Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

News

Hard Numbers: Duterte rides high, Colombian massacres surge, US firms sue over tariffs, Ethiopia files charges in singer's murder

Image of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte flanked by the national flag, a gun, and symbols of justice
Make us preferred on Google

91: Despite overseeing Southeast Asia's worst COVID-19 outbreak, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's approval rating is now at a heady 91 percent, up four points since before the pandemic.


42: So far in 2020 there have been 42 mass killings in Colombia, says the UN. That's the highest annual mark since a 2016 peace accord was signed between the government and FARC rebels. Human rights activists and former FARC rebels have borne the brunt of the violence, according to the UN.

3,500: President Trump often falsely says Beijing is paying for the tariffs that his administration has slapped on China's exports. But they are actually paid by US firms, more than 3,500 of whom have now filed lawsuits (paywall) alleging that the measures are no longer legal, and demanding compensation. The list includes American giants like Coca-Cola, Ford, and Disney.

4: The Ethiopian government has filed terrorism charges against four people over the killing of a famous musician in June. The murder of Hacalu Hundessa, whose music advocated for the rights of Ethiopia's Oromo ethnic group, sparked days of violence.

More For You

China puts Taiwan on an island
When US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in Beijing on Thursday, Taiwan will be top of Xi’s mind.But it’s not an invasion that he seeks, according to Ian Bremmer, at least not yet. What Xi wants, Ian explained in a recent episode of “ask ian,” is “for the Americans to change the status quo.” In other words, the Chinese [...]
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer giving a speech at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in Waterloo, London, on May 11, 2026.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer giving a speech at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in Waterloo, London, as he sets out the next steps he is taking in his plan to build a stronger, fairer Britain, on May 11, 2026.

PA via Reuters
UK’s Starmer tries to save his baconAfter the Labour Party’s disastrous performance in the local elections last Thursday, one that was fully expected, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is clinging onto his position by a thread. In a bid to shore up support, the PM delivered a “relaunch speech” in London on Monday morning, acknowledging voters’ desire [...]
Hard Number: US eyes Cuba, literally
Natalie Johnson
The US military is reportedly increasing surveillance missions over Cuba, mostly around the country’s two biggest cities, Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Flights of this ilk were previously rare in this area. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is reportedly growing impatient that the Cuban regime hasn’t fallen, despite a de facto US oil blockade on [...]
US-Iran ceasefire in doubt, Venezuelans adjust to a new normal, EU blocks funding for Chinese solar tech

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026.

REUTERS
Burst of violence tests Iran ceasefireBoth the United States and Iran accused the other of violating the truce on Thursday. The US said it thwarted attacks on three Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran accused the US of firing on an oil tanker attempting to pass a US blockade. But US President Donald Trump dismissed the exchanges as a [...]