Author: Andrew Rogers

The Federal Reserve, along with central banks in Brazil, Canada, and Sweden, is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged this week, signaling caution amid a tense global economic environment. The decision comes despite repeated calls from US President Donald Trump for lower borrowing costs. Chair Jerome Powell has received backing from over a dozen central bank leaders worldwide, including those at the Bank of England and European Central Bank, reaffirming the Fed’s independence at a time of political pressure from the White House. Powell and the Fed now face multiple challenges, including grand jury subpoenas and a Supreme Court…

Senate Democrats oppose Department of Homeland Security funding after a Minneapolis ICE shooting, increasing the likelihood of a partial government shutdown next week. Congress faces a growing risk of a partial government shutdown next week as Senate Democrats vow to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the fatal Minneapolis shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed Saturday that Democrats will not support the six-bill spending package scheduled for consideration if it includes DHS funding. The package requires a 60-vote threshold to advance in the Senate, meaning Republican leaders will…

A fatal shooting by a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis has intensified political challenges for President Donald Trump and his administration. The victim, 37-year-old Alex Pretti, was killed during a federal operation, prompting comparisons to the death of Renee Nicole Good just over two weeks ago. Trump and Vice President JD Vance acknowledged this week that ICE has made or will make mistakes in its Minneapolis operations, but offered little indication of a tactical shift to address the situation. Analysts say the administration’s messaging struggles stem from concerns that public opinion is turning against federal enforcement…

Syria and Kurdish-led forces have agreed to extend a ceasefire for 15 days, the Syrian Ministry of Defence announced late Saturday. The extension, which began at 11 p.m. local time (20:00 GMT), is intended to support a U.S.-led operation transferring ISIS detainees from SDF-controlled facilities. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) confirmed the extension, emphasizing that the agreement “contributes to de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and the creation of the necessary conditions for stability.” The announcement has sparked cautious relief in Syria, though observers note underlying issues remain unresolved. Ayman Oghanna of Al Jazeera reported from Damascus that the central…

U.S. lawmakers are sounding the alarm over Syrian Kurdish populations facing attacks by government forces in northeastern Syria. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized the urgent need to protect the Kurds, longtime U.S. allies in the fight against ISIS. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ordered his army, which reportedly includes jihadist elements, to seize territory controlled by the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for over a decade. Graham tweeted that there is a “strong consensus” in the U.S. Senate to safeguard the Kurds, recognizing their crucial role in defeating the ISIS caliphate. Pompeo described abandoning…

Voting concluded Sunday in Myanmar’s final stage of a three-part general election, a process that has already ensured the military and its allies will dominate Parliament and form the next government. Critics have called the election neither free nor fair, arguing it is designed to cement military rule following the 2021 ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi. The army-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has already secured most seats in the first two rounds. With 25% of parliamentary seats reserved for the military, the armed forces are guaranteed a majority alongside the USDP. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who…

Indiana lawmakers moved forward on a bill that would teach students the importance of waiting until marriage before having children. The legislation also includes a provision requiring state colleges and universities to accept the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an alternative entrance exam. The bill passed its first committee stage on Wednesday, emphasizing the so-called “success sequence.” This concept encourages students to complete at least a high school diploma or training, secure full-time employment, and wait until marriage before starting a family. Proponents say following these steps can help young people avoid poverty and improve long-term outcomes. Senator Gary Byrne…

The Santa Fe Mansion Tax will move forward after the New Mexico Supreme Court declined to reconsider a lower court ruling that allows the tax to take effect. The decision clears a major legal hurdle for the city and brings the voter-approved measure closer to full implementation. On Thursday, the state’s highest court denied a petition from the Santa Fe Association of Realtors that sought review of a Court of Appeals decision. That ruling had already found that the city acted within its authority when it approved the tax. By refusing to hear the appeal, the Supreme Court effectively ended…

Oregon is set to receive more than $100 million in federal funding for critical community projects across nearly every county in the state. The investments were secured by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden as part of the first two federal spending packages for fiscal year 2026 that recently cleared Congress. The Oregon Community Project Funding package includes 54 locally driven projects with a combined value of $102.7 million. The projects reflect priorities identified by residents, local governments, and community groups throughout the state. Both senators say the funding is the result of years of direct engagement with Oregonians…

Maine Governor Janet Mills has requested a direct meeting with President Donald Trump following a deadly shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. The incident, which marked the second fatal shooting of a civilian by a federal agent in the city this month, has raised serious concerns among state leaders as immigration enforcement expands nationwide. The Maine ICE Deployment Shooting comes amid the Trump administration’s large-scale effort to increase federal immigration actions across multiple states. The Department of Homeland Security recently announced the launch of “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine. As part of that operation, federal agents have…