The House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte on February 5th, 2024, with over two-thirds of its members voting in favor of the resolution. The impeachment cites betrayal of public trust, constitutional violations, and corruption, stemming from a months-long investigation into alleged misuse of public funds. The case now moves to the Senate for trial, where a two-thirds vote is needed for conviction and removal from office. This marks only the second impeachment of an elected official post-EDSA and will be a politically charged event, coinciding with the 2028 election campaign period.
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January 2025 marked Russia’s second-highest monthly personnel loss, with approximately 48,240 casualties, closely trailing December 2024’s record. This represents a daily average loss exceeding 1,500 personnel. UK Defence Intelligence projects continued high casualty rates, averaging over 1,000 daily losses in February, attributed to the intensity of Russian operations. Cumulative losses since the war’s beginning are estimated to surpass 50,000 for the year and 837,000 overall.
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Beginning Friday, thousands of USAID’s direct-hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave, excluding those in mission-critical roles, leadership, or designated programs. This action, driven by the Trump administration’s claims of agency waste and inefficiency, follows a freeze on foreign assistance and has sparked protests from staff and Democratic lawmakers citing potential harm to national security and vulnerable populations. The move is part of broader cuts orchestrated in coordination with Elon Musk, and while a complete closure of USAID requires Congressional action, the ongoing upheaval raises serious concerns about the future of global humanitarian aid. Affected employees were notified by Thursday afternoon.
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Amidst threatened U.S. tariffs and stalled talks with traditional partners like the U.K. and India, Canada is actively diversifying its trade relationships. The recently signed free trade agreement with Ecuador marks the 16th such deal in eight years, demonstrating a successful strategy to expand markets beyond traditional partners. This diversification includes ongoing negotiations with ASEAN countries and exploratory discussions with the Philippines, showcasing Canada’s proactive approach to securing economic partnerships. However, challenges remain, notably the upcoming review of CUSMA and ongoing tensions with the U.S. regarding dairy trade.
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Argentina’s potential withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), following the United States’ lead under the Trump administration, is a concerning development with potentially devastating global consequences. The decision reflects a growing wave of nationalism and a distrust of international organizations, raising serious questions about global health cooperation.
The move is deeply troubling, particularly given the recent experience with the COVID-19 pandemic. International collaboration was crucial in coordinating responses, sharing information, and developing vaccines. Undermining the WHO weakens our collective ability to tackle future health crises effectively, potentially leading to a disastrous cascade effect where vital information isn’t shared as readily, jeopardizing global health security.… Continue reading
Israel, citing the UN Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) biased treatment and failure to condemn Hamas’ October 7th massacre, has withdrawn its observer status. This decision follows the US withdrawal and reflects Israel’s view that the UNHRC disproportionately criticizes Israel while ignoring widespread human rights abuses by other member states. The UNHRC’s alleged obsession with condemning Israel, including over 100 condemnatory resolutions, prompted this action. Israel’s ambassador to UN institutions in Geneva will cease participation in UNHRC discussions but will remain in his post at other UN bodies.
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Ten thousand King Soopers workers in Colorado initiated a two-week strike, citing unfair labor practices including intimidation, surveillance, and attempts to undermine retiree benefits. The strike, authorized by 96% of UFCW Local 7 members, follows a previous strike in 2022, currently part of an anti-trust lawsuit alleging collusion between Kroger and Albertsons. Key worker concerns include understaffing, inadequate wages, and the company’s refusal to provide necessary information during contract negotiations. King Soopers disputes these allegations, claiming a commitment to fair wages and adequate staffing.
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced two falls at the Capitol on Wednesday. The first occurred on a small staircase near the Senate chamber following a confirmation vote. He subsequently fell a second time but received assistance from colleagues. Despite the incidents, McConnell reportedly assured those present that he was unharmed.
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President Trump announced a plan to have the U.S. “take over” the Gaza Strip, rebuild it, and manage its development, a proposal met with mixed reactions. Senator Rand Paul criticized the plan as contradicting the “America First” principle, arguing against another costly military occupation. Conversely, Representative Diana Harshbarger praised the initiative as fulfilling a campaign promise. The plan also drew strong condemnation from Representative Rashida Tlaib, who labeled it “ethnic cleansing.”
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Facing potential U.S. tariffs and protectionist policies, Prime Minister Trudeau convened a summit to diversify Canada’s trade and stimulate economic growth. The summit aims to attract investment and create jobs by addressing internal trade barriers and offering incentives while countering the U.S.’s efforts to lure manufacturing south. This initiative follows a temporary reprieve on tariffs and includes exploring new trade partnerships with countries like Britain and the European Union. The potential economic impact of the U.S. tariffs is significant, with projections showing a substantial reduction in Canada’s economic growth.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood