Beginning next month, China will impose a value-added tax on condoms and other contraceptives, reversing a 33-year exemption. This policy change, part of a broader effort to boost the nation’s declining birth rate, will likely increase the cost of contraception. Experts express concern that this tax could limit access to contraception, particularly for young people, while also overlooking gender-equality concerns and potentially increasing STI rates. Simultaneously, the state is promoting marriage and childbearing, with matchmaking agencies newly added to the tax-exempt list, creating a shift in how the state approaches family, marriage, and reproduction.
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Canada has become the first non-European country to join the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, gaining access to a $170 billion rearmament fund. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the opportunities for Canadian defence companies and the expansion of market access, driven by a desire to diversify military spending and strengthen ties with the EU. This strategic move aims to address capability gaps and attract European investment, aligning with the EU’s goal of enhancing its defense readiness by 2030, particularly in light of global security concerns and the reliability of US military protection. Although the UK also sought to join SAFE, negotiations stalled over financial disagreements.
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U.S. halts all immigration cases for nationals of nineteen countries, and it’s certainly a development that’s grabbing attention. The list includes a diverse set of nations, and the impact of this decision is bound to be felt across the globe and here at home.
The nineteen countries impacted by this immigration halt are a mixed bag, including Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. These countries faced the most severe restrictions. Others on the list include Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, which were subject to partial restrictions.… Continue reading
The Honduran election has resulted in a very close contest, requiring an extended vote count by the National Electoral Council (CNE). Preliminary results show a narrow lead for Asfura over Nasralla. CNE head Ana Paola Hall has urged patience while the special counting process is completed. Accusations of external interference have surfaced, including claims that former U.S. President Trump is attempting to influence the outcome.
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President Trump announced plans to initiate land strikes in Venezuela “very soon,” expanding the ongoing military operations that currently include attacks on boats suspected of drug trafficking in international waters. This expansion of military action comes after weeks of attacks on boats in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific, and amid a U.S. military buildup near Venezuela, including the deployment of significant naval and troop presence. While escalating military pressure, Trump also signaled openness to potential diplomatic engagement with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This decision follows the designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization.
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The Danish government has established a “night watch” within its foreign ministry to monitor Donald Trump’s actions and statements while Copenhagen is asleep. This initiative, starting at 5 pm local time and producing a daily report by 7 am, was implemented in response to diplomatic tensions with the US, particularly concerning Greenland. The program reflects the need for Danish diplomacy to adapt to the current US administration. Jacob Kaarsbo, a former chief analyst, suggests this demonstrates a shift away from the traditional view of the US as Denmark’s primary ally, citing a lack of shared values with Trump.
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Following an alleged shooting by an Afghan national, President Trump announced a suspension of migration from “third world countries.” This decision includes a re-examination of all Green Cards from “countries of concern,” a list of 19 nations previously targeted by a travel ban. Furthermore, the administration plans to eliminate federal benefits for non-citizens and deport foreign nationals deemed security risks or incompatible with “Western Civilization,” effectively intensifying existing anti-migrant policies. Trump framed these actions as necessary to reduce “illegal and disruptive populations” and stated that the current foreign population, of 53 million, are a strain on the country.
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Trump told Japan’s PM in their call to lower the tone on Taiwan, WSJ reports, and it seems like this particular nugget of information has stirred up quite a reaction. The reports suggest that during a call, former President Trump advised Japan’s Prime Minister to dial back her rhetoric regarding Taiwan. The initial reaction, judging by the overall sentiment, seems to be a mix of shock, skepticism, and a healthy dose of cynicism.
The underlying concern seems to be that Trump’s actions, particularly in this context, could be interpreted as a willingness to appease China at the expense of allies and long-standing geopolitical strategies.… Continue reading
Following an initial classification shift, the Coast Guard has reversed course and re-classified swastikas and nooses as hate symbols. Earlier reports indicated these symbols would be categorized as “potentially divisive” in new guidelines. This shift in policy comes after a report brought attention to the initial change. The updated classification was announced on November 21, 2025.
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The U.S. Coast Guard released a new policy late Thursday that explicitly prohibits the display of hate symbols such as swastikas and nooses, reversing a previous plan to label them as “potentially divisive.” This updated policy clarifies that these symbols are strictly forbidden across all Coast Guard locations, a shift from an earlier version that allowed for their removal but did not outright ban them. The change came after public outcry and scrutiny following the discovery of the initial, more lenient policy. The Coast Guard stated the update was meant to combat misinformation and reaffirm its stance against hate symbols.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood