Global Tensions and Domestic Shifts Define Trumps 2026 Political Landscape Alternative options if a tighter focus is preferred - Trumps Policies Face Scrutiny Amid Geopolitical and Domestic Challenges - From Beijing to the Vatican Trumps 2026 Diplomacy Under Pressure

Trump faces tense China visit as Iran war overshadows key summit Known for avoiding lengthy travel, Trump is expected to spend only parts of three days on Chinese soil

independent · 10 days ago

Trump has a better understanding of the Bible than Pope Leo, says conservative Christian pastor Megachurch pastor calls Pope Leo sincerely wrong about Iran war

independent · 10 days ago

How the Trump White House works against itself in its efforts to prevent overdoses Contradictory policies that gut harm reduction programs while supporting naloxone access are confusing expertsWithin just a few weeks, the Trump administration has proposed multiple contradictory policies related to overdose prevention – some that could help save lives and others that experts say could further strain health resources and put people at risk for overdose.These policies include a new prohibition on funding for fentanyl test strips, which help people avoid overdoses; proposed budget cuts that would gut the countrys overdose prevention efforts; and an ambitious drug control strategy that will be impossible to implement if the aforementioned cuts go through. Continue reading...

theguardian · 11 days ago

Americas pastor pipeline is collapsing Fewer Americans want to become pastors, accelerating a leadership vacuum inside one of the countrys oldest civic institutions.Why it matters: As the pastor role becomes lower-paid, higher-risk and less trusted, the U.S. isnt just losing clergy — its losing a key layer of local leadership, especially in rural and Black communities.By the numbers: U.S. Master of Divinity enrollment at accredited schools under the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) fell 14 from 2020 to 2024.Graduate-level and college-level enrollment at Catholic seminaries were down significantly in the 2024-2025 academic year, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University said.Black Protestant enrollment in ATS Master of Divinity and professional M.A. programs fell 31 from 2000 to 2020.State of play: Churches are trying to fill pulpits as older clergy retire, congregations shrink and burnout rises. More than 4 in 10 clergy surveyed in fall 2023 said they had seriously considered leaving their congregations since 2020, per Hartford Institute data reported by The Associated Press.The leadership crunch comes as the U.S. saw 15,000 churches close last year and as a record 29 of Americans now identify as religiously unaffiliated.Zoom in: Rural churches are hit first because many already share pastors, rely on part-time clergy or ask one minister to cover multiple congregations.When those churches close, towns can lose informal hubs for food aid, child care, disaster relief and elder care.Zoom out: The Black church also faces a squeeze. The Brookings Institution notes Black churches have long acted as public-health and community-service infrastructure in places underserved by government systems. Catholic parish closures have also fallen disproportionately on Black, Latino and poorer neighborhoods in dioceses studied by researchers.Case-in-point: Last month, the Diocese of Oakland announced it would close 13 churches in its region due to financial struggles and declining parishioners.The Diocese also said in a statement its struggled to recruit priests and has faced an all-time low of priests assigned to our 80 parishes. What theyre saying: The drop is part of the decline of Protestantism in the U.S. Catholicism is pretty much in the same boat, Eileen Campbell-Reed, author of Pastoral Imagination: Bringing the Practice of Ministry to Life, and a research professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School, tells Axios.Campbell-Reed said the strain of the pandemic — layered on long-term decline — pushed many clergy out of ministry and discouraged new entrants. In addition, political polarization pushed some out.Its harder and harder to be the pastor of a purple church.Caveat: Pentecostalism is one of the few parts of U.S. Christianity still growing overall, but that does not necessarily mean the pastor pipeline is healthy. The largest U.S. Pentecostal body, the Assemblies of God, reported continued growth in attendance (+6.2) and adherents (+2.5) in its latest report.Its a mixed picture, though: membership and churches are rising in some groups, while leadership supply is uneven and increasingly strained.The intrigue: Campbell-Reed and Good Faith Media showed 96,000 clergywomen in the U.S., or 23.7 of all clergy, an all-time high.Campbell-Reeds earlier research found women were 2.3 of U.S. clergy in 1960 and 20.7 in 2016.What were watching: The rapid growth of the Catholic Church in Asia and Africa — and a priest shortage in the U.S. — has led the church to send a rising number of priests from those regions to the U.S.Priests from Africa have been noticeably more visible in Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado.Meanwhile, Massachusetts and California are seeing more Asian priests in parishes.

