Malcolm Young, Legendary Rock Guitarist And AC/DC Co-Founder, Dies At 63

A huge loss for the world of Rock & Roll.

Signs Of Russian Meddling In Brexit Vote

It appears Russia attempted to influence last year’s Brexit vote in the same manner it did the 2016 election in the United States.

Eight Killed and Nearly A Dozen Injured In New York City Terror Attack

A month that was highlighted by the capture of the ISIS capital city of Raqqa ends with an apparent lone wolf ISIS-inspired attack in New York City

Spain Moves To Take Over Catalonia In The Wake Of Independence Declaration

Things are heating up very quickly in Catalonia.

Spanish Prime Minister To Remove Catalonia’s Government From Power

Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy has said he will act to remove Catalonia’s pro-independence leadership from power.

Spanish Government Threatening To Take Over Catalonian Government Over Independence Bid

The standoff between Madrid and Barcelona over Catalan independence appears to be ready to come to an end.

American-Backed Forces Capture Raqqa, But ISIS Is Far From Defeated

The capital of the purported caliphate declared by ISIS has apparently fallen, but that doesn’t mean the end of ISIS. In fact, it may make the group more dangerous.

Catalan Government May Declare Independence Next Week, But It Will Be Meaningless

After Sunday’s referendum, the government of Catalonia says it may declare independence from Spain as early as Monday. However, it’s likely to be a completely meaningless act.

Catalonia Votes For Independence In Chaotic Vote Marred By Police Violence

Catalonia voted overwhelmingly for independence from Spain, but it’s not at all clear that the vote will amount to anything.

Catalonia, And All Of Spain, On Edge As Independence Referendum Vote Nears

Catalonia’s independence referendum is one day away, and nobody seems to know what to expect.

Tensions In Spain Rising As Catalan Independence Referendum Draws Near

As the date for Catalonia’s disputed independence referendum nears, tensions are rising between Madrid and Barcelona.

Retirements By Capitol Hill Republicans Starting To Pile Up

A recent uptick in retirements from Congressional Republicans is leading some Republicans to become concerned about the party’s prospects in 2018.

Catalan Independence Vote Set For October 1st, Propelling Spain Into Crisis

In less than a month, voters in the Catalan region of Spain will be voting whether to remain part of Spain or assert independence.

Trump Administration Set To Formalize Transgender Military Ban

The Trump Administration has reportedly finalized its order to the Defense Department regarding a ban on military service by transgender soldiers.

Donald Trump Shrugging Donald Trump Shrugging

Once Again, Trump Lies And The Truth Dies

President Trump’s reaction to the terror attack in Spain included an easily debunked lie about one of America’s most decorated Generals.

At Least Thirteen Dead, Dozens Injured, In Apparent Terror Attack In Spain

At least thirteen dead in an apparent terrorist attack in Spain.

Transgender Troops Sue Trump Over Military Ban

Just about two weeks after being announced, the President’s proposed ban on military service by transgender troops is being challenged in Court.

Trump Announces Ban On Transgender Military Service

A step backward on civil rights from a President who claimed he would be a friend to the LGBT community.

Puerto Rico Votes Overwhelmingly For Statehood in Heavily Boycotted Referendum

Puerto Rican voters voted overwhelmingly for statehood yesterday in a referendum whose legitimacy is being questioned due to boycotts by opposition parties.

What’s Taking So Long For Trump To Name U.S. Ambassadors?

Donald Trump has been President for nearly four months, but has yet to name Ambassadorial picks for many slots including several important posts.

A ‘Trump Slump’ In The U.S. Travel Industry?

Travel industry experts are reporting a noticeable drop in international travel and tourism since Donald Trump was elected President.

A “Republic v. Democracy” Lexicon

Concepts, basic applications, and even a bibliography! Merry Festivus, everyone.

New Ebola Vaccine Is 100% Effective

Big news in the war against a horrible virus.

Fidel Castro Dead At 90

One of the Cold War era’s last dictators has finally died.

Angela Merkel To Seek Fourth Term As German Chancellor

Political change coming to Germany? Or more of the same.

Trump and Fascism

Should Donald Trump be classified as a fascist?

Yes, It Is Appropriate To Think Of Donald Trump As a Fascist And Demagogue

Given his rhetoric, it’s fairly clear that Donald Trump is drawing from a poisonous political well. So there’s no point in failing to acknowledge reality.

Legislators In Catalonia Push Measure For Independence From Spain

Legislators in Spain’s Catalonia region took a step toward independence, but Madrid apparently wants nothing to do with it.

Background on the FARC (and Remembering the FARC’s Terrible, Horrible, no Good, very Bad Year+)

The seeds of the current peace deal date back to 2007-2008 (plus some longer-term background notes).

British Labour Party Takes A Strong Tilt Left In Leadership Election

Britain’s Labour Party has taken a hard tilt left with the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader.

Why Does Europe Want To Keep Greece?

It’s easy to see what Greece thinks it still needs Europe, it’s more of puzzle why Europe thinks it needs to hang on to Greece.

Brian Williams and the Pressures of War Correspondents

There’s no excuse for the former NBC anchor’s lies. But there are reasons.

Pope: Don’t Breed Like Rabbits. Or Use Birth Control.

Pope Francis continues his world tour and has issued a paradox from his private jet.

Russian Government Projects Sanctions, Declining Oil Prices, Will Lead To Recession In 2015

Russia’s own government is projecting that its economy will slip into recession next year. How that will impact Putin’s current belligerence remains to be seen.

Worldwide Ebola Cases Top 16,000 With 7,000 Dead, But There Is Some Good News

The numbers on the Ebola outbreak are bad, but they aren’t as bad as had been feared.

China’s Coming Collapse?

A knowledgeable observer has a dim forecast.

British Government Backs N.F.L. Franchise In London, But It Doesn’t Make Sense

The N.F.L. and the British Government are both behind the idea of a franchise in London, but the idea doesn’t really make sense for the league, or the game.

Fear And Loathing In The Age Of Ebola

As usual, politicians and pundits are helping to create a climate of fear and concern about Ebola that is not justified by the facts.

Texas Health Worker Tests Positive For Ebola, But That’s No Reason To Panic

A second case, and the first person to apparently contract Ebola on U.S. soil. But, that’s no reason to panic.

Catalonia Secession Movement Moves Forward

Despite seeing the effort fail in Scotland, Catalans say they intend to move forward with their own independence effort.

Scots Reject Independence, But The United Kingdom May Never Be The Same

The United Kingdom will stay united, but it may never be the same again.

On Eve Of Vote, Anti-Independence Forces Have Slight Lead In Scotland

It’s all over but the voting in Scotland.

Will the GOP Ever Win Another Presidential Election?

It’s hard for a party to win four straight presidential elections. The Democrats may pull it off.

Ukraine Is A Test For Europe. Does It Have The Will To Even Make The Effort To Pass?

What the West does in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine is largely up to Europe, not the United States.