Mayoral candidate detained after linking arms with immigrant facing federal deportation proceedings
New York, N.Y. – New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander has been arrested by federal agents at an immigration court after he linked arms with a person who authorities were attempting to detain. The incident occurred on June 17, 2025, at the federal courthouse at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan.
Federal immigration court at the Federal Courthouse at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City.
Federal Agents Use Force Against Elected Official
“While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE,” Dora Pekec, Lander’s campaign spokesperson, said in a statement. Video footage shows multiple federal agents, many wearing masks, forcibly removing Lander from the courthouse. As he was placed in handcuffs, Lander could be heard protesting to the officers about their actions.
The arrest represents an escalation in tensions between New York City officials and federal immigration authorities under President Donald Trump‘s renewed immigration enforcement policies. He was detained after a series of dramatic confrontations between federal law enforcement and Democrats opposing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Background of Immigration Court Advocacy
Lander has been going to immigration court on separate occasions for several weeks after a number of undocumented immigrants, including a Bronx public school student named Dylan, were arrested by masked ICE agents after showing up to routine hearings. The comptroller had been serving as an advocate for individuals facing deportation proceedings, attempting to ensure their rights were protected during court appearances.
The 54-year-old Democratic politician, who was elected comptroller in 2021, has made immigration advocacy a central part of his mayoral campaign platform. His presence at the courthouse was part of ongoing efforts to support immigrant families navigating the federal court system.
Political Reaction and Implications
“Masked ICE agents just violently arrested a U.S. citizen —and elected official — for simply asking to see a judicial warrant,” Manhattan Borough PresidentMark Levine wrote in his X post. “This is authoritarianism. Comptroller Lander must be released immediately.” The arrest drew immediate condemnation from fellow New York officials, including Public AdvocateJumaane Williams, who joined calls for Lander’s immediate release.
The incident highlights the growing confrontation between local New York City officials and federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration‘s renewed focus on deportations. New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was detained for several hours after being arrested at an immigration court on Tuesday, the latest politician opposed to U.S. President Donald Trump‘s immigration raids to get caught up with law enforcement.
Release and Future Actions
Lander was released several hours after his arrest without being charged. Lander said he remains committed to showing up for immigrant families in court and encouraged peaceful protest. The comptroller’s office confirmed that he would continue his advocacy work despite the arrest.
The arrest comes as I.C.E. operations have intensified across the country, with federal agents conducting raids and enforcement actions in locations including schools, hospitals, and courthouses. New York has declared itself a sanctuary city, creating additional friction with federal immigration authorities.
As one of several candidates seeking the Democratic mayoral nomination, Lander’s arrest may impact his campaign trajectory. His supporters view the incident as evidence of his commitment to defending immigrant rights, while critics question whether elected officials should interfere with federal law enforcement operations.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and I.C.E. have not yet provided detailed comments on the specific circumstances surrounding Lander’s arrest or whether additional charges may be filed.
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Photo credit: Lander for Mayor website.
Philanthropist Stands for Lander
“As founder of the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, I commend New York City Comptroller Brad Lander for his courageous stand against ICE’s authoritarian tactics at 26 Federal Plaza. His arrest on June 17, 2025, while defending immigrant rights, exemplifies the leadership we instill in young global leaders. We must resist authoritarianism under the Trump administration to inspire the next generation to champion justice and equity,” stated Jim Luce.
75-Word Summary
New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on June 17, 2025, at federal immigration court in Manhattan. The arrest occurred after Lander linked arms with an individual facing deportation proceedings. He was released hours later without charges.
TAGS: immigration enforcement, Brad Lander, New York City, ICE arrest, mayoral candidate, federal agents, sanctuary city, Trump administration, deportation proceedings, immigrant rights, Democratic primary
Same-Sex Relations Decriminalized in 1871, Same-Sex Marriage Arrived in 2022; How Activism Forged Latin America’s Quiet Revolution
New York, N.Y. — The heat of a Mexico City summer still lingers in my memory—the scent of churros and exhaust fumes mixing with the electric buzz of Zona Rosa, where I wandered as a wide-eyed young man exploring a sanctuary of rainbow flags and clandestine bars.
Decades later, as a journalist and advocate, I reflect on Mexico‘s extraordinary journey: a nation that decriminalized same-sex relations before the Model-T rolled off assembly lines, yet needed until 2022 for marriage equality to sweep all of its 32 states.
This is a story of revolutionary patience, where pre-Columbian acceptance collided with colonial cruelty, and where today’s Pride parades pulse with the ghosts of activists who marched under threat of state execution.
Roots in Ancient Soil: Muxes and Colonial Crackdowns
“Balboa expels several Indians guilty of the terrible sin of sodomy to dogs”.
Long before Spanish galleons arrived, Mexico’s Indigenous cultures held nuanced understandings of gender and sexuality.
Among the Zapotec people of Oaxaca, muxes—individuals assigned male at birth who embrace feminine roles—were revered as bridges between worlds, blessed with special spiritual powers.
This acceptance shattered under Spanish colonialism, which imported Europe’s sodomy laws and Inquisition trials.
By the 1600s, same-sex intimacy carried death sentences, driving underground what Indigenous societies had celebrated for millennia.
The colonial legacy persisted through Mexico’s independence in 1821, but liberal reforms gradually chipped away at ecclesiastical control.
In 1871—just six years after the U.S. Civil War ended—Mexico’s Penal Code quietly removed prohibitions on consensual same-sex relations, making it one of the world’s first nations to decriminalize homosexuality.
This landmark moment occurred without fanfare, buried in broader legal modernization that few recognized as revolutionary.
The first LGBT+ Pride March in Mexico was held on June 29, 1979 in Mexico City and was called the ‘Homosexual Pride March.’
From Shadows to Sunlight: The Birth of Activism
Mexico’s modern LGBTQ+ movement emerged from the upheaval of 1968, when student protests cracked open authoritarian control. In 1971, writer Carlos Monsiváis penned essays defending sexual diversity, while underground groups like Frente de Liberación Homosexual(FLH) formed in the capital’s bohemian neighborhoods. The movement’s coming-out moment arrived on July 26, 1978, when roughly 300 activists marched down Paseo de la Reforma for Mexico’s first Pride parade, chanting “¡Salir del clóset!” (Out of the closet!) as bemused onlookers gawked.
The 1980s brought both tragedy and solidarity as the AIDS epidemic devastated communities. Groups like Círculo Cultural Gay transformed from social clubs into advocacy organizations, demanding healthcare access and anti-discrimination protections. I witnessed this evolution firsthand during my visits to Zona Rosa, where the district’s cabaret culture provided camouflaged community spaces. Behind the sequins and spotlight of venues like El Taller lay networks of mutual aid that sustained a generation through the plague years.
Legal Victories and Constitutional Battles
Mexico City blazed the trail toward marriage equality in 2009, when the capital’s assembly approved same-sex unions over fierce Catholic Church opposition. The decision triggered a constitutional crisis as conservative states challenged the law’s validity. In 2015, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling declaring marriage bans unconstitutional, though implementation varied wildly across states. Some embraced change immediately; others required individual lawsuits that stretched for years.
The breakthrough came in 2022 when Tamaulipas became the final state to legalize same-sex marriage, completing a 13-year struggle for nationwide equality. This victory coincided with broader LGBTQ+ advances, including gender identity recognition laws and anti-discrimination protections in employment and education. Mexico now ranks among Latin America’s most progressive nations on sexual and gender diversity—a remarkable transformation for a country where machismo culture runs deep.
Pride Parade in Mexico City. Photo credit: Diana Reyes / pexels.com.
Pride in the Present: Reflections from Zona Rosa
Walking through Zona Rosa today, I’m struck by how far Mexico has traveled since my first tentative exploration of its gay neighborhoods. The district still pulses with rainbow energy, but the furtive glances have given way to open celebration. Mexico City’s annual Pride march now draws over 100,000 participants, transforming the Zócalo into a carnival of visibility that would have been unimaginable during the underground years.
Yet challenges persist.Transgender Mexicans face alarming violence rates, with advocacy groups documenting hundreds of murders in recent years. As all over the world, rural areas lag behind urban centers in acceptance, and religious conservatism still wields political influence. The muxe communities of Oaxaca, meanwhile, navigate between traditional respect and modern prejudice, their ancient acceptance threatened by imported homophobia.
Mexico’s journey from colonial persecution to constitutional equality spans centuries, but its lessons resonate globally. Progress rarely follows straight lines—it requires the patient accumulation of small victories, the courage of activists willing to march when marching meant arrest, and the gradual erosion of prejudice through visibility and persistence.As I learned wandering those Mexico City streets decades ago, sometimes revolution begins with simply existing in public, refusing the shadows others would impose.
Mexico pioneered same-sex decriminalization in 1871 but needed 151 years to achieve marriage equality. From Indigenous muxe acceptance through Spanish persecution to modern Pride parades, this journey reflects centuries of struggle. Zona Rosa district symbolizes transformation from underground refuge to open celebration, though transgender violence and rural prejudice persist across this Latin American leader.
TAGS: LGBTQIA+ Rights, Mexico, Same-Sex Marriage, Pride Parades, Zona Rosa, Muxe Culture, Marriage Equality, Human Rights, Latin America, Mexico City, LGBTQ+ History, Sexual Diversity, Gender Identity, Indigenous Rights, Civil Rights
Karen Bass Stands for Constitutional Values Against Federal Immigration Overreach
By the Staff of The Stewardship Report: Let the truth-telling begin
New York, N.Y. – In a stunning display of journalistic malpractice, Breitbart has once again chosen inflammatory rhetoric over factual reporting, targeting Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for her principled stance on protecting vulnerable communities from federal immigration enforcement overreach.
The publication’s latest hit piece reveals more about its own ideological agenda than it does about Bass’s actual policies or the complex realities facing America’s second-largest city.
The Real Story Behind Immigration Enforcement
The Breitbart narrative deliberately conflates legitimate concerns about immigration enforcement tactics with support for violence, creating a false binary that serves only to inflame tensions.
What the publication fails to acknowledge is that Bass’s position reflects longstanding constitutional principles about local governance and the separation of federal and municipal responsibilities.
Immigration enforcement has historically been a federal responsibility, not a local one. When federal agencies conduct raids in local communities without coordination or transparency, they undermine the trust that local law enforcement needs to maintain public safety.
This isn’t about “backing riots” – it’s about maintaining the delicate balance between federal authority and local autonomy that has defined American governance for centuries.
Fire Response: Context Matters
The article’s attempt to weaponize the Palisades Fire tragedy represents a particularly cynical form of disaster opportunism.
While any large-scale emergency reveals systemic challenges, the suggestion that Bass’s immigration stance somehow contributed to fire response failures is both factually baseless and morally reprehensible.
California’s fire season has become increasingly severe due to climate change – a phenomenon that Breitbart consistently downplays or denies.
The state faces unprecedented challenges from drought, extreme weather, and decades of forest management practices that predate any current administration. To suggest that immigration policy has any bearing on fire response capabilities demonstrates either profound ignorance of emergency management or willful distortion of facts.
L.A.Mayor Karen Bass with V.P. Kamala Harris, Gov. Gavin Newsom that the burn affected I-10 section of the freeway would be opened Nov. 19, 2023. Photo credit: Ted Soqui / SIPA USA.
Homelessness: A National Crisis Requiring Federal Partnership
The article’s characterization of homelessness as a failure of local leadership ignores the broader economic and social factors driving this nationwide crisis.Housing affordability, mental health services, and addiction treatment are challenges that transcend municipal boundaries and require coordinated federal, state, and local responses.
Los Angeles has implemented innovative approaches to homelessness, including the Housing First model that has shown success in other major cities. The suggestion that the city spends more on homeless services than firefighting without acknowledging the federal mandates and funding structures that shape these budget allocations reveals either deliberate misrepresentation or fundamental misunderstanding of municipal finance.
The Dangerous Rhetoric of Dehumanization
Perhaps most troubling is Breitbart’scasual dehumanization of both homeless individuals and undocumented immigrants.
The article’s language – referring to “illegal” people and suggesting that those experiencing homelessness have “no legal right to live in the city” – echoes historical patterns of scapegoating vulnerable populations during times of crisis.
This rhetoric serves a specific political purpose: it deflects attention from systemic failures and complex policy challenges by creating easily identifiable “others” to blame.
It’s a tactic as old as human civilization and equally destructive wherever it appears.
Constitutional Principles vs. Political Theater
Mayor Bass’s position reflects core constitutional values about due process, equal protection, and the limits of federal power.
When local officials raise concerns about federal enforcement tactics, they’re not undermining law and order – they’re upholding the checks and balances that prevent any single level of government from exceeding its authority.
The characterization of legitimate protest as “riots” while downplaying the constitutional issues at stake reveals Breitbart’sfundamental hostility to First Amendment rights when exercised by communities they oppose. This selective application of constitutional principles undermines the very foundations of democratic governance.
Media Responsibility in Democratic Discourse
The Breitbart article exemplifies everything wrong with contemporary political journalism: the substitution of inflammatory language for factual reporting, the creation of false narratives that serve partisan interests, and the deliberate distortion of complex policy issues into simplistic culture war talking points.
Responsible journalism requires acknowledging complexity, providing context, and distinguishing between legitimate policy disagreements and personal attacks. It means recognizing that local officials face unprecedented challenges that require nuanced solutions, not ideological purity tests.
Moving Forward: Truth Over Tribalism
Los Angeles, like all major American cities, faces serious challenges that require serious solutions. Climate change, housing affordability, immigration policy, and public safety are interconnected issues that demand collaboration across all levels of government and civil society.
Mayor Bass’s approach – prioritizing human dignity, constitutional principles, and community safety – represents exactly the kind of leadership American cities need. Her willingness to stand up to federal overreach while maintaining focus on local priorities demonstrates the kind of principled governance that transcends partisan politics.
The real question isn’t whether Bass is “backing riots” – it’s whether American journalism will continue to prioritize inflammatory rhetoric over substantive policy discussion. The answer will determine not just the future of Los Angeles, but the health of democratic discourse itself.
Let this be your act of resistance — not through yelling, but through clarity. Not with conspiracy, but with conscience.
Audio Summary (75 words)
Breitbart’s attack on Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass distorts her principled stance on immigration enforcement into support for violence. The article ignores constitutional principles about local governance, misrepresents fire response challenges, and dehumanizes vulnerable populations. Bass’s position reflects core democratic values about due process and federal limits. This inflammatory rhetoric exemplifies everything wrong with partisan journalism, substituting tribal warfare for substantive policy discussion that American cities desperately need.
Editor’s Note: This editorial series directly responds to and counters specific stories published by far-right and state-controlled media outlets including the New York Post, Fox News, Breitbart, TASS, and Xinhua News. While we fundamentally oppose the editorial positions and reporting practices of these publications, we believe it is essential to address their narratives with factual analysis and alternative perspectives. Our goal is to provide readers with well-sourced counterarguments to misinformation and authoritarian viewpoints circulating in these media ecosystems.
TAGS: karen bass, los angeles mayor, immigration enforcement, constitutional principles, federal overreach, media bias, breitbart, local governance, human rights, democratic values
In California and Oaxaca, a collaborative project bridges continents and generations to revitalize Zapotec for the future
New York, N.Y.— On a crisp Saturday morning in Santa Cruz, California, a small classroom buzzes with the sound of a language few outside southern Mexico have ever heard. Elders from Santiago Laxopa, young children born in the U.S., and linguists from the University of California, Santa Cruz, gather in a circle.
