Author: Andrew Rogers

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he is “trying to get things straightened out” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also expressed concern about the growing hunger crisis in Gaza, signaling a rare split with Netanyahu’s stance on the ongoing conflict. Trump made the statement while wrapping up a visit to Scotland. He had been attending the opening of a new 18-hole golf course at his club in Aberdeenshire. A reporter shouted the question at him as he was leaving the event. Trump’s answer was brief but pointed, revealing a possible shift in his tone toward the…

The head of the famous Shaolin Temple, Abbot Shi Yongxin, is facing a serious investigation by Chinese authorities. The temple announced that Shi Yongxin is suspected of embezzling temple funds, having improper relationships with women, and fathering illegitimate children. The Buddhist Association of China has also removed his monastic ordination. According to the Chinese news outlet Caixin, Shi was taken into custody late last Friday. After returning from an overseas trip during the Chinese Lunar New Year in February, he was banned from leaving China. Though summoned by officials, he was still allowed to travel within the country. The destination…

President Donald Trump addressed the tragic shooting in New York City that took place on Monday evening. The attack left four people dead, including a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer, before the gunman took his own life. Trump shared a message on Truth Social, saying he had been briefed on the incident. He expressed confidence in law enforcement’s efforts to uncover the reasons behind the violence. “My heart is with the families of the four people who were killed, including the NYPD Officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Trump wrote. He added, “God Bless the New York Police Department,…

Canada and the United States share a long border and many cultural ties. Yet, when it comes to religion in public life and politics, they differ sharply. This divide is clear in how leaders talk and act about faith and how much influence religion holds in each country’s politics. U.S. President Donald Trump has made religion a central part of his message. Since his first speech as president, he has said he was “saved by God” to lead America to greatness. Trump often poses with the Bible and invites religious leaders to pray with him in the White House. His…

Last month, I ran through the cold streets of Reykjavik during a charity race supporting Get Lost, a grassroots group helping Russians avoid the military draft. While running, I thought about people who run not for sport, but to save their lives and the lives of others. These are Russian men who refuse to fight in Ukraine. They leave Russia but face suspicion instead of safety. Many in the West fail to see Russian draft evaders as protesters. Often, I hear the same question: Why do Russians not protest more openly? My answer is clear. Under a harsh authoritarian government,…

A law professor from the University of Melbourne is suing the institution, claiming he was suspended for expressing his political views. The case has sparked widespread debate about free speech and discrimination within academic institutions. Dr Eric Descheemaeker, a professor at the Melbourne Law School, alleges the university took unfair action against him after an email he wrote in 2023 was leaked and circulated across the campus. In the message, he strongly criticized the school’s approach to Indigenous cultural policies, claiming that “‘Blak’ activists” were pushing the institution toward what he called “destruction.” According to court documents, Descheemaeker says his…

Cambodian and Thai leaders met in Malaysia Monday to seek a ceasefire after deadly clashes on their shared border entered a fifth day. The talks aim to stop violence that has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 260,000. The meeting took place at the official residence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is chairing the regional group ASEAN. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai led the talks. U.S. and Chinese officials also attended as observers. Fighting began last Thursday after a land mine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers. Both sides blame…

Russia began direct commercial flights between Moscow and Pyongyang on Sunday, highlighting closer ties between the two countries. The first flight, operated by Russian airline Nordwind, departed from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport with more than 400 passengers on board. Russia’s Transport Ministry announced that one flight per month will run to meet growing demand. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently visited North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma beach resort. During his visit, he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Lavrov said he plans to encourage Russian tourists to visit the new resort, which is a key part of North Korea’s tourism push.…

Independent MP Nicolette Boele, who narrowly won the Bradfield seat by 26 votes over the Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian, delivered her first speech in parliament on Monday. She expressed concern about Australia’s political future, highlighting a shift toward a more decentralised, people-focused democracy instead of a party-centred system. Boele emphasized that many Australians believe politicians struggle to address long-term, complex problems. She pointed out issues such as regulating online media, tackling climate change, controlling gambling, and improving housing affordability. According to her, these problems remain largely unaddressed because parliament lacks the necessary ambition to create meaningful change. She contrasted the…

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo spent the weekend reconnecting with New Yorkers across the city’s five boroughs. His campaign stops included public housing cookouts in Harlem, bartending in Brooklyn, and joining the Colombian Day Parade in Queens. This hands-on approach is part of Cuomo’s renewed effort to win City Hall as an independent candidate. Cuomo’s weekend tour gave him a chance to hear directly from residents about their concerns. Many expressed worry about rising living costs and the challenges facing the city. Despite his recent 12-point loss to political newcomer Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic primary, Cuomo remains confident…