era rule regulating “ghost guns”. The Justices held that the Gun Control Act of 1968 allows the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to regulate the use of at least some weapons without serial numbers. The Court left open the possibility of this rule not applying in individual challenges to the regulation, which didn’t seek to ban ghost guns but rather to regulate them like regular firearms, meaning that they need serial numbers, licensed dealers and background checks. 

#us-legal

Mexico’s perplexing paradox of unpaid care work affects roughly 20 million women in the nation who are not employed due to their uncompensated domestic labor. Recently, Mexico has been pushing to rebalance this labor by creating a national care system, spearheaded by Sheinbaum’s Women’s Secretariat. With even the opposition keen on enshrining the right to care in the Constitution, Mexico is taking the first steps towards relieving the burden of unpaid domestic labor. 

#intl-politics #latin-america

As the new Bundestag is inaugurated, the largest bloc of far-right lawmakers will take a seat amidst a time of German diplomatic and economic distress. With 152 seats, they’re poised to challenge the coalition government CDU leader Friedrich Merz aims to form. However, the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the German Social Democratic Party (SDP) are presenting the first results of coalition talks, making good progress toward forming a coalition between the moderate left and right in the nation. It remains to be seen whether or not the CDU and SDP can form a coalition government at all.

#intl-politics #europe

Venezuela will resume accepting repatriation flights from the U.S. after reaching an agreement, according to Venezuelan officials. President Nicolás Maduro confirmed that flights would restart on Sunday, following a suspension on March 8th due to U.S. sanctions. Maduro stated the deal would ensure the return of migrants "with the safeguard of their Human Rights". The agreement follows the deportation of 238 Venezuelans, allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, to El Salvador, a claim Venezuela denies. Maduro also criticized El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for detaining the migrants.

#us-politics #latin-america #intl-politics

A band of protesters rallied outside Senator Chuck Schumer's Brooklyn residence, calling for him to resign after he voted for a spending bill backed by the GOP. Many accused him of being a sellout who abandoned liberal principles and capitulated to Republican pressure. Democrats noted he could have pushed for a better deal, grousing the failed opportunity as yet another example of weak party leadership. However, Schumer rationalized his vote, arguing it was to prevent a government shutdown and severe budget cuts. The protest highlights growing internal pressures within the Democratic Party with voters demanding more resistance to right-of-center policies.

#us-politics #democrats

US and Ukrainian Delegates discussed ceasefire arrangements in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. These talks come following the increased conflict in the Kursk region alongside Vladimir Putin rejecting a total ceasefire agreement composed by the US and Ukraine. Although Ukrainian officials reported the talks were productive, President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously stated “No matter what we say to our partners today, we need to get Putin to give a real order to stop the strikes.” It is still unclear if Russia intends to accept a complete ceasefire until the conflict in Kursk is settled, however, US officials are still scheduled to hold similar talks with Russian delegates on Monday. 

#intl-politics #europe #conflict

Han Duck-soo has been South Korea's acting president ever since the country’s leader, Yoon Suk Yeol, was himself impeached over his short-lived declaration of martial law late last year. But Han’s reign didn’t last long with him being impeached and suspended on December 27th after clashing with the opposition-led parliament by refusing to appoint three more justices to the constitutional court. Yet, another recent ruling marks yet another spin on the ongoing events in South Korea's political sphere. That decision was made by the South Korean constitutional court which ruled against the prime minister's impeachment thus restoring his position as acting president.

#intl-politics #asia

Protests erupted across multiple cities in Turkey as people came out to rally against Erdogan’s decision to arrest Istanbul’s Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, who was set to rival Erdogan as the top contender for president in the next elections. The protests have faced a harsh response, with police using pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets to push back hundreds of protesters. With tensions running high in Istanbul, the jailing of Imamoglu has iconized his existence, increasing his popularity as public outrage is rising over the Erdogan Government. 

#intl-politics #europe #asia

The Trump Administration has said it will revoke the temporary legal status of more than half a million migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Venezuela. Warned to leave the country before their permits expire on April 24th, these 530,000 migrants were brought to the US under a Biden-era sponsorship system known as CHNV, designed to open legal migration pathways. With Trump suspending the program, its unclear if this substantial population would be allowed to stay in the United States.

#intl-politics #us-politics

EU regulators are ramping up their efforts to force Apple and Google to comply with EU regulations. The European Commission said Apple and Google violated the 2022 Digital Markets Act, which was intended to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. With regulators claiming Google and Apple had an unfair advantage over other online companies, it seems the EU is still ready to throw the gauntlet against big tech companies in a bid to raise European competitiveness in the global tech market. 

#intl-econ #europe #intl-politics

On Thursday, March 20th, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order to officially begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education. White House spokesman Harrison Fields said in a statement that, “President Trump’s executive order…will empower parents, states, and communities to take control and improve outcomes for students”. This marks Donald Trump’s first definitive action against the department after months of campaigning against it. The order will fire over half the department’s employees to move educational rights to the states. 

#us-politics #education

To enforce President Trump’s executive order forbidding transgender athletes from women’s sports, Trump’s administration is reportedly freezing $175 million of funding from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2022, the university faced great criticism when student-athlete Lia Thomas was the first openly transgender person to win an NCAA Division I championship in the women’s swimming division. A Penn spokesperson commented that the institution has not yet received an official notice and that the university has always complied with NCAA rules. Separately, Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom has remarked that the participation of transgender athletes in girl’s sports is unfair.

#us-politics #education

Earlier this week, Israeli warplanes and naval ships launched airstrikes across Gaza during the early morning hours, killing over 400 people and effectively restarting the war in Gaza. This completely derails Phase 2 of the ceasefire agreement that was negotiated earlier in January which would’ve encompassed the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza and an end to the war alongside an Israeli military pullout. Furthermore, Israeli troops have now launched another offensive into Gaza, retaking the Netzarim Corridor and effectively splitting Gaza in half. 

#conflict #middle-east #intl-politics 

On March 19, 2025, Big Tech stocks experienced a sharp decline, wiping out over $1.2 trillion in market value. The sell-off came as investors reacted to concerns over economic instability, high valuations, and Federal Reserve policies. Apple shares fell 8%, while Nvidia plummeted 14% following its latest AI chip announcement, which failed to meet market expectations. A Bank of America survey reported a historic reduction in U.S. equity exposure, signaling a shift in investor confidence. Despite the downturn, analysts warn that volatility may continue as global markets reassess their positions in the tech sector.

#us-econ #intl-econ 

A midwife from Texas has been arrested and charged with second and third-degree felonies for providing illegal abortions for the first time under Texas's strict abortion ban since the overturn of Roe v. Wade. However according to her clinic's website, the midwife had been certified since 2018 and attended over 700 births. Texas is part of 12 states enforcing a ban on all stages of abortion except for life-threatening conditions, though opponents say the ban is too vague to account for medically necessary exceptions, and a bill has been filed to clarify. 

#us-health #us-legal 

Border skirmishes over the weekend along the Lebanese-Syrian border have seen seven people killed and 52 wounded in the clashes. These skirmishes came after orders from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for the army to respond to violence along the border with Syria. Although Damascus has blamed Hezbollah for the attacks, military officials from the two countries are reported to be in communication in a bid to avert the expansion of violence.

#intl-politics #conflict #middle-east 

On March 14, 2025, the United States launched a wave of airstrikes on the Houthis in Yemen. The strikes came a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels in response to their recent blockage of Gaza aid. President Donald Trump has stated that the US will use “relentless force” until the Houthis end their armed attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. However, the Houthis report they will not stop attacks until the blockade on Gaza is lifted. At least 31 individuals have been killed and 101 individuals have been wounded. 

#intl-politics #conflict #middle-east 

In his first act as Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney ended his predecessor Justin Trudeau’s federal carbon tax policy on March 14th. Introduced as an environmental regulation by Trudeau to decrease carbon emissions through taxing emitters, Trudeau’s policy faced growing criticism for increasing living costs while failing to reach emission reduction targets. Carney’s decision to end the tax signals potential shifts toward a more centrist economic policy balancing the platforms of Trudeau and the Canadian Conservative Party’s Pierre Poilievre. This shift could hurt Poilievre’s chances against Carney in the upcoming 2025 Canadian federal elections by eliminating a major Conservative reform.

#intl-politics #north-america 

On Friday night, Cuba’s electric grid collapsed, leaving its 10 million citizens without power and with widespread concerns of food spoilage. This was the nation’s first power outage this year, as well as the fourth outage in six months. Two hurricanes last year, Oscar and Rafael, caused significant damage to Cuba’s already weakened power grid, exacerbating an economic crisis in the country. On Saturday morning, officials announced their current plan to create “microsystems”, or small pockets of electricity, to connect power. It is unclear when service will be completely restored.

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

The Trump Administration has detailed a potential travel ban, directed at 41 countries, in a recent memo. These countries would be separated into three different categories: (1) full visa suspension, (2) targeted (tourist, student) visa suspension, and (3) under review for targeted visa suspension. Countries facing the ban are mostly Muslim countries, which aligns with Trump’s “Muslim ban” from 2018. The proposed ban is already partially materializing, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is detaining students who have attended pro-Palestinian protests, particularly from countries in the first category of the ban.

#us-politics #us-legal #us-FoPo

President Donald Trump is preparing for a second wave of mass firings and budget cuts for the U.S. government. The Internal Revenue Service, the tax-collecting agency, is on track to eliminate up to ¼ of its total workforce by May 15 - meaning up to 25,000 employees are set to lose their jobs. However, this is just phase 1. The agency could slash up to 50,000 workers beyond May, most of whom will work in compliance, technology, or call centers. The result of these firings will be lower tax compliance and a more frustrating tax season for American taxpayers.

#us-politics #us-legal #us-econ

On Thursday, March 13 a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reinstate the lost jobs of probationary workers across U.S. agencies. U.S. District Judge William Alsup found the mass firings, carried out on February 13 and 14, unjustified, and ordered departments such as Veterans Affairs and Defense to offer immediate reinstatement. The firings affected at least 30,000 probationary employees working for the federal government and were justified by the Trump administration to enhance efficiency within the government. 

#north-america #us-politics #us-legal 

In an unexpected turn from incumbent left-leaning parties, Greenland’s Democratic (Demokraatit) Party secured the most votes (30%) in the territory’s parliamentary elections. The Democratic Party leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen wants to form coalitions with other parties to enter negotiations with a shared goal of seeking independence from Denmark. In regards to foreign relations, Nielsen has expressed a desire to not fall under US control, saying, “We don’t want to be Americans. No, we don’t want to be Danes. We want to be Greenlanders, and we want our independence in the future”.

#north-america #intl-politics 

On Tuesday, militants from the Baloch Liberation Army in the Pakistani province of Balochistan seized control of a passenger train in the Bolan Pass. Today, the Pakistani army has confirmed that 33 militants who attacked the train have been killed and over 300 hostages have been freed. However, 21 civilians were killed during the operation after the Baloch separatists threatened to detonate the train in 48 hours unless certain individuals who were identified by the militants as ‘political prisoners’ were released. 

#intl-politics #conflict #asia  

The Kurdish SDF, or Syrian Democratic Forces, have signed an agreement to integrate their armed militias directly into the military for the Syrian regime in Damascus. The agreement also hands control of the SDF’s border crossings and oilfields in northeast Syria to the central government. The agreement also commits the SDF to help fight the remnants of Assad’s loyalists in Western Syria. The Islamist HTS government in Damascus has stated that this deal is a major step forward in uniting Syria by reintegrating the combatant groups that were active during the Syrian Civil War. 

#intl-politics #conflict #middle-east 

The United States agreed to resume military aid and intelligence with Ukraine after Kyiv accepted a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, and the US will now be taking the offer to Russia. However, Ukraine is only ready to take the final steps if Russia adheres to the terms. Secretary of State Rubio revealed that if Russia rejected the offer, "we'll, unfortunately, know what the impediment is to peace here". Trump will speak with Putin this week to work out a deal, forcing him to decide whether it's worth souring relations with the White House.

#intl-politics #europe #conflict

Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and current interim leader of Syria, is weathering even more disorder. The former president and his group ousted, Bashar al-Assad, still have active loyalists, and they have wreaked havoc on the already unstable country. On the protests’ fourth day, about 1,000 deaths have been recorded. Violence is largely against the Alawite minority because the group was given domination over the Syrian government under al-Assad’s regime. Kurdish groups backed by the United States have blamed Islamist groups supported by Turkey for these atrocities. Right now, the region is incredibly fragmented. 

#intl-politics #middle-east

All 3 major stock market indices in the United States dropped sharply today, with the S&P 500 down 2.7%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 2.1%, and the technology-focused NASDAQ plunging a massive 4%. Market volatility also hit a multi-month high. The volatility and losses in the stock market were sparked by President Donald Trump refusing to rule out the chance that the US may enter an economic recession this year as his trade war ramps up and other countries like China and Canada begin to retaliate against US consumers and companies. 

#us-econ #intl-politics

Today, roughly 10,000 supporters of Gyanendra Shah, the last Nepali monarch, peacefully protested outside Kathmandu’s airport. In 2006, massive protests forced Gyanendra to hand power over to a government after he seized absolute control and jailed his opponents. In 2008, Nepal’s parliament voted to abolish its 240-year-old monarchy and establish a republic. Since then, Nepal’s 13 governments have all been riddled with political turmoil, causing citizens to favor a monarchy again. However, according to political analysts, there’s only a slim chance that the monarchy will be reestablished. Gyanendra has not yet responded to the protests.

#intl-politics #asia

A Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft crashed into the Brethren Village Retirement Community in Lititz, Pennsylvania on March 9, 2025. The plane, which carried five passengers, crashed minutes after taking off from Lancaster Airport, bursting into a massive fire that consumed several buildings. Emergency responders, including firefighters and state police, arrived quickly at the crash, evacuating residents and treating several injuries. The cause of the crash is being probed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Authorities have not confirmed any fatalities, although residents are urged to seek temporary shelter while the damage is being evaluated.

#intl-politics #north-america

Mark Carney, a former central banker, won Canada’s Liberal Party leadership race with 85.9% of the vote, replacing Justin Trudeau. Carney, who lacks parliamentary experience, is expected to call elections soon. His leadership begins as U.S. President Donald Trump imposes tariffs and threatens Canada’s sovereignty. Carney vowed to maintain retaliatory tariffs in his victory speech, stating, “Canada will win”. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, trailing in recent polls, faces criticism for ideological ties to Trump. The upcoming election will test whether Carney’s experience in financial crises can reassure voters amid economic uncertainty.

#intl-politics #north-america

In 2020, then-president Donald Trump granted sanctions waivers exempting Iraq from complying with energy sanctions on  Iranian oil for 120 days. Entering his second term, Trump established his "maximum pressure" campaign, fueling additional sanctions on Iranian oil among efforts to strangle the entirety of Tehran’s energy exports, suffocating its economy and slowing nuclear development. Hours ago, the US failed to renew sanction extensions to Iraq, ensuring Iran lacks “any degree of economic or financial relief”. Yet, with $6.5bn of its $7.5bn 2025 energy budget spent, officials estimate Iraq could lose 8,500 megawatts of energy in the near future.

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

On Friday, the Trump Administration announced the cancellation of $400 million in federal grants and loans to Columbia University. The decision was made because of a described failure to protect Jewish students against Antisemitism. In this context, Columbia University was the epicenter of last year’s Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, leading to similar demonstrations nationwide. However, Columbia University has responded carefully, promising to address the Trump Administration’s “legitimate concerns”, with interim president Katrina Armstrong guaranteeing serious action is taken to address antisemitism on campus. 

#education #us-politics

At 11:25 a.m., President Trump threatened Russia with large-scale sanctions to reach a peace deal. Trump posted on Truth Social, “I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.” He went on to urge the two countries to “get to the table…before it is too late”. These sanctions may include oil majors and oilfield services. These potential sanctions follow the Biden Administration’s pre-existing sanctions against Moscow.

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

Following calls from industry leaders and urgent border security talks, President Trump announced a one‐month delay on the 25% tariffs imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico under the USMCA. The delay covers goods meeting duty‐free criteria, sparing roughly 38% of Canadian and 50% of Mexican imports from immediate tariffs. The move aims to ease economic pressures on automakers and other sectors while negotiations continue to address fentanyl trafficking. The postponement remains effective until April 2, 2025, as reciprocal tariff measures are expected to follow.

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

On Thursday, March 6, The 27 EU leaders signed off on plans to increase defense spending for Ukraine, stressing how they will continue to wield support for Ukraine. EU leaders agreed on proposals to grant fiscal flexibility for defense and plan to borrow up to €150 billion to assist military spending. The European Union's defense summit in Brussels occurred due to fears that Russia may attack an EU nation next, alongside deep-seated worries of a US withdrawal from Europe entirely. 

#intl-politics #conflict #europe #alliances

During a televised address devoted to addressing the Russo-Ukraine war, French President Emmanuel Macron alluded to using France’s nuclear arsenal to protect Ukraine and its allies against Russia. Macron stated, “Our nuclear deterrence protects us. It is complete, sovereign, French from end to end”. He went on to warn that Europe was "entering a new era” and questioned U.S. loyalty. This follows the controversial and hate-filled Oval Office meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump of the U.S. 

#intl-politics #conflict #europe 

The U.S. stock market experienced a significant downturn today after the Trump administration imposed hefty tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by almost 700 points, raising concerns about a potential global economic slowdown.  The new tariffs include a 25% levy on imports from Canada and Mexico, excluding Canadian energy imports, and an increase from 10% to 20% on Chinese imports. These measures are expected to increase prices on various consumer goods, including electronics, automobiles, and food. Major technology companies like Apple and Intel reported losses as production costs rose. International markets, including the FTSE 100 and Nikkei 225, also fell sharply. European and Chinese officials signaled possible retaliation, raising fears of a prolonged trade war.

#intl-politics #intl-econ 

Last night, Pakistani and Taliban security forces clashed at the primary border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Torkham crossing. Though casualty figures are not exactly known, the Taliban confirmed one of their fighters had been killed and the Pakistani military revealed that multiple soldiers on their side had been wounded. As the crossing remains closed, 15,000 people have already fled the region, fearing an expanded conflict. 

#intl-politics #asia #conflict 

Arab leaders endorsed Egypt's plan for the Gaza Strip where Palestinians would remain in the territory, a direct counter to Trump's idea of renovating it as a beach resort. While the White House welcomed this input, it insisted Hamas cannot remain in power. Unlike Trump's intention of expelling 2.3 million Palestinian inhabitants, Egypt aims to build infrastructure and work in cooperation with Palestinians to create a committee, Arab leaders agreeing in a summit only days after the expiration of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire’s first phase, as Israel is refusing to move forward with plans.

#intl-politics #middle-east #conflict

Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, is fighting a devastating forest fire. Since its start about last week, it has destroyed at least 84 homes and burned about 5,190 acres of forest. Iwate is one of the northernmost and coldest regions in the country. It has suffered its driest winter since 1946, once more showing the effects of climate change. Despite the region being fairly empty in population, several firefighters from all over the country have been sent to extinguish the flames. This wildfire is the biggest that Japan has seen in over three decades. 

#intl-econ #intl-politics #intl-environment #asia

After NYC Mayor Eric Adams was indicted for corruption, President Trump’s Justice Department dropped allegations in exchange for his help on immigration enforcement, souring New Yorker's opinions on Adams as he seeks re-election this year. Seeking to capitalize on Adams’ unpopularity, former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was forced to resign in 2021 over allegations of sexual harassment, announced his run for mayor on March 1st. Already, Cuomo is emerging as a clear frontrunner in the race, leading with 33% of the polling numbers and over 20 points ahead of Adams.

#us-politics #us-econ #democrats

At the start of his new presidency, Donald Trump made a new government department, DOGE - the Department of Governmental Efficiency - designed to slash budgets and thereby make the government more efficient. While there has been much dispute surrounding the company and how much they have been able to save Trump and Musk are already focusing on undertaking even more ambitious plans. That’s seen through the recently announced “Doge Dividend” which in theory would pay a portion of DOGE’s saved money back to taxpayers. But the ambitious plan doesn’t seem very likely to happen. Most notably, the plan starts from the presumption that DOGE will achieve $2 trillion in cuts to the government which would mean that 20% of the savings, or $400 billion would be divided among 79 million tax-paying households, to receive $5,000 each. With such unrealistic figures in place most Americans aren’t likely to see a plan implemented, and if they do it will likely come at the expense of other federal programs.

#us-politics #us-econ 

In early 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul initiated congestion pricing within New York. The initial program imposed a $9 toll on vehicles entering Manhattan's core. According to Hotchul, the initiative would alleviate traffic congestion in Manhattan, while rallying ridership on public transport. Although incredibly popular in New York City, the program faced significant blowback from commuters outside of New York, who insisted the decision would negatively impact their commute. Facing rising opposition, Hochul paused the program in 2024, citing concerns about New York’s economic recovery. Recently in November, Hochul announced she would reinstate the program, in part due to decreasing approval ratings in New York. Despite these efforts, the Trump administration rescinded federal approval for the program last week, arguing that it lacked a toll-free alternative and was primarily revenue-driven. In response, the MTA filed a lawsuit to maintain the tolls, emphasizing the program's success in decreasing traffic. Many see this as another unlawful expansion of presidential power, with Donald Trump once again asserting executive power not granted to him and infringing on gubernatorial power. 

#us-politics #us-econ 

On Friday, February 28, 2025, an economic blackout started by John Schwarz of the People’s Union USA occurred. This national boycott urged U.S. residents not to shop for 24 hours as an act of resistance against the unjust influences of billionaires, big corporations, companies that took away DEI initiatives, and the overall system that they feel has failed them. Schwarz advised people to only make purchases in the case of an emergency or turn to small businesses. The blackout did not put a major dent in profits, but it is inspiring greater change as similar boycotts have gained momentum. 

#us-politics #us-econ 

The anticipated minerals deal between America and Ukraine collapsed today as the White House meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky ignited a fiery argument between the two leaders. Trump criticized Zelensky for not being thankful enough for America’s support and claimed America’s proposed peace deal offered the best terms Ukraine could obtain. Zelensky countered these assertions and a shouting match followed. Zelensky exited without signing Trump’s minerals deal, which would start U.S.–Ukraine joint investment in developing Ukraine’s mineral export industry. The meeting was branded diplomatically disastrous by policymakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties.

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

On February 27th, the Pentagon announced that openly transgender service members will be disqualified from serving in the U.S. military. The removal process will span within the next 30 days. The new mandate states that transgender individuals unless granted a waiver, will be dismissed from their positions. This marks a major change from the previous Defense Department policy, which prohibited discrimination based on gender identity. This ultimately highlights that under the Trump Administration, LGBTQ+ rights are actively being taken away. 

#us-politics #us-FoPo

Elon Musk's leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked significant debate. Legal and ethics experts express concern over potential conflicts of interest, given Musk's concurrent roles overseeing DOGE and his private enterprises, such as SpaceX and Tesla, which are major federal contractors. Critics highlight the appointment of inexperienced individuals to key positions and the abrupt termination of essential services, leading to widespread disruption. Despite Musk's assurances of swift rectifications, the opaque operations and financial ties between his companies and federal programs necessitate increased transparency and robust oversight to safeguard public interests. 

#us-politics 

Amid growing tensions between the United States and Europe, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump held a meeting in the Oval Office today. While no formal promises were made on either side, Starmer’s promises to up defense spending were well-received in DC. Coming off the end of Macron’s visit to DC, Europe hopes that Trump will continue to fund Ukraine. 

#europe #conflict #us-FoPo

On Tuesday, the Pacific island nation Nauru announced that passports will be sold to foreigners for USD 105,000, joining other countries, such as Tonga and Vanuatu, in a “golden passport” scheme. The nation aims to raise 65 million dollars to fund relocation to higher land to mitigate rising sea levels. 90% of the population needs to move, according to officials. Nauru’s previous attempt to sell passports in 2003 resulted in al-Qaeda terrorists obtaining citizenship; this time, however, the government aims to implement more security when dealing with foreigners.

#pacific

At 9:57 p.m. EST, Chief Justice John Roberts paused the unfreezing of $2 billion worth of foreign aid payments. Solicitor General Sarah Harris stated that the 36-hour timeline to pay the $2 billion “intrudes on the prerogatives of the Executive Branch”. Harris’ emergency motion, after passing, was then approved by Roberts. These efforts continue the administration’s plans to dismantle USAID, one of the greatest U.S. contributors to foreign aid.  

#us-FoPo

A school-aged child died after being hospitalized for a measles infection, marking the first American death from the disease since 2015. According to officials, the child did not receive doses of the CDC-recommended MMR Vaccination. Over 100 cases have been reported in a West Texas outbreak since January. Health Secretary RFK Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, has remarked that measles outbreaks are not unusual.

#africa

The UK Prime Minister has set defense spending to increase to 2.5% of GDP starting in April 2027, creating jobs across the UK and protecting borders. This is the biggest investment in defense spending since the Cold War. Prime Minister Starmer also planned to increase his defense spending to 3% in the next parliament, beginning by 2035 at the latest. This is likely because Trump urged NATO countries to raise defense spending to 5% because the US will likely not work to support the security of Europe in the future.

#europe

Within the Equateur province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, over 53 people have been killed by an undiagnosed illness with an alleged fatality rate of over 12%. The disease displays the characteristics of hemorrhagic illness, which involves the breakdown of the circulatory system and bleeding from orifices. However, the disease has tested negative for other commonly known hemorrhagic diseases such as Ebola and Marburg Virus Disease. Since mid-February over 419 cases have been reported.  

#africa #humanitarian

The United States voted against a United Nations resolution, created by Ukraine, that blamed Russia for the Russo-Ukrainian war and called for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. However, the resolution still passed with the support of 95 nations. In response, America brought up its own short and vague resolution, only calling for an end to the war. It will argue its stance today at the UN Security Council. Once again, the Trump administration has alienated European allies. The US has already started peace talks with Russia, without Ukraine or the European Union having a say. 

#global-orgs #intl-politics #europe #alliances

Federal elections were held in Germany on February 23, 2025, to elect the 630 members of the 21st Bundestag. Vote counting has just completed, and The Christian Democratic Union leads with 28.6% of the vote. In second place is the Alternative for Germany Party, taking 20.8%. Since the CDU does not hold an absolute majority (set to win 208 seats in the Bundestag), the CDU’s leader, Friedrich Merz, says his priority is forming a coalition with incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats Party. Merz is on course to be post-World War II Germany’s 10th chancellor.

