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Rubio Meets Saudi Crown Prince for Talks on Gaza and Ukraine
Marco Rubio’s visit to Riyadh, his first as secretary of state, came amid uncertainty about the future of Gaza and Ukraine and criticism of unilateral U.S. moves over the wars in both places.
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European Leaders Meet to Discuss Ukraine War as Trump Officials Prepare For Russia Peace Talks
The hastily called gathering was part of a flurry of diplomacy expected to center on Ukraine this week as Trump officials prepare to start talks with Russia on their own.
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Trump’s Threats Against Canada Upend Conservative’s Playbook
A darling of the American right, Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, is facing an electorate worried about Trump’s vow to annex Canada.
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Israel Says It Will Keep Troops ‘Temporarily’ in 5 Points in Lebanon
The announcement raised the specter of renewed fighting in southern Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia.
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South African Imam and Gay Rights Advocate is Shot Dead
Muhsin Hendricks was credited by some as being the world’s first openly gay imam and helped Muslims reconcile their faith with their sexual orientation.
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Brenda Robinson, Acting President of Film Independent, Set to Preside Over 40th Spirit Awards; Aidy Bryant Cheerfully Returns as Host
When the Spirit Awards convene under a big tent on the beach in Santa Monica, California, this Saturday, February 22, the beloved event known for amplifying independent cinema and fostering a creative community, will do so under new leadership. On February 7, Film Independent named Brenda Robinson its Acting President, elevating her from her position…
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Hulu’s Bold “A Thousand Blows” Is the Most Riveting Series of the Year
Before we’re introduced to the characters and concept of Hulu’s new series “A Thousand Blows,” we’re told that “The following is inspired by real characters who lived and fought together in London’s East End.” These characters, despite the slight differences between them, all harbour a darkness within them, ranging from childhood traumas to the murder…
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A Look at Every Oscar-Nominated Short This Year
Last year, I wrote that the independent spirit in these Oscar Shorts categories felt absent and perhaps would be for the unforeseeable future, as Netflix, The New Yorker and other such services and publications started making big gains in the short film market and leaving true independent artists in the dust, at least in terms…
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Porsche Is No Longer a ‘Premium’ Sports Car in China
Chinese drivers are buying affordable electric vehicles loaded with new technology, a trend that is redefining high-end vehicles and hurting German automakers.
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Japan’s Economy Recovered In Second Half But Barely Grew in 2024
Though it recovered in the second half of the year, Japan’s economy barely grew in 2024 as a depreciated yen fueled inflation and strained households.