Articles from ‘Independent News Roundup’

The United States Treasury may be able to influence bond markets in the short term, but economist Steve Hanke argues it cannot override the underlying forces driving borrowing costs higher. With U.S. federal debt now above $40 trillion, Hanke says the real problem is no longer simply the size of America's debt — it is the mounting cost of servicing it INR Report: Based on an interview with economist Dr Steve Hanke by Lena Petrova for World…

An unusual US Air Force C-17 flight into Moscow initially triggered speculation over whether Washington was moving diplomatic cargo, supporting a senior delegation or conducting a prisoner transfer. Hours later, CBS News reporting cited sources saying CIA Director John Ratcliffe had travelled aboard the aircraft for meetings in Moscow — an extraordinary visit amid continuing tensions between Washington and Moscow. INR Report: Based on reporting…

After Mark Carney pulled Canada out of U.S. trade talks and called it a war, Susan Kokinda shows it isn’t about tariffs — it’s a midterm operation and a clash of systems. Scott Bessent is fighting the parallel battle: defusing the yen carry trade with tools like FIMA so Treasury rates don’t blow. After Prime Minister Mark Carney abruptly pulled Canada out of U.S. trade talks and framed the dispute as a “war,” this episode argues the rupture…

Russia has used the UN Security Council to level sweeping accusations against Vladimir Zelensky’s government, claiming political and religious repression inside Ukraine while alleging an intensifying campaign against Russian civilians. The claims come as Moscow rejects proposals for a temporary ceasefire, arguing any pause would simply allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Russia Takes Its Case to the…

Darline Graham’s admission that national security is “not my area of expertise” has triggered questions about whether she is ready for a full Senate term. Yet the controversy also exposes a deeper divide inside the Republican base: whether voters want another foreign-policy hawk in the mould of her late brother Lindsey Graham — or a senator focused far more heavily on domestic concerns. INR Report: Based on an opinion article by Robert Bridge…

The rapidly escalating US-Canada trade dispute is moving beyond tariffs. With Ontario threatening restrictions on electricity exports and Ottawa preparing dollar-for-dollar retaliation, the confrontation highlights how deeply integrated the two economies have become — and how quickly trade dependence can become geopolitical leverage. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to restrict electricity…

Two civilians are killed and two wounded as Ukrainian drones strike residential areas in Russia’s Krasnodar region for a second night. A former US Ukraine envoy backs drafting women as anger grows over forced mobilisation. Meanwhile, Washington intensifies economic pressure on Iran, while Tehran says its trading partners will resist US demands.

A man accused of preparing a manifesto threatening attacks on two Auckland schools and other public buildings has been found guilty on all charges. The case involved threats to use 3D-printed firearms and explosives, with police tracing the material to Tiedan Huo after an innocent former student was initially named as the sender. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ. · A jury in the Manukau District Court has found Tiedan Huo guilty of 12…

Relations between Russia and Britain have deteriorated to what Moscow describes as an unprecedented low, with warnings that British involvement in Ukrainian long-range strikes could increasingly be regarded as participation in the war. Yet despite increasingly hostile rhetoric, the evidence presented suggests both sides still have powerful reasons to avoid the step that could turn confrontation into a direct Russia-NATO conflict. INR Report:…

Vladimir Putin says attacks on Russian businesses and civilian infrastructure make Kiev’s ceasefire demands unrealistic. Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency releases recordings allegedly showing members of Zelensky’s inner circle discussing money laundering and control of corruption investigations. Meanwhile, South Korea begins its first voyage through Russia’s Northern Sea Route, seeking shorter shipping times and lower costs.