Across the United States, an estimated seven million people participated in No Kings protests, marking a significant mobilization against the second Trump administration. These demonstrations, which took place in over 2,500 locations, were largely peaceful, with scattered reports of violence and arrests, particularly at ICE facilities in areas like Chicago and Portland. Prominent figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Governor J.B. Pritzker spoke at rallies, emphasizing the importance of defending democracy and individual rights. The protests saw a diverse range of participants, from small towns to major cities like New York and Washington, D.C., and included appearances from both Democratic officials and, notably, the former Proud Boys leader, Enrique Tarrio.
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Negotiations for a landmark deal to reduce global shipping emissions collapsed due to pressure from the United States and Saudi Arabia. The deal, which would have made shipping the first industry to adopt international emission reduction targets, was abandoned after the US threatened tariffs and Saudi Arabia tabled a motion to adjourn talks for a year. The move, viewed by many as a setback for climate action, faced strong opposition from nations supporting the original agreement and the shipping industry, which sought clear global standards. Key countries that initially supported the deal, including China, shifted their positions due to the influence of the US and other dissenting nations.
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Amid political turmoil and increasing human rights concerns in the United States, a growing number of American citizens are seeking asylum in Australia. Department of Home Affairs figures reveal at least 29 US citizens applied for humanitarian protection visas between January and July 2025, coinciding with Donald Trump’s second presidential term. While specific reasons for the applications are not disclosed, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre notes a rise in inquiries, particularly from the LGBTIQ+ community. Although no visas were granted during this period, the applications, which require a “well-founded fear of persecution”, can take considerable time to be finalized, with the outcome dependent on the current political climate.
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The United States’ credibility in foreign and security policy has suffered significant damage, particularly with the current administration. Recent events, including a speech at the United Nations and a reversal on the Russian war in Ukraine, have led to international shock, confusion, and even indifference from world leaders. These incidents further eroded the already dwindling trust in American leadership. The loss of credibility is a costly blow to the nation’s standing on the global stage.
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“Your countries are being ruined” by migration, Trump tells Europe at the UN, and it’s clear this statement has struck a nerve. It’s easy to see why. The topic of immigration is a minefield, and when someone like Donald Trump, with his history and rhetoric, makes such a bold declaration, it ignites a flurry of reactions. Some, surprisingly, find themselves agreeing with him, at least on the surface, even if they vehemently disagree with everything else he stands for. It’s a “broken clock is right twice a day” kind of moment, where the message, regardless of the messenger, resonates with a specific segment of the population.… Continue reading
The speaker acknowledged this measure is not a perfect solution, but it’s essential for the current situation. This necessity is supported by the speaker’s judgment, as well as that of most nations globally. The importance of acting now was also emphasized during the discussion with the Council on Foreign Relations. This underscores the urgency and widespread agreement on the issue.
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Trump blasts the UN for not ‘living up’ to its potential, and honestly, it feels like he delivered a greatest hits collection of his usual tirades, filled with the same old lies and nonsensical talking points. The man jumped from child sex trafficking to criticizing Germany and then somehow ended up ranting about windmills. It was a whirlwind of incoherence, bordering on the insane, with the core message, “Climate change is a hoax,” echoing throughout. He even went as far as to suggest that “radical environmentalists” want to “kill all the cows.” It was hard not to think, “Did this really happen?”… Continue reading
At the UN General Assembly, President Trump hailed a “golden age” for the U.S., sparking tension with the global body through funding cuts and criticism. Trump’s actions, including withdrawing from UN agencies and reviewing U.S. interactions, have exacerbated the UN’s budget crisis, potentially shifting influence to nations like China. Experts warn that the U.S.’s diminishing role could erode human rights and international peace, while some delegates have questioned whether New York is still the appropriate location for the UN. In response, other nations are forming alliances, and smaller states are stepping up in an attempt to take the lead on issues such as human rights.
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Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, political figures made claims about the prevalence of left-wing political violence in the U.S. However, research reveals that these assertions lack factual basis. Studies and data indicate that the majority of domestic terrorism incidents and fatalities are linked to right-wing extremism, not left-wing groups. Despite the challenges in defining and quantifying political violence, the evidence consistently points to a higher frequency and lethality of right-wing extremist acts compared to those of the left.
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The United Nations General Assembly voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address its annual meeting virtually after the United States revoked his visa last month. This decision came amid efforts by France, the U.K., and others to recognize a Palestinian state, which the U.S. opposes, citing concerns about emboldening Hamas and hindering ceasefire negotiations. The U.S. revoked the visas of around 80 Palestinian officials, including Abbas, which sparked international criticism, as the U.N. deemed this a violation of its Host Country agreement. France and Saudi Arabia are advancing a plan for Palestinian statehood, but the Israeli government and many Palestinians have concerns about the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to peace and leadership.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood