Newsletter Archive

The Midwest state of Iowa is in the center of the country and is at the center of the race for the White House in 2020. As the large field of Democratic candidates descends upon its 99 counties, most of them rural, they’ll try to build momentum and support ahead of nationally televised debates this summer.

Unlike his recent threats to impose tariffs on Mexican goods, U.S. President Donald Trump’s steadfast determination to confront China’s trade practices has garnered bipartisan congressional support, albeit with reservations.

For the first time, a Japanese navy ship will take part in joint military exercises in Australian waters. Analysts say it is a sign of growing defense ties between the Asia-Pacific partners. Last week the Australian government was criticized for not giving advance notice of a visit by Chinese warships to Sydney. 　

The Baltic Operations exercise, which started Sunday and runs through June 21, is steeped in nearly five decades of tradition. And the U.S. Navy’s 2nd Fleet has traveled from the U.S. East Coast to the Baltic region to lead the exercises. The fleet was made operational just last month, as increased activity by Russian and Chinese navies have worried Washington.

A semblance of normalcy returned to Hong Kong Thursday after clashes between police and protesters who oppose a controversial extradition bill that would allow criminal suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial.