Author: Greenstein

Russia’s continuing crackdown on political dissent has drawn renewed attention following the lengthy prison sentence imposed on prominent opposition politician Lev Shlosberg. A court in Pskov sentenced the veteran politician to 11 years and one month in prison after finding him guilty of publicly discrediting Russia’s armed forces. Shlosberg, 63, has long been known for criticizing Kremlin policies and advocating peaceful political solutions. Unlike many opposition politicians who left Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent restrictions on dissent, Shlosberg remained inside the country. His imprisonment has therefore become another significant example of the risks faced…

A former U.S. Justice Department lawyer has raised serious concerns about how the Trump administration handled federal antisemitism investigations involving some of the country’s most prominent universities. According to a whistleblower disclosure obtained by The Associated Press, a federal task force allegedly pushed universities toward settlements even when investigations were incomplete, rushed, or had not established clear legal violations. The allegations add another layer to the national debate surrounding antisemitism on college campuses, federal oversight of universities, student safety, and freedom of expression. While the administration presented its campaign as an effort to protect Jewish students and enforce civil rights…

Natalie Harp has emerged from behind the scenes of President Donald Trump’s White House to become an unexpected subject of national political attention. Long known within Trump’s circle as a highly loyal aide with unusually close access to the president, Harp drew broader scrutiny after Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff referenced her during an August 2026 campaign rally in Georgia. The episode quickly became more than a passing campaign remark. It renewed interest in Harp’s background, her path into Trump’s political operation, her work inside the White House, and the degree of access she has to the president. Who Is Natalie…

Families of fallen U.S. service members often face significant emotional and financial challenges following the death of a loved one. While military support programs provide essential assistance, advocates argue that some benefits have failed to keep pace with rising living costs. A new bipartisan proposal in Congress seeks to address part of that financial gap by substantially increasing an important payment provided to surviving military families. The proposal would double the military death gratuity from $100,000 to $200,000. Supporters say the increase would provide families with greater financial stability during the difficult period immediately following a service member’s death. The…

Alaska’s election season has drawn unusual attention as millions of dollars in outside spending flow into races involving candidates from across the political spectrum. Political advertising normally plays a major role in competitive elections, but the spending patterns described in the race have raised a different question: Who actually benefits from advertisements that appear to support certain candidates? The situation is particularly complicated because political groups may spend money supporting candidates who do not necessarily share their ideology. Instead, outside organizations can promote weaker or lesser-known opponents in hopes of changing the eventual general-election field. Combined with Alaska’s distinctive election…

Tensions surrounding the Korean Peninsula remain high after North Korea dismissed the United States’ decision to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea. Pyongyang argues that smaller exercises do not alter what it considers their hostile and provocative purpose, weakening expectations that the move could quickly revive diplomatic negotiations. The response comes as U.S. President Donald Trump continues signaling interest in renewed engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Despite Trump’s decision to scale back the annual exercises, North Korea has shown little willingness to treat the adjustment as a major diplomatic concession. North Korea Says Smaller Drills…

“There has never been a better time for Mexican food in the United States.” That statement captures a major shift in the American dining scene, where Mexican cuisine has moved far beyond familiar staples and become one of the country’s most exciting and diverse culinary traditions. Portland, Oregon, has played an important role in that evolution. Known for its independent restaurants, creative chefs, and adventurous food culture, the city has developed a Mexican dining scene that combines tradition with innovation. From intimate neighborhood restaurants and temporary pop-ups to sophisticated tasting menus and lively rooftop destinations, Portland offers an impressive range…

China has completed the first phase of major construction work at Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands, creating a large artificial landmass in one of the world’s most strategically contested waterways. Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters shows the newly reclaimed feature taking shape after at least six months of dredging and land reclamation. The development has attracted attention from regional security experts because of Antelope Reef’s location and potential military value. Although Beijing has not officially confirmed plans to establish a new military facility there, analysts believe the expanded reef could eventually become an important part of China’s growing network…

The United States has delayed a planned 50% tariff on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, creating another twist in the increasingly uncertain trade relationship between the two North American neighbors. President Donald Trump announced the three-day postponement shortly before the tariff deadline, saying the decision followed an agreement involving the controversial Keystone pipeline project. At the same time, Florida’s Democratic Senate primary has produced a major political upset. Progressive state Rep. Angie Nixon defeated Alex Vindman, overcoming a significant fundraising disadvantage and limited national recognition. Her victory highlights the influence of grassroots organizing, labor advocacy and voting rights…

Ukraine has appointed Yevhenii Khmara as its new defence minister, bringing a former special forces commander into one of the country’s most important wartime positions. His appointment comes during a difficult period for Ukraine, with Russian attacks continuing, military pressures increasing and political tensions growing in Kyiv. Khmara replaces Mykhailo Fedorov, whose removal after a relatively short period in office has generated controversy. Fedorov, a prominent technology-focused reformer and former digital transformation minister, has since launched a public challenge to the government by calling for wartime elections. His comments have added another layer of political uncertainty as Ukraine continues its…