#europe #intl-politics 

After Bashar al-Assad fell from power in December 2024, a new transitional government led by former rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has been working to re-establish peace and stability in Syria.  Al-Sharaa has pledged to form a diverse and inclusive government, and he asked the United States and European Union to lift crippling economic sanctions that are hindering Syria's economic recovery. On February 24th, the EU agreed to allow European companies to purchase Syria’s oil and gas, allow transactions from four Syrian state-owned banks, and more. EU trade with Syria totaled around $7.3 billion in 2010 before the war. 

#middle-east #humanitarian #intl-politics #global-orgs

In the latest in a set of shocking firings, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has laid off approximately 2,000 workers. Employees were informed via an email sent at 2:42 p.m. Eastern Time that the administrative leave goes into full effect at midnight, save for a couple of exceptions. The less than 300 remaining staff, along with an unspecified number of the 5,000 locally hired international staff members abroad, will run the few remaining programs for the time being. Trump aims to remove the agency entirely after imposing a 90-day pause on foreign aid.

#us-politics #us-FoPo

This week, a series of Chinese naval drills—involving live fire—were conducted, nearing as close as 150 nautical miles from Sydney, Australia in the Tasman Sea. Although Beijing claimed the drills were conducted “in accordance with relevant international laws”, accusing Canberra of falsifying and “hyping” statistics, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong claimed they received insufficient notice, forcing the diversion of commercial airlines in a security “wake-up call”. The incident mirrors one of 2023, wherein Canberra claimed Chinese naval vessels inflicted sonar injuries to divers in international waters near Japan. Yet, the drills remain “the most significant…seen this far south”.

#intl-politics #asia 

President Trump abruptly fired Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Brown was the second Black officer to become the nation’s highest military advisor and was serving a four-year term set to end in 2027. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had previously called for Brown’s removal by accusing him of being a diversity hire and allegedly supporting a “woke” agenda. In addition to  Brown’s dismissal, Trump plans to swap out five other high-level military positions. Trump intends to nominate retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as the next chairman.

#us-politics #republicans 

Israel has shaken up international politics once again with their most recent declaration, which states that the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel will be indefinitely delayed. The 620 prisoners currently being held captive by the Israeli government are now slated to be released when the next handover of hostages by Hamas is guaranteed, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This news comes after the Hamas release of 6 Israeli hostages on Saturday, after which Israel was originally meant to release its prisoners in return. This unexpected backtracking leaves the future of ceasefire arrangements uncertain. 

#intl-politics #middle-east

Canada defeated the U.S. 3-2 in overtime to win the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off. Teams representing Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Finland competed, with the Canada–U.S. matches politically tense due to President Trump’s recent tariffs and threats to invade Canada. Fans on both sides booed each other’s national anthems, players physically fought thrice in nine seconds, and Trump doubled down on his imperialist rhetoric before the championship game. During her pregame performance, Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk changed the lyrics of Canada’s anthem in response to rising tensions. The game became the most-watched NHL game in decades, with 9.3 million live viewers.

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

The U.S. Senate confirmed Kash Patel as FBI director with a 51–49 vote today. Patel, a staunch Trump ally, pledged to refocus the bureau on traditional law enforcement and restore public trust. Moderate Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined all Democrats in opposing his nomination amid concerns over his management experience. During his confirmation hearing, Patel promised to rebuild the FBI’s legacy while downplaying political influence. Some warn his appointment may politicize the agency. Senate proceedings featured intense debate and a stark partisan split over Patel’s leadership approach.

#us-politics #republicans

NASA has temporarily avoided massive layoffs after the Trump administration paused plans to cut nearly 1,000 probationary employees, offering short-term relief. Earlier this week, the agency faced reducing its 18,000-member workforce by 10%. However, uncertainty remains as federal workforce cuts continue. Acting Administrator Janet Petro warned of possible large-scale reductions in line with government directives. Space advocates, including The Planetary Society, oppose the dismissals, citing risks to NASA’s mission and U.S. space leadership. As the agency navigates these challenges, officials are seeking funding solutions to sustain its workforce and advance critical space exploration initiatives.

#us-politics #us-econ

On Thursday, February 20th the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) told their workforce that 6,000 employees would be fired, completely eliminating around 6% of the agency's workforce. The cuts are being led by billionaire Elon Musk as a part of President Donald Trump's effort to shrink the government. These cuts have targeted tens of thousands of other government employees, effectively placing many into unemployment. These layoffs are expected to disrupt and delay this upcoming busy tax season. With audits and refunds predicted to be temporarily stopped, millions could be affected by inefficiencies.

#us-politics #us-econ

An effort to repatriate hundreds of Chinese nationals working in scam centers within Myanmar saw a recent group of 50 former workers get sent home via Thailand. With this effort being one of the first major multinational efforts to rescue the workers, it is a welcome effort to save the hundreds of thousands of trafficked people to scam compounds across Southeast Asia. The move marks a recent major multilateral cooperation between Beijing and Bangkok that aims to eventually repatriate the 7,000 people rescued from scam compounds in Myanmar that are currently waiting in Thailand.

#intl-politics #asia 

Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican senator of Kentucky, announced today that he will not be seeking reelection after his term ends next year. The news was expected: the 83-year-old has been facing health issues lately and stepped down as the Senate Republican leader last November after serving for 18 years. First elected in 1984, McConnell is currently serving his seventh term in the Senate. He’s the only Republican to repeatedly oppose Trump’s recent cabinet nominations, voting against candidates three times. Immediately following the announcement, former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Rep. Andy Barr declared their ambitions of running for Senate.

#us-politics #republicans

Just yesterday, Vatican City announced that Pope Francis has double pneumonia. The Vatican released a chest scan showing that Bronchitis had developed in both of his lungs. While pneumonia is already a dangerous condition, it is especially hazardous for those in old age. The Vicar of Christ has been in charge since 2013 and is widely regarded as one of the most progressive Popes since Saint Peter. Over one billion people consider the Pope to be the leader of their church. 

#intl-politics

On Wednesday morning, President Donald Trump continued his personal attack on Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy on social media, making numerous non-factual claims about the wartime president. Trump said, “A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left”. Trump went on to indicate that Zelenskyy is simply a comedian manipulating the U.S. into “spending 350 Billion Dollars, to go into a war that couldn’t be won”. These claims follow days of propaganda against Zelenskyy by the Trump administration. Zelenskyy replied, “I would like to see more truth from the Trump team”. 

#intl-politics #us-FoPo

On his Truth Social Platform, President Donald Trump posted that he has “instructed the termination of ALL remaining “Biden Era” U.S. Attorneys”, citing reasons like having a clean slate and restoring confidence in the American Department of Justice. While new contracts for a new administration are not new, these termination letters differ from the more commonly used offer of resignation. President Trump argues that the Department of Justice has been used as a political weapon, especially as he has been convicted on 34 felony charges.

