Author: Andrew Rogers

Iran’s recent nationwide protests are more than a domestic uprising—they are part of a high-stakes geopolitical struggle. While the United States and Israel appeared to support anti-government demonstrations, Russia stepped in to strengthen Iran’s hold on power. The result: Ayatollah Khamenei’s regime survived, and Moscow-Iran ties grew stronger. Russian President Vladimir Putin provided crucial support to Iran, both diplomatically and technologically. Western nations, including the U.S., had aimed to pressure Tehran, but Russia’s timely interventions countered those efforts. Russian expertise supplied Iran with advanced tools for monitoring and controlling dissent, effectively neutralizing Western strategies. The two nations’ relationship has expanded…

Canada and China have announced a major tariff relief agreement following a high-level meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The deal marks a reset in bilateral trade relations after years of tension and reciprocal levies. Under the agreement, China will reduce tariffs on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by March 1. Canada, in turn, will tax Chinese electric vehicles at the most-favoured-nation rate of 6.1%, allowing only 49,000 EVs into the market at that rate. The cap responds to concerns from Canadian automakers about a surge of affordable imports. Reduced…

The Justice Department has opened an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over statements they made that may have obstructed federal immigration enforcement, according to sources familiar with the matter. The inquiry focuses on a potential violation of a federal conspiracy statute. Neither Walz nor Frey has received official notice of the investigation. In response to the reports, Walz called the investigation a politically motivated attack. He compared it to recent threats against other public figures, saying that using the justice system to target opponents is “a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.” Frey said the investigation is…

Kansas Law Enforcement Funding will deliver a major boost to police departments and sheriff offices across the state. Federal lawmakers approved $14 million to support safer policing, modern tools, and improved crime response for local agencies. The funding is part of the federal fiscal year 2026 budget package. The U.S. Senate approved the measure, and it now awaits final approval. Once signed, the money will be released to agencies across Kansas to improve daily operations and public safety. The funds will be used for new crime-fighting technology, police cameras, emergency vehicles, and other critical equipment. Many departments have relied on…

The Delaware Trooper Killing at a motor vehicle office has raised serious concerns about public safety and targeted attacks on law enforcement. Investigators say the man responsible believed police were watching and harassing him, even though he had no prior contact with the officer he killed. The incident happened on December 23 at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in New Castle. State Police Corporal Matthew Snook was working an overtime shift at the reception desk. Rahman Rose entered the building as a customer. Authorities say Rose approached the officer from behind and fired a handgun at close range. Investigators…

Colorado Tribal Collaboration remains a key focus for leaders of the state’s two federally recognized tribes. On Friday morning, tribal leaders spoke directly to state lawmakers. They called for stronger cooperation and regular talks on laws that affect tribal nations. Leaders from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe addressed the Legislature at the start of the new session. This yearly meeting allows tribes to share goals, concerns, and progress. Both reservations are located in the far southwest of the state. Together, they are home to about 3,600 enrolled members. Southern Ute Chairman Melvin Baker told…

Senate Republicans successfully blocked a measure that would have restricted former President Trump’s military authority in Venezuela, with Vice President JD Vance casting the decisive tie-breaking vote. The bipartisan plan, initially backed by five GOP senators, would have required congressional approval for further U.S. military operations in the country. However, intense pressure from Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio convinced Senators Josh Hawley and Todd Young to withdraw support at the last minute. Trump’s influence over his party was on full display as GOP leaders monitored the closely contested vote. The measure comes amid the administration’s ongoing military campaign…

Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian protester, was facing a death sentence for allegedly participating in nationwide anti-government demonstrations. He was arrested from his home in Fardis city, west of Tehran, during protests sparked by economic crises, rising living costs, and currency devaluation. His arrest quickly drew international attention. Within days, his family and human rights organizations were informed that his execution was scheduled, prompting widespread condemnation. U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Iran has temporarily postponed carrying out the sentence. According to human rights groups, Soltani was not allowed to meet a lawyer, see formal charges, or appeal. Even…

Iran has issued a strong warning that it could strike U.S. military bases across the Middle East if the United States intervenes in Iran’s ongoing internal unrest. The warning marks a sharp rise in regional tension and has put several countries on alert. A senior Iranian official said Tehran has already informed neighboring countries that host U.S. troops about the potential risk. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said any direct U.S. action inside Iran would lead to American bases becoming military targets. According to the official, U.S. facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey…

China has intensified pressure on European nations to prevent senior Taiwanese politicians from traveling to the continent, escalating diplomatic and visa tensions. According to multiple European diplomats, Chinese embassies have delivered formal notes and held in-person meetings warning that granting visas to Taiwanese officials would cross Beijing’s “red line” and could “threaten bilateral ties.” Beijing cites Article 6 of the EU’s Schengen Borders Code, which allows member states to deny entry to anyone considered a danger to “international relations.” European officials, however, call this interpretation selective and unprecedented. Historically, the clause has applied mainly to individuals sanctioned for terrorism or…