Author: Andrew Rogers

A new report has warned that academic freedom in the United States is under unprecedented pressure. The findings highlight actions by the federal government that threaten universities, scholars, and students. Experts say that the US, long a global leader in higher education, is now setting a concerning example for dismantling academic freedom. The study counted about 40 attacks on academic freedom in the US during the first half of 2025. These ranged from cuts to research funding to detention or attempted deportation of foreign scholars for their political views. The report also notes a surge of legislative and executive actions…

The United States has entered another government shutdown after lawmakers failed to approve funding for the new fiscal year. Large parts of the federal government have now closed their doors, leaving workers and services in uncertainty. Shutdowns are not new, but Government Shutdown 2025 is being seen as more serious than past ones because the White House has threatened permanent layoffs of federal employees. This warning has raised fears of long-term damage to government services and the economy. A government shutdown happens when Congress does not pass a budget or stopgap bill to keep agencies open. By law, non-essential agencies…

Madagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina, has dissolved the government following three days of youth-led protests over water and power shortages. The United Nations reports at least 22 people have died and over 100 were injured during the demonstrations. The protests, inspired by youth movements in Kenya and Nepal, mark the largest unrest the Indian Ocean island has faced in years. They are also the most significant challenge to Rajoelina since his re-election in 2023. Rajoelina addressed the nation on state television, saying, “We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them. I…

UK shop price inflation rose to 1.4% in September, up from 0.9% in August, as households faced higher costs for home improvement and gardening goods. The rise came despite food prices stabilizing, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and analysts at NIQ. Retailers warned the government that upcoming tax increases could further fuel inflation, adding pressure on consumers already struggling with rising prices. After nearly 18 months of falling prices, non-food goods appear to be showing year-on-year growth again. Prices were just 0.1% lower in September compared with a drop of 0.8% in August. Falling…

A high-stakes meeting between former President Donald Trump and top congressional Democrats on Monday ended without a breakthrough, raising the risk of a US government shutdown. Republican Senator JD Vance warned, “I think we are headed into a shutdown.” Democrats remain firm, refusing to back GOP legislation to fund the government beyond Tuesday unless it includes key healthcare provisions. Republican leaders from the Senate and House also joined the Oval Office talks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he raised concerns about the state of healthcare in the country. “He seemed to, for the first time, understand the magnitude of…

Some of the United States’ closest allies have expressed support for President Donald Trump’s new peace plan for Gaza. The plan, unveiled alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sets out 20 points aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the region. During a White House meeting, Trump and Netanyahu delivered a clear message to Hamas. The militant group was urged to accept the plan or face significant consequences. The ultimatum underscores the urgency of finding a resolution to the escalating crisis in Gaza. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly endorsed the plan, urging Hamas to comply. He called on the…

The US Justice Department has taken legal action against Minnesota over its sanctuary city policies. The lawsuit targets the state’s refusal to fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities, making Minnesota the latest jurisdiction facing legal challenges under the Trump administration’s deportation campaign. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said Minnesota officials are putting public safety at risk by letting unauthorized immigrants bypass federal law. The Justice Department claims that Minnesota’s sanctuary policies are illegal under federal law. Officials argue that these policies have allowed some immigrants, including those considered dangerous, to be released rather than face federal immigration proceedings. Meanwhile, immigrants with…

Minnesota officials have pushed back against the Trump administration’s new lawsuit targeting the state’s immigration policies. Attorney General Keith Ellison called the lawsuit “baseless” and described it as political retaliation. He said the state is prepared to defend its policies in court. Ellison emphasized that Minnesota’s immigration rules aim to protect residents and communities. He stressed the state will use all legal means to fight the case. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also spoke out, saying the city will continue supporting its immigrant population. He added that Minneapolis “will not back down” in the face of federal challenges. The lawsuit comes…

The Aukus submarine deal is set to continue as planned after reports indicate it passed the Pentagon’s security review. The $368 billion program will see the United States supply Australia with three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines starting in 2032. A US Defense Department official declined to confirm the report, stating the Aukus initiative remains under review with no new updates at this time. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking from Abu Dhabi during an overseas tour, expressed confidence in the pact. He highlighted that Aukus benefits Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States by strengthening regional security. “This partnership will…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the international community to take decisive action to cut off Russia’s energy revenues that fund its war in Ukraine. The plea came after Moscow launched one of its most sustained attacks on Kyiv since the conflict began. Zelenskyy said on Telegram that “the time for decisive action is long overdue” and urged the United States, Europe, the G7, and the G20 to respond firmly. Over Saturday night and into Sunday morning, Russia fired nearly 600 drones and more than 40 cruise missiles, targeting Kyiv and regions including Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, and…