Author: Andrew Rogers

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…

The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has accused Ethiopian security forces of violently breaking up a peaceful women’s meeting in Jigjiga on April 24. The event was held at the ONLF’s regional office by the Ogaden Women’s Association. The group claims that several members were hurt, and others were arrested. The ONLF says this is part of a larger pattern of repression in Ethiopia’s Somali Region. Violence at the ONLF Office The ONLF says armed officers stormed the event without warning. The gathering, which aimed to empower women and discuss local issues, turned into chaos as security forces broke in.…

Travelers going from Switzerland to Milan through the Simplon route will face longer journeys in the summer of 2025. The railway line between Arona and Premosello in Italy will be closed from June 8 to July 27 and again from August 30 to September 13. During these periods, passengers must switch to buses between Domodossola and Milan, according to the Swiss railway operator SBB. Construction causes route closure between Arona and Premosello The full closure of the railway section between Arona and Premosello will stop all train traffic in that area. This part of the line lies in northern Italy’s…

Across the United States, state lawmakers have introduced more than 240 bills aimed at reducing ties with China. These proposals range from banning the use of Chinese-made technology to ending sister-city agreements with Chinese cities. The efforts are part of a growing push to protect public funds, data, and national interests. Most of the bills have come from Republican-led legislatures and reflect rising tensions between the two global powers. State proposals target technology, trade, and ties with China Lawmakers are focusing on several key areas. Many bills prohibit the purchase of Chinese-made drones, software, and medical equipment for government use.…

President Donald Trump’s cabinet is taking more control of budget and staffing decisions as Elon Musk steps back from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk, who has led the agency since it was formed, plans to focus more on Tesla. Two government officials confirmed that this shift will allow cabinet members to regain authority over hiring and policy decisions. Cabinet regains control over efficiency plans Musk confirmed on Tuesday that he will now work only one or two days a week at DOGE. His special role in government is expected to end in May. DOGE was created through an…

China has issued a strong warning to countries considering trade agreements with the United States at Beijing’s expense, escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies. In response to reports suggesting that US President Donald Trump’s administration is pressuring other nations to isolate China, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce stated on Monday that Beijing would take “countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner” against any countries aligning with the US in its stance against China. This warning comes amid ongoing discussions over tariffs and trade policies that continue to shape global economic relations. China’s Strong Response to US…

In February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent nearly 200,000 troops into Ukraine. His goal was to take control of Kyiv, the country’s capital, within days. The plan was to remove Ukraine’s pro-Western government and bring the country back under Russia’s influence. However, the plan did not go as expected. Ukrainian forces resisted strongly, and Russia failed to capture Kyiv. Now, more than three years later, about 20% of Ukraine’s land remains under Russian control. What Was Putin’s Goal? When the invasion began, Russia aimed for a quick victory. Putin wanted to: The Kremlin believed this move would prevent Ukraine…