Author: Andrew Rogers

China and the United States have agreed to extend the pause on tariffs after two days of trade talks in Stockholm. The talks ended midday Tuesday, as both sides looked to ease their ongoing trade dispute, according to Chinese Vice-Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang. Li did not specify the exact length of the extension during his comments. However, US President Donald Trump, who was visiting Scotland, said the pause would last 90 days. “According to the consensus between China and the US, both sides will continue to push for the continued extension of the pause on the 24 percent part…

Russian authorities have sharply increased internet censorship, disruptions, and surveillance since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. This growing control harms users’ rights and isolates the country’s internet from the global web, according to a recent report. The report, titled Disrupted, Throttled, and Blocked, details how Russia uses advanced technology and strict laws to block websites, slow down connections, and limit access to tools that help people bypass censorship. These measures are often justified by the government as necessary for national security and public safety, but they severely restrict free access to information. Experts and journalists interviewed…

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be the main speaker at a major Republican gathering in South Carolina, a state known for its early influence in picking GOP presidential candidates. This event, called the Salute to Liberty, will be held on August 18 in Anderson and is expected to draw around 2,000 party supporters. Rep. Sheri Biggs of South Carolina’s 3rd District, who is hosting the event, said Sanders is a strong fit for the local community. Biggs praised the governor for representing the district’s values, describing her as “down-to-earth, hardworking, and a person who loves the Lord and supports…

Australia has not yet recognized Palestine, but has taken a new step that could lead to future recognition. Unlike the United Kingdom, which plans to recognize Palestine at the United Nations in September, Australia is moving cautiously. In a recent joint statement with 14 countries, including some that already recognize Palestine, Australia welcomed key commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA). These commitments could open the door to official recognition. The Palestinian Authority has called for Hamas to disarm and release hostages. It has also promised to hold new elections within a year. These conditions were highlighted earlier this week by…

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…