The Vatican Thursday announced a formal rejection of a 15th century theory known as the ‘Doctrine of Discovery.’ In a statement, the Church said it “repudiates those concepts that fail to recognize the inherent rights of indigenous peoples.” The ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ arose from several documents collectively known as the papal bulls. Key amongst them [...]

The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit Thursday upheld the funding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) as constitutional. The court found the CFPB is funded by Title X of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The court’s finding rejected the argument of the plaintiff in the case, [...]

Ethiopia’s House of the People’s Representatives voted Wednesday to remove the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from the country’s list of terrorist organizations. In a Facebook post, the House announced the measure was necessary “in order to bring lasting peace based on the peace agreement.” The measure passed with a significant majority. The vote follows [...]

The US Supreme Court Wednesday heard oral arguments in the case of Jack Daniels Properties, Inc. v. VIP Products, LLC. Jack Daniels Properties, Inc. (JDPI) claims an excrement-themed dog toy sold by VIP Products, LLC. (VIP), which closely resembles its Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, violates the company’s trademark. VIP asserts that the toy is [...]

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk Thursday said Belarus must end human rights abuses taking place within the country. In his statement, Türk called for the cessation of “systemic repression of perceived critics,” and the immediate release of “all detainees held on political grounds.” Türk’s statement comes in response to a report detailing [...]

Australia Tuesday concluded a deal with the US and UK that will extend nuclear powered submarines to the Australian Navy. The deal is a key part of the AUKUS security agreement between the three countries. However, concerns over the disposal of nuclear waste generated by the submarines and possible violations of Australia’s commitments to anti-nuclear [...]

Talks in China between Iran and Saudi Arabia Friday concluded with the two countries agreeing to re-establish diplomatic relations. In a statement, the two nations expressed their desire to “resolve the disagreements between them through dialogue and diplomacy.” The main goal in the re-opening of relations is to “enhancregional and international peace and security.” Under [...]

The Russian Foreign Ministry Thursday issued sanctions against 144 citizens of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Russia accused the individuals of hostile acts against the Russian state. The alleged acts include lobbying for sanctions, interference with Russia’s internal affairs and inciting “Russophobic” sentiments. The names of the individuals are not yet available. In the statement, Russia [...]

Georgia’s governing coalition Thursday agreed to withdraw a controversial ‘foreign agent’ bill after large civilian and international protests, according to an official Facebook page. The ruling Georgian Dream Party said they were in agreement with their partners in “unconditionally” withdrawing support for the bill. The post placed blame for the bill’s withdraw on the “machine [...]

The US Department of Defense (DOD) Wednesday said it will release Gussan Abdullah Al Sharbi after 20 years in Guantanamo Bay. Al Sharbi, a citizen of Saudi Arabia, is set to be transferred the Kingdom for repatriation. Al Sharbi was captured in Pakistan in 2002 by the US military. He was accused of training al [...]