Author: Andrew Rogers

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, aiming to deepen cooperation between China and Russia. The meeting focused on strengthening BRICS ties and supporting global peace. It comes as the world faces rising competition between multilateral cooperation and unilateral actions. Both countries also discussed key global issues, including the Ukraine war and future high-level talks between their leaders. China and Russia Push for Stronger BRICS Cooperation During the meeting, Wang Yi said China and Russia must work closely within the BRICS framework. BRICS is a group of major developing countries…

Katherine Heigl, best known for her roles in “27 Dresses” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” says she cannot imagine leaving her family life behind for a full return to Hollywood. The 46-year-old actress, who now lives in Utah, explained that raising her children is her top priority. In an interview with E! News, Heigl shared that her three children — Naleigh, 15, Adalaide, 13, and Joshua, 8 — need her more than ever now that they are growing up. Because of this, she feels unable to take on long-term acting projects that would require her to travel far from home. Raising Teens…

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is in the Philippines this week for a visit aimed at strengthening the nation’s alliance in response to rising tensions with China. The visit, which began Tuesday, marks the beginning of a two-day diplomatic trip that will focus on key regional security concerns, including China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and East China Sea, as well as the ongoing trade challenges posed by U.S. tariffs. Strengthening Alliances with the Philippines Ishiba’s visit comes at a time of growing geopolitical tensions in the region. The Japanese leader is set to meet with Philippine President Ferdinand…

Southeast Asian countries have been warned about the dangers of aligning too closely with the United States in its ongoing tariff war with China. Zheng Yongnian, a leading Chinese political expert, said such a move could isolate these nations from China and threaten their growth prospects. Speaking at the 3rd China-Asean Economic Relations Seminar at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zheng explained that the US’s support for Asean’s re-industrialization is not its true goal. Instead, the US aims to bring manufacturing jobs back home. Meanwhile, China, he argued, is better positioned to support Asean’s industrial goals. Asean Faces…

China has said it is ready to protect its economy and jobs, even as new U.S. tariffs threaten Chinese exports. Top officials held a press conference on Monday, aiming to boost confidence among businesses and workers. They promised more support, easier loans, and steps to help counter U.S. tariffs that could reach as high as 145%. The press event followed a recent meeting of China’s Politburo. Experts said leaders there focused on keeping the economy growing, even as exports slow. China Responds to US Tariff Moves U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced new tariffs on Chinese goods. At the same…

As the United States and China continue their economic standoff, nations around the world are being forced to pick sides. Recent events, including Swiss officials meeting with both U.S. and Chinese leaders, highlight the growing tensions. While the Swiss president lobbied in Washington to avoid steep tariffs on Swiss goods, the Swiss foreign minister was in Beijing, seeking to deepen trade ties with China. This moment reflects a larger trend in global politics, as U.S. allies and other nations shift their allegiances in response to the ongoing trade war. US-China Trade War Escalates The trade war between the world’s two…

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has become a defining issue in global politics, and the United States is no exception. Karam Dana’s new book, To Stand with Palestine: Transnational Resistance and Political Evolution in the US (Columbia University Press, 2025), explores the changing dynamics of American public opinion and activism in relation to Palestine. Dana highlights how the Palestinian struggle has moved beyond regional borders, gaining international support, and challenging Israel’s narrative. This shift, fueled by tragic events such as the recent violence in Gaza, is reshaping the conversation around Palestine in the US. The Palestinian Struggle: A…

Business leaders, investors, and professionals in Barrie will soon get the chance to hear from one of Canada’s top economists. Derek Burleton, Vice-President and Deputy Chief Economist at TD Bank, is set to speak at a special business breakfast event. The session will be held on Wednesday, May 7, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Liberty North, located at 100 Caplan Avenue, Unit 1. The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is organizing the event, which promises expert insights into major economic trends. Topics include inflation, interest rates, geopolitical risks, resilience, and monetary policy. Helping Businesses Plan for the Future According to…

The race for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat has officially begun as the Devolution Empowerment Party, known as the BUS party, announced Newton Karis as their candidate. The announcement was made during a press briefing led by party chairman Lenny Kivuti on Saturday. Kivuti expressed strong confidence in Karis, saying the BUS party is fully prepared to take on the competition. The by-election was triggered after Geoffrey Ruku, the former MP, was appointed by President William Ruto as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programs. BUS Party Eyes Bigger Goals for 2027 At the press…

A senior Russian military official was killed in a car bomb explosion in the town of Balashikha, east of Moscow, on April 21. Lieutenant-General Yaroslav Moskalik, the deputy head of the military’s General Staff, was reportedly targeted in the blast, which investigators believe was caused by a homemade explosive device. The attack is part of a troubling trend of similar incidents involving Russians linked to the war in Ukraine. Explosion Rocks Balashikha The blast occurred on Friday in Balashikha, a town located just outside Moscow. Authorities have confirmed that Lieutenant-General Yaroslav Moskalik, a high-ranking officer in the Russian military, was…