#us-politics

The Nigerian government has come under criticism following an airstrike carried out in Northeast Nigeria’s Katsina state, that accidentally led to the deaths of 6 civilians in the area. The attack came as a continuation of the Nigerian military’s war against militant groups who had reportedly stormed a police base. Unfortunately, though, the militants had already fled the scene, leaving only civilians to feel the impact. This is not the first time the Nigerian military has murdered its citizens, following last year's "Christmas Strike" that resulted in 10 deaths.  As militant groups continue to wage war in Nigeria, it’s becoming more and more unclear what their government is fighting for. 

#conflict #intl-politics

The British Army officially stated that they are ready to deploy to Ukraine should Kyiv request British troops. Clarifying that the operation would be used as a peacekeeping solution for a potential ceasefire, the army has begun initial discussions on deployment as U.S.-Russia talks take place in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine. Should a deployment occur, the 2,500 British First Army Division troops currently training 25km from Ukraine’s border with Romania as part of a NATO exercise would be utilized. 

#conflict #intl-politics #global-orgs

Donald Trump is giving schools and universities in the US only two weeks to remove DEI initiatives or lose federal money. Essentially, they must remove any practices that treat individuals differently based on race or gender and this has received harsh criticism from civil rights groups. The order also singled out Whites and Asians as being victims without addressing services like women-only residence halls and programs for LGBTQ+ students. This expands upon the Supreme Court’s ruling that affirmative action was illegal due to racial differentiation. Conservative policy isn’t just impacting educational institutions, as even McDonald’s was sued for issuing Latino scholarships.

#us-politics #us-education

The Kansas Legislature overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto to pass a ban on gender-transition treatments for minors. This comes after two previously unsuccessful attempts to ban minors’ gender-transition treatments in Kansas, as legislative Republicans failed to override Kelly’s vetoes of similar legislation. Republicans were emboldened to enact this conservative priority after their gains in the 2024 elections, which expanded their supermajorities in both chambers of the Kansas Legislature. This comes as President Donald Trump’s executive order to end federal funding for gender-transition treatments for people under 19 was blocked by a federal judge days earlier.

#us-politics #us-health

In another cost-cutting effort, the Trump administration fired about 400 employees from the Federal Aviation Administration, the agency responsible for monitoring airspace activity. This comes just weeks after the air crash between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines commuter plane in Washington DC. This could have been avoided without understaffing at air traffic control. The action makes the already small workforce even more strained, putting safety at airports in jeopardy. Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency could also be involved because the FAA previously proposed civil license penalties against his company SpaceX. 

#us-politics

The Trump administration stated that Europe would be excluded from the Russia-Ukraine discussions. EU Leaders are holding an emergency meeting in Paris to discuss the conflict's resolution. Focus points include territorial concessions and Putin’s oil economy. France’s foreign affairs minister suggested that French and Polish troops would work on ceasefires in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Security Advisor Mike Waltz are meeting Russian Delegations in Riyadh. Furthermore, Zelensky is visiting Saudi Arabia not to meet officials from the US & Russia, but instead to negotiate economic agreements. Ukraine states it will “never accept [decisions] between the [US] and Russia about Ukraine.”

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

In the Eastern United States, severe flooding has resulted in at least nine fatalities. Over the past 48 hours, heavy rainfall has overwhelmed rivers and storm drains, leading to dangerous conditions in states like Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the tragedy as ‘one of the most serious weather events we've dealt with in at least a decade’. The storm caused historic flooding by dropping about six inches of rain and knocking out power for approximately 39,000 homes. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings in many areas.

#environment

As the war in Ukraine approaches an end in which Donald Trump prepares to begin negotiating an end to the war, the United Kingdom is now offering to be involved in the postwar effort. Specifically, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will send British troops to Ukraine as part of any postwar peacekeeping force meant to solidify a European role in the post-conflict winddown. With the US open to having Europe and Ukraine be part of the negotiations, it is unknown whether the UK can play an important role. This is because some have pointed out that the UK military is “so run down” and would need to send 40,000 troops, a number they simply don’t have. 

#conflict #europe #intl-politics

This year’s Munich Security Conference was focused on boosting European military production and ending the war in Ukraine, yet JD Vance’s statements discussed neither. Blasting America’s allies, Vance brought up a laundry list of issues, such as European allies retreating from their values and ignoring voter concerns over migration and free speech. Before the conference, Trump’s 90-minute cordial talk with Putin raised concerns amongst European diplomats, who fear Trump’s dash to secure a peace deal in Ukraine may see Putin victorious in negotiations. Although initially met with silence, many European leaders, like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have denounced Vance’s statements for being inclusive of far-right parties. 

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

Receiving no Democrat support in a slim 52-48 vote, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, controlling over $1.7tr in federal spending. Although not legally binding, Kennedy’s promises to skeptic Bill Cassidy included a commitment to minimal interference with current vaccine policy and involvement in “some” HHS decisions. Subsequently, Trump established the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) commission, underscoring increased research in chronic illness, which received $1.2b in NIH funding in 2024. In the ensuing 180 days, Kennedy is required to provide a robust action plan regarding MAHA objectives.

#us-health #us-politics 

On Wednesday, Donald Trump broke the long-lasting silence between the Oval Office and the Kremlin in a publicized call to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders refrained from frequent mention of Ukrainian involvement while discussing the “immediate” implementation of peace negotiations, furthered in plans to unite in Saudi Arabia. Hours later, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded In blunt protest, arguing the necessity of Ukrainian involvement whilst demanding the presence of “100,000 European troops” as peacekeepers. Today, in a meeting with foreign minister Andria Sybiha, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed a continued pledge to Ukrainian independence as negotiations commence.

#intl-politics #us-politics #conflict

On February 12th, Greece’s parliament chose to elect its former speaker, Constantine Tassoulas, to be the next president of the nation. The nominee of Tassoulas by the conservative Greek government has come with controversy and rallies, as protesters point out that under Tassoulas’s watch as parliamentary speaker, lawmakers failed to investigate deeper into the 2023 train crash, the worst rail disaster in history. Although the presidency is largely ceremonial, Tassoulas has close ties to Prime Minister Mitsotakis, possibly strengthening Mitsotakis’ grip on power. 

#intl-politics #europe

On February 11, Republican Congressman Earl “Buddy” Carter of Georgia introduced a bill to the House of Representatives to rename Greenland to “Red, White, and Blueland”. The bill, entitled the “Red, White, and Blueland Act of 2025”, seeks to not only rename the self-governed country but also purchase or “otherwise acquire” it. This follows President Trump’s persistent threats against the territory, while directly going against Denmark’s PM, Mette Frederickson’s words saying that the country “is not for sale, and will never be for sale”. 

#intl-politics #us-politics

After tenuous elections in Kosovo, the ruling Vetevendosje party fell short of a majority, garnering 41.1% of the vote with 97% of the ballots counted. Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje party is an Albanian Nationalist, vehemently opposed to Kosovo’s Serbian minority. Further driving division, Kurti called the opposition “animals” and “thieves”, making a coalition with the Party of Kosovo (PDK), which won 22.2% of the vote, or the Democratic League of Kosovo party (LDK), which won 17.8% unlikely. As the future of Kosovo’s ethically Serbian north remains uncertain, the inability to form elections will create a difficult political environment.

#europe #intl-politics

After the resignation of the country’s Environment Minister Susana Muhamad and Labor Minister Gloria Ines Ramirez, Colombian President Gustavo Petro is asking his cabinet members to resign ahead of a reshuffle. The move is set to shake up Colombia’s government by reshaping its traditional emphasis on experienced officials favoring younger, less experienced loyalists. With 18 months left in his term, Petro seeks to enact his more radical environmental and economic plans for the nation.

#latin-america #intl-politics

The recent lieu of Executive Orders saw Donald Trump sanction the ICC, or International Criminal Court. Claiming the ICC abuses its power, Trump is aiming to limit its power, by placing economic and travel sanctions on people working on ICC investigations. With the potential for the assets of ICC officials to be frozen and their power to purchase property blocked, Trump may be setting a dangerous barrier that shields criminals from persecution in the US.

#us-FoPo #global-orgs

In a gutting dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development, credited for saving over 25 million lives since 1961, President Trump announced a pause in aid across 120 nations including Haiti, where “$13.3m is now frozen”. Even with a waiver for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), UNAIDS reports the likelihood of a 400% increase in HIV-related deaths if PEPFAR isn’t renewed by 2029, culminating in over 6.3m lives. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that restoring 47% of global humanitarian aid would require the functions of the USAID to align “more closely” with US foreign policy.

#us-FoPo #humanitarian #global-orgs

President Trump’s efforts to wean Panama off rising Chinese influence appear to have finally paid off. Yesterday, Panama announced they would be exiting the Belt and Road Initiative, a $1 trillion global infrastructure investment strategy led by China to expand their geopolitical influence. The Panama Canal is a central point for international commerce because it allows ships to pass easily from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean (and vice versa), and manages 5% of daily global trade. The United States relies heavily on the canal for shipping operations, but growing Chinese influence surrounding trade and port operations has worried US officials for years. 

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

At least 10 people died in a school shooting in Orebro, Sweden, the worst mass shooting in its history, on a campus for adults who did not finish childhood education. The shooter was suspected dead at the crime scene. Syrians and Bosnians were among the victims. With a lack of information on the killer's motives and identity, there has been more uncertainty among Orebro's immigrant communities. Sweden's government announced it would strengthen gun laws and restrict access to semi-automatic weapons since police had discovered the killer had a license to own four.

#intl-politics #europe

Following threats to overtake the Panama Canal, which transports more than $270bn of US goods annually, President Donald Trump asserted on Wednesday that Panamanian president José Raúl Mulino “agreed to no longer charge fees for U.S. government vessels to transit the Panama Canal”. His claims postdate a somewhat successful attempt to dislodge Chinese Belt and Road initiatives in Latin America while lowering the “exorbitant prices and rates of passage” in the Panama Canal. Just hours later, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) contended that no changes had been made to its tolls, though indicating possibilities of future dialogue.

#intl-politics #intl-econ

The US Postal Service temporarily suspended parcels from China and Hong Kong after Trump's tariff on goods imported from China, which was a blow to companies like PDD, the owner of Temu. Letters and flats were unaffected, but alternative mailing systems for these parcels like UPS and FedEx would greatly increase costs. However, the USPS revised this announcement only a day later that it would resume shipments amid the trade war. It stated that it would be working closely with Customs and Border Protection to find a way to collect new Chinese tariffs instead.

#us-econ #intl-politics #intl-econ

During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump revealed his scheme to "take over" the Gaza Strip, potentially with military assistance, in order to re-develop the destroyed region. Trump said, “The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too”. He also alluded to causing the displacement of the entire 2.14 million population of Palestinians living in Gaza while the US rebuilds Gaza. Despite this, Egypt and Jordan have refused Trump’s proposal to take in more Palestinian refugees. 

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

Just hours after being in office, the Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk moved to eliminate USAID. President Donald Trump's overhaul of USAID is disrupting the aid and development sector. This decision is putting significant financial strain on many foreign contractors, causing them to fire large amounts of staff. Today, hundreds of internal contractors were fired, and dozens of USAID staff were put on leave. Panic is now setting in both domestically and internationally, with contractors struggling financially after the “stop-work” orders were implemented. 

#intl-politics #us-politics #humanitarian 

Today, the Syrian interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogon in Ankara to discuss the establishment of a mutual defense pact to bolster stability in wake of Kurdish conflict in northeast Syria. Prospects of the pact include the implementation of Turkish-led training for Syria's new military command in return for Syrian airspace privileges and the deployment of Turkish air bases in the central desert region of Syria, the Badiya. Erdogan also reasserted a commitment to aid in dampening ISIL prison camp outbreaks in the nation and countering economic sanctions from the west.

#intl-politics #middle-east #alliances

After campaigning with the idea for years, the Trump administration has begun drafting an executive order that would eliminate the Department of Education. This would occur in two phases, beginning with the Secretary of Education drafting a plan to diminish the department. The Trump administration hopes that the removal of the DOE would boost test scores and remove the ‘woke agenda’ from classrooms, while simultaneously lessening federal costs. It is important to note that Trump can not abolish the DOE without congressional approval. 

#us-politics #education 

Following initial concerns caused by Chinese-based AI startup DeepSeek’s cost-effective chatbot, the Australian government effectively banned the platform from all government devices earlier today. While this ban does not extend to the devices of private citizens, the government cited security risks as the primary reason for the measure. The statement from Australia's Department of Home Affairs demanded that all government entities “prevent the use or installation of DeepSeek products, applications and web services and where found remove all existing instances of DeepSeek products, applications and web services from all Australian Government systems and devices”. 

#pacific #intl-politics

Earlier today, President Donald Trump agreed to delay the looming 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods coming into the United States by 30 days. This temporary halt on tariffs, which would have driven up the costs of everyday products, comes in exchange for enhanced border security efforts from Mexico and Canada. In particular, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 National Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border. With the threat of tariffs temporarily subdued, an uneasy trade alliance has emerged among the North American countries. 

#us-politics #intl-politics #intl-econ

A notice issued by the Trump Administration revoked Temporary Protected Status for more than 300,000 Venezuelans. It opened them up to deportation, claiming that the status had allowed migrants to stay for extensive periods without legal immigration status. Trump claims that Venezuela has agreed to take back deported migrants and will supply the transportation. The administration is in the process of removing large amounts of undocumented immigrants, in addition to members of the Venezuelan gang TdA which terrorizes residents and is guilty of murder and assault.

#us-politics #intl-politics 

Threats made by President Trump are now official, as an order that slapped 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and a 10% duty on Chinese goods was signed. Retaliatory actions are already underway, with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau passing another 25% tariff that will cover $85 billion worth of US goods by the end of the month. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has demanded a similar approach, with duties anywhere from 5-20% on food, steel, and aluminum being a likely option. China will file a legal case with the International Trade Organization. A trade war is on the horizon. 

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

Renewed protests have erupted in Serbia where tens of thousands have rallied in anti-government protests. The dissatisfaction came after the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse led to the death of 15 citizens, and has only continued due to general disenchantment by the population over the government. Mr. Vučić has come under scrutiny for authoritarian acts like hand-picking his own prime minister, Milos Vucevic, who has since resigned. Student protest leaders demand more action from Serbian police and judges to ensure the largely ceremonial role of the president stays under control. Snap elections for the prime minister are set to happen in April, but Chinese and Russian support for the president may erode democracy in the nation without intervention. 

#intl-politics #europe

This morning, President Trump coordinated with the Somali government to place military airstrikes on ISIS operatives in the Golis Mountains located in Somalia. The airstrikes successfully took down the "Senior ISIS Attack Planner" and other terrorists involved but did not harm any civilians. President Trump posted on social media that "These killers, who [the U.S.] found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and [U.S.] Allies." This attack weakened ISIS’s power and signals that the U.S. is willing to abolish any terrorist group that poses a threat, according to a statement by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. 

#intl-politics #conflict #africa

Over the past two days, a fierce fight over the future of over $3 trillion in federal grants unfolded, after the Office of Management and Budget temporarily paused all payments of federal grants, programs, and loans pending a ‘comprehensive review’ for alignment of administration policies. This triggered instant outrage and confusion since the vague wording of the memo left the future of everything from Medicaid payments to funding for schools, hospitals, and shelters completely in limbo, with spending portals frozen. Trump officials argued the memo wasn’t intended to pause federal funding for individual benefits, like Medicare and food stamps. A federal judge later temporarily struck down the order. 

#us-politics #us-healthcare #us-econ #education

Costco workers may strike tomorrow (Saturday) if a deal is not struck to sign a three-year contract between Teamsters, the union that represents 18,000 Costco employees, and the wholesale company. It’s unclear whether this would close stores for the time being, since the union represents less than 10% of all Costco workers. Employees want Costco to improve compensation based on recent record profits. While Costco just decided to raise wages to $30/hr, it’s unclear whether this is enough to avoid a strike. 

#us-politics #us-econ

President Trump’s “war against DEI” is now in full swing. The Office of Personnel Management has directed agencies to have staff remove pronouns from government emails, disband employee resource groups, forbid the use of the word “gender” in contracts (warnings against gender discrimination are standard language in every such contract), and more. Government fact sheets on transgender people and contraception guidance are gone. The ban on words like “inclusion” and “equity” has also wiped out mentions in unrelated contexts, like an IRS procedural handbook. Yesterday, Trump also blamed diversity policies for the deadliest aviation accident in the US since 2001. 

#us-politics #us-health

Under the Gaza ceasefire, the United States is soon to send a hired group of nearly 100 U.S. special forces veterans to help run a checkpoint in Gaza. UG Solutions, the company contracting the group, will staff the checkpoint at a key intersection in Gaza's interior. The deployment of US contractors is unprecedented in this conflict and could risk drawing in the Trump Administration if the conflict reignites.

#intl-politics #middle-east #humanitarian

Alibaba released a version of its Qwen 2.5 AI that supposedly surpasses Deepseek-V3, which has been on the news for the past few days due to its superiority in cost-efficiency and accuracy to OpenAI. It was unusually released on the first day of the Lunar New Year when most Chinese employees were on holiday, reflecting how DeepSeek’s initial release is spurring a frenzy to develop more advanced models. As a result, Alibaba stocks rose by 3.5%, further challenging US tech giants and reshaping AI strategies by showing how competitive AI performance can be achieved with relatively small infrastructure.

#us-tech #intl-politics

After taking the vital trade hub town of Minova, cutting off one of the Congolese Government’s main aid routes, the M23 rebels are now advancing on the largest city in Eastern Congo. A regional hub, the M23 rebels have taken control of Goma airport, cut off phone lines, and shut down water and electricity supplies. As the situation grows dire, Rwanda’s support of the M23 rebels is becoming more obvious, forcing Kenya to call an emergency virtual crisis summit to try to ease tensions. Yet with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi expected to skip the meeting, the fighting in Eastern Congo will only intensify.

#conflict #humanitarian #africa #intl-politics

On January 20th, Deepseek released an open-source AI model, transforming from an obscure research lab in China to beating leading industry companies like OpenAI on capability and efficiency. Deepseek has rivaled chatbots like GPT o1, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Gemini, all with only a fraction of specialized computer chips at an infinitesimally lower expense due to innovative techniques. NVIDIA plunged over 17% and lost hundreds of billions in market value due to the new AI development. DeepSeek's bot has become the most downloaded free app on the Apple App Store in the US.

#us-tech #us-econ

After Colombian President Gustavo Petro blocked 2 US military deportation flights, Trump boldly announced sweeping retaliatory measures against Colombia, including tariffs of up to 25%, coupled with sanctions on travel to the US by Colombian officials. Rejecting Trump’s deportation for treating migrants like criminals, nations like Colombia are damaging Trump’s executive orders.

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

Winning power in Comoros in a coup in 1999, Comoros President Azali Assoumani won re-election back in January 2022. In a speech last Thursday, Assoumani spoke to his followers on the island of Moheli, stating, “I will place my son to replace me as head of the state and the party.” Although a later presidential statement walked back on the president’s word, his son, Nour El Fath, is currently in charge of coordinating government affairs, giving him sweeping power over the cabinet. With an expected 2029 presidential election, a constitutional change could make El Fath eligible to run for the presidency.

#africa #intl-politics 

President Trump released an executive order ending birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to noncitizen parents and undocumented immigrants, extending to foreign students, workers, and tourists legally and temporarily. However, this has garnered strong Democratic opposition—with a federal judge in Seattle issuing an interim order to block this order for 14 days (renewable upon its expiration), calling it "blatantly unconstitutional”. It violates the 14th Amendment guaranteeing birthright citizenship, but lawsuits and appeals will proceed. This is comparable to the early days of Trump’s first term, where a federal judge in Seattle blocked orders banning travel from certain countries.

#us-politics #republicans 

Syria’s new de-facto authority, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham(HTS), is using Islamic teachings to train a new fledgling police force. In a move that's meant to instill moral values into former Assad forces, the HTS aims to fill Syria’s security vacuum. Focusing on Islamic Sharia law in the brief training provided, the prospect of moving religion to the centre of politics risks seeding new rifts and alienating foreign governments. 

#humanitarian #conflicts #middle-east