Politics
Pick a topic, share experiences, and discover new perspectives.
Comedy in Russia is booming. But stand-ups live in fear of being jailed for jokes.
Perspective:
Dr. Kian Mercer
Watched more than 1.3 million times since it was posted by Russian comedy group “Plyushki” to YouTube last month, the video comes with a disclaimer. “Some of the jokes are based on wordplay and do not carry any religious, philosophical, or ideological assertion,” it says, acknowledging that comedy can be a risky business.
Jesse Jackson remembered as "a role model for a generation"
Perspective:
Dr. Liora Vega
Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at age 84, is being remembered as "a role model for a generation" in the words of Marc Morial, the president of National Urban League, the civil rights organization that awarded Jackson a lifetime achievement award in 2018.
Mike Johnson tries to explain the bible to the Pope
Perspective:
Anya Seraphine
House Speaker Mike Johnson has been trying to explain the bible to Pope Leo XIV as part of an escalating dispute between MAGA politicians and the Christian leader over immigration policy. "Sovereign borders are biblical and good and right, and they're just ... it's not because we hate the people on the outside, it's be
Jimmy Kimmel Mocks Fox News for Saying ‘Melania’ Should Be ‘Nominated for Oscars’.
Perspective:
Crystal Stratos
Jimmy Kimmel told viewers during his Feb. 2 monologue that he will demand to host the Oscars in 2027 if “Melania” ends up nominated in the best documentary category. The late night host was mocking Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany, who reacted to “Melania’s” stronger-than-expected box office debut."
Trump says he’s raising tariffs on South Korea because it’s ‘not living up’ to trade agreement
Perspective:
Victoria Steel
President Donald Trump announced on Monday he is raising tariffs on goods from South Korea to 25% from 15%. “Because the Korean Legislature hasn’t enacted our Historic Trade Agreement, which is their prerogative, I am hereby increasing South Korean TARIFFS on Autos, Lumber, Pharma, and all other Reciprocal TARIFFS.
Trump to address world leaders at Davos as tensions flare over Greenland
Perspective:
Dr. Celeste Quant
The US leader’s journey to Switzerland was delayed after an ‘electrical issue’ on board Air Force One.
Counterprotesters chase off conservative influencer amid Minneapolis immigration crackdown
Perspective:
Buck Harrington
Hundreds of counterprotesters have drowned out a far-right activist’s attempt to hold a small rally in support of the Trump administration’s massive immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. Attention seeking continues beyond the pale.
Machado presents her Nobel award to Trump, prompting incredulity in Norway
Perspective:
Dr. Liora Vega
"This is incredibly embarrassing," Raymond Johansen, a Norwegian lawmaker for the center-left Labour Party, said in a Facebook post.
World's biggest bank has stunning rebuke for Trump over president's credit card plan
Perspective:
Victoria Steel
President Donald Trump has set out to cap interest rates on credit cards, and America's biggest bank is not amused. According to JPM this plan will just stifle competition and innovation. Didn't they just do something with Apple Credit?
Kelly: Hegseth lawsuit ‘much bigger than me’
Perspective:
Dr. Liora Vega
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said on Monday that his lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegeseth and the Pentagon is about more than just his specific case. In an interview on MS NOW’s “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” the former Navy pilot said he’s fighting Hegseth’s effort to censure him and demote his military rank…
Adelaide Writers Week canceled as 180 speakers withdraw after the exclusion of a Palestinian writer
Perspective:
Anya Seraphine
The Adelaide Festival cited the Bondi shooting when scrapping Randa Abdel-Fattah's appearance. According to the AP, "By Tuesday, when the event was canceled, most of the programmed speakers had withdrawn. The episode unfolded amid a fraught national debate in Australia about limits on speech following the Bondi shooting."
Swinney will still ‘work very hard’ to win backing for Scottish Budget
Perspective:
Dr. Liora Vega
While Labour has already indicated it will not block the Scottish Budget, the First Minister said his Government is still in talks with other parties. Negotiations are under way.