Articles from ‘Independent News Roundup’

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has acknowledged that the disappearance of cheap energy imports has undermined one of the foundations of Europe's economic model. The admission comes as European industries contend with energy prices she says remain two to three times higher than those faced by competitors in the United States and China. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · For years, Europe's access to relatively…

The United States national debt has exceeded $40 trillion for the first time, doubling from roughly $20 trillion in January 2017. The milestone arrived months earlier than expected, with Treasury figures cited by RT putting the burden at around $119,000 for every American — and more than $366,000 for every federal taxpayer. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · The United States has crossed a financial threshold that would have been…

American grain farmers are facing what industry representatives describe as their worst financial crisis since the 1980s, as disruption from the Iran conflict drives up diesel and fertiliser costs. The Financial Times, cited by RT, reports that growers of nine major US crops could collectively lose around $31 billion this year without federal assistance. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, citing the Financial Times, HERE. · The economic…

Third time's the charm? The EU is determined to end its economic dependency on China, echoing previous calls to curb reliance on Russia and the United states. Local media in Ukraine uncover corruption at the highest levels, With the head of Zelensky's office named as a key figure in a multi-million dollar graft scheme. New rounds of IDF fire bring devastation in Lebanon. We speak with a grieving father, who is still coming to terms with the…

Roger Waters has delivered a sweeping critique of artificial intelligence, social media and modern warfare, arguing that apparently separate developments share a common thread: the concentration of power. Speaking to RT, the veteran musician warned that AI-generated culture could undermine human creativity while algorithmic platforms manipulate attention, emotions and political behaviour. INR Report: Based on an interview with Roger Waters…

CIA Director John Ratcliffe has made the first known visit to Moscow by a serving CIA chief since 2021. The Kremlin says the previously unannounced trip involved contacts between US and Russian intelligence services, but reports suggesting discussions ranged from Ukraine and Iran to detainees and strategic stability remain unconfirmed INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · CIA Director John Ratcliffe quietly travelled to Moscow this week…

Russian forces have reportedly breached the first defensive lines in their advance towards Slavyansk in the Donetsk Republic. Qatar’s Prime Minister arrives in Tehran seeking ways to ease Middle East tensions as Washington vows to further isolate Iran. We examine how the US has used similar pressure tactics before, while RT India visits Kabul for an exclusive interview with Taliban leaders about the misconceptions they want to challenge.

Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, CBC journalists have reportedly been reminded not to independently describe 9/11 as a “terrorist attack.” The broadcaster disputes reports suggesting it is denying the nature of the attacks, saying journalists can use the terminology when attributing it to authorities, experts or other sources. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Canada's publicly funded national broadcaster…

Five years after the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan, a Pentagon review panel says it has uncovered classified documents that were apparently withheld from previous investigations. The panel's chairman says the material could help explain decisions surrounding the withdrawal, although the allegation of deliberate concealment has not yet been substantiated publicly. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Pentagon investigators…

Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the West Bank will remain Israeli land while highlighting the expansion and legalisation of Jewish settlements across the occupied territory. His comments come as Israel advances the E1 settlement project east of Jerusalem — a development critics warn could further divide Palestinian territory and undermine the possibility of a viable two-state solution. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Israeli…