axios · 11 days ago

Violent crime rates plunge in Americas big cities Data: Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA); Chart: Russell Contreras/AxiosViolent crime fell sharply across the largest U.S. cities in early 2026, extending a nationwide decline that began after the pandemic-era crime spike.Why it matters: Data from 67 major U.S. law enforcement agencies show violent crime fell across major categories during the first quarter compared with the same period in 2025.The declines show up across every major region, suggesting a systemic, nationwide trend.The quarterly reports collected by the Major Cities Chiefs Association have been a good measure of trends that are reflected in the annual FBI crime data released in the fall.By the numbers: Homicides dropped 17.7.Robberies fell 20.4.Rapes declined 7.2.Aggravated assaults decreased 4.8.Zoom in: Some of the nations biggest cities posted especially dramatic homicide declines in the first three months of 2026.Among those that saw sizable percentage drops in homicide were Washington, D.C. (64.7), Philadelphia (54), San Diego (50) and Memphis (34.4).New York City experienced a 31.7 drop in homicides during Mayor Zohran Mamdanis first months in office.Los Angeles (23) and Houston (36.4) also posted homicide declines during the same period.Between the lines: The new numbers complicate the political narrative around crime heading into the 2026 midterms. President Trump has repeatedly described major Democratic-led cities as gripped by violent crime.Data show many urban areas have become significantly safer over the last two years, with drops beginning in the second half of the Biden presidency and continuing under Trump.Trump cited violent crime as his reason for sending federal troops last year to Chicago, Portland, Washington, D.C., Memphis, and cities in California.The intrigue: Aurora, Colorado — a city Trump repeatedly and falsely singled out as being overrun by Venezuelan immigrant gangs during the 2024 election — saw a 66.7 drop in homicides.In response to early reports that crime was dropping to record lows, the Trump administration has changed its tone and has begun touting the declines while crediting its policies.Yes, but: The recovery remains uneven.Some cities still reported increases in certain violent crime categories even as overall violence fell. Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Virginia Beach, Va., were among the cities that posted overall increases in violent crime totals during the quarter, according to Axios analysis of the MCCA data.Police leaders also caution that crime trends can shift quickly heading into the summer months, when violence historically rises. Denver officials recently warned about a potential seasonal spike after a string of killings despite the citys broader downward trend, Axios Denvers Esteban L. Hernandez reports. The bottom line: Americas largest cities are continuing to get safer in 2026, even as crime remains one of the countrys most politically potent issues.

axios · 11 days ago

How do we get more men to join the anti-Trump resistance? | Saul Austerlitz My activist group is about 80 women. Where did all the men go – and how can we get them back?In Donald Trumps first term, my Brooklyn-based activist group had the peculiar dynamic of being started by two men while being composed of about 65 women. Since November 2024, our group has doubled in size, and the gender imbalance has tipped even further: we are now about 80 women.Almost 18 months into Trumps second term, it is abundantly clear that the appetite for anti-Trump, pro-democracy activism has not dimmed at all. And yet, there is a substantial portion of the populace that, in my experience as an activist, seems to have lost its fervor for the fight. Continue reading...

theguardian · 11 days ago

I will keep defending immigrants: new bishop, who was smuggled into the US as a teen, joins popes resistance to Trump The Right Rev Evelio Menjivar-Ayala vows to keep talking as West Virginia bishop, amid tension between Trump and the VaticanThe new bishop appointed to lead West Virginia Catholics has pledged to continue speaking up for immigrants in the mould of Pope Leo, who appointed him last week amid ongoing tension between Donald Trump and the Vatican.The Right Rev Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, 55, is not planning to hide his views after being elevated from assistant bishop in Washington DC to lead the diocese that covers West Virginia – the first Latino American bishop from El Salvador, who left Central America as a teenager and arrived in the US smuggled in the trunk of a car. Continue reading...

theguardian · 11 days ago

Donald Trump will arrive in Beijing this week knowing that Xi holds all the cards | Simon Tisdall The US president will be counting on China to influence Iran and help him out of his latest mess. But the price may be high – including for TaiwanLike an out-of-control wrecking ball, swinging wildly back and forth, Donald Trump smashes up the international order without much thought for the consequences. Lacking coherent strategies, workable plans or consistent aims, he power-trips erratically from one fragile region, tense warzone and complex geopolitical situation to another, leaving misery, confusion and rubble in his wake. Typically, he claims a bogus victory, demands that others repair the damage and pick up the tab, then looks around for something new to break.The president will bulldoze into another international minefield this week – the fraught standoff between China and Taiwan – when he travels to Beijing for a two-day summit with President Xi Jinping. After a string of humiliating policy implosions over Ukraine, Gaza, Nato, Greenland, and now Iran and Lebanon, needy Trump craves a diplomatic success to flaunt at home. But his hopes of vote-winning trade pacts are overshadowed by his latest war of choice. He needs Xis promise not to arm Iran if all-out fighting resumes – and Xis help keeping the strait of Hormuz open as part of a mooted framework peace deal. Continue reading...

theguardian · 11 days ago

@vladvexler.bsky.social Anthony Scaramucci on Trump - what every leader is missing about Trump #EU #NATO #Philosophy Inside #Trumps brain 🧠 and its yes narcissistic complexity 5/4/2026

mastodon bot · 11 days ago

Tehran, Taiwan, trade … what are the hazards facing Trump on Xi summit tightrope? US leader enters talks with superpower rival from vulnerable position, but will be hoping for economic wins amid turbulent backdropIf all goes to plan over the next few days – and that is a big if – Donald Trump will arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for a highly anticipated summit with Xi Jinping, Chinas leader.The trip will mark the first time a US president has visited China in nearly a decade. The last visit was also made by Trump, during his first term, in 2017. Continue reading...

theguardian · 11 days ago

Trump administration pulls Covid-19 vaccine safety studies amid political row The developments come as the Trump administration sees a marked rise in the influence of anti-vaccine figures and movements, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, which fuelled a wave of conspiracy theories and misleading health information.

euronews · 11 days ago

With Trumps low approval rating and Republicans self-destruction, can Democrats take the Senate? Even with the Iran war weighing Trumps party down, Democrats face a challenge turning the upper chamber blueThe county of Louisa in eastern Iowa is so rural that there is not a single stoplight on its roads, and its largest town, Wapello, boasts an appropriately wry nickname: Capital of the World.The moniker is not entirely off-base, for decisions made here have, in their own way, reverberated across the globe. Louisa is among a band of counties along the Mississippi River that backed Barack Obama both times he was on the presidential ballot, before, like Iowa as a whole, flipping to Donald Trump in 2016 and growing increasingly Republican each time he was on the ballot. Continue reading...

theguardian · 11 days ago

Canadians said no to Trump – so why is Mark Carney pushing a Maga-inspired border bill? | Erica Ifill If it goes ahead we will see the construction of a surveillance state that is in some ways worse than the USCanada got duped. We avoided electing an outright Trump sympathiser, but we still elected a prime minister who will align our policies with the United States. Despite all the anti-Trump rhetoric and celebration of the idea that Canada was independent and had no desire to be like the US, we are now passing Maga-inspired legislation.The newly elected Mark Carney government tabled a border bill that will give law enforcement sweeping powers in obtaining citizens data, and will align Canada with the USs refugee policies. Bill C-2, or the Strong Borders Act, is presented as a border security bill. However, its reach extends beyond border applications to nearly all legislation.Erica Ifill is an economist and award-winning political columnist Continue reading...

theguardian · 11 months ago

Central banks are beginning to fret about dollar swap lines Officials outside the US worry about what will happen when Jay Powell leaves the Fed

financial times · 11 months ago

Canada to fast-track Ring of Fire mining project over First Nations objections Ontario premier insists development of remote critical minerals reserve is a priority in response to Trumps tariffs

financial times · 11 months ago

Vietnam risks being the trade wars biggest loser. Does it have a plan B? The south-east Asian country benefited hugely from US-China tensions, but the Trump tariffs strike at the heart of its economy

financial times · 11 months ago

GOP tax bill would cost poor Americans $1,600 a year and boost highest earners by $12,000, CBO says

news.yahoo.com · 11 months ago

Trumps policies could have a major impact on your credit score. Heres how President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill would likely add trillions to the countrys deficit and drive up interest rates.

independent · 11 months ago

Trump says he may have to force interest rate change in attack on Powell President calls Federal Reserve chair a numbskull for not reducing US borrowing costs

financial times · 11 months ago

Trump says he may have to force something on interest rates President calls Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell a numbskull for not reducing borrowing costs

financial times · 11 months ago

US universities campaign against tax increase in Trumps big, beautiful bill Spending on lobbyists surges ahead of Senate decision on US presidents key fiscal legislation

financial times · 11 months ago

Trumps tax bill would be a boon for richest Americans, says watchdog Congressional Budget Office believes legislation will leave poorest worse off

financial times · 11 months ago

Dollar slides to three-year low after Trump repeats tariff threats Dollar 10 down since start of year as weakening economy and erratic policy raise expectations of interest rate cutsThe dollar sank to its lowest in more than three years on Thursday as Donald Trumps latest trade threats and the weakening economy appeared to bring forward interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.Foreign exchange traders sold the dollar in favour of the yen and the euro, which both climbed by about 1 against the US currency to leave it almost 10 down on its value against a basket of currencies since the beginning of the year. Continue reading...

theguardian · 11 months ago

Carney Says Trump Meeting at G-7 Summit to Determine Fate of US-Canada Tariff Deal The Canadian prime minister said officials in Ottawa and Washington are in intense talks on a new economic-and-security pact, but there is no deal yet.

wsj · 11 months ago

Matter of Survival: To Tackle Student Protests, Serbian Govt Targets Professors A Serbian government decree has slashed the amount of time university professors can dedicate to research, effectively cutting their pay and undermining their academic advancement as retaliation for supporting students behind nationwide protests.

balkaninsight · about 1 year ago

TSU Launches School for NICA Supercollider Developers The school Statistics for Physicists was launched at Tomsk State University with the support of a megagrant from…

europesays.com · about 1 year ago

Univs urged to cut academic ties with Pak, Turkiye & Bangladesh | India News The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has urged Indian universities to sever ties with institutions in Pakistan, Turkiye,…

europesays.com · about 1 year ago

Trumps University Crackdowns Risk Talent Brain Drain

gdeltproject.org · about 1 year ago

Beyond Compliance: Operationalizing Disclosure Intelligence For Compliance At Scale

gdeltproject.org · about 1 year ago

Foreign Countries Aim to Poach Americas Best and Brightest As Trump cracks down on U.S. universities and international students, governments see an opportunity.

foreignpolicy.com · about 1 year ago