They repeat words, share stories, and laugh—each syllable a thread in the tapestry of a language at risk of fading away. This is the heart of the Zapotec Language Project, a unique collaboration determined to ensure that the voices of Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte continue to echo across generations and continents.
A Language at the Brink, an Urgent Response
The Zapotec language, with its intricate grammar and vibrant oral traditions, has endured centuries of cultural and political upheaval.
Yet today, it confronts a formidable challenge: the relentless pressures of globalization and widespread migration.
Many Zapotec speakers have resettled in California, pursuing economic opportunities but often leaving their native language behind.
As elders pass away, irreplaceable stories, songs, and unique perspectives on the world risk fading into silence.
Recognizing this urgent crisis, linguists at U.C. Santa Cruz partnered with Zapotec community members to launch the Zapotec Language Project.
Their mission is unwavering: to document, preserve, and revitalize the Zapotec variants spoken in Santiago Laxopa and surrounding villages, both in Mexico and within the growing diaspora in California.
Bridging Continents: Collaboration Across Borders
The project is more than an academic exercise. It is a living partnership, rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.
Native speakers from Santiago Laxopa, San Sebastián Guiloxi, and Santa María Yalina work side by side with researchers, contributing their voices, memories, and expertise.
Monthly language classes in Santa Cruz—part of the university’s Nido de Lenguas initiative—offer a space for learning and connection.
Here, children of immigrants reclaim their heritage, while elders find recognition for their knowledge.
The project also maintains an online dictionary and a growing archive of oral narratives, freely available to all.
Unlocking the Secrets of Human Language
Beyond preservation, the Zapotec Language Project is a window into the mysteries of human cognition. Researchers delve into the language’s phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, exploring what Zapotec can reveal about the human mind’s capacity for language.
A groundbreaking psycholinguistic study investigates how Zapotec speakers process sentences as they listen—shedding light on how meaning is built in real time. These insights enrich not only the field of linguistics but also the community’s understanding of its own language, fostering pride and curiosity among younger generations.
Resources, Recognition, and the Power of Story
Generous funding from the U.C. Santa Cruz Humanities Institute, California Humanities, and the National Science Foundation has significantly propelled the project forward, enabling a wide range of impactful initiatives.
These resources have supported in-depth research, vibrant community engagement events, and the development of innovative educational materials designed to foster learning and cultural preservation.
The online dictionary and story collection serve as vital scholarly resources and cultural lifelines, bridging generations and communities.
These tools empower teachers, parents, and language enthusiasts to actively engage with and sustain the Zapotec language, ensuring its vitality for future generations.
The project’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom, fostering connections and cultural pride across diverse audiences.
By meticulously documenting oral histories, traditional knowledge, and unique cultural practices, the project preserves not just words but entire worldviews. It captures a profound legacy of resilience, adaptation, and creativity, safeguarding the rich heritage of the Zapotec people for years to come.
Challenges and Hopes for the Future
Despite these efforts, the path ahead is steep. Many young Zapotecs in California and Mexico face pressure to assimilate, speaking only Spanish or English. Economic hardship and social stigma often silence indigenous voices.
Yet hope endures. Each new learner, each recorded story, is a victory. The Zapotec Language Project stands as a testament to what is possible when academia and community unite, when heritage is honored not as a relic but as a living force.
“We are not just saving a language,” says one project participant. “We are saving a way of being in the world.”
A Model for Language Revitalization
The Zapotec Language Project offers a blueprint for endangered language preservation everywhere. Its blend of rigorous research, community leadership, and open-access resources demonstrates that revitalization is not only possible but transformative—for individuals, families, and entire cultures.
This feature story highlights the urgent, inspiring work of the Zapotec Language Project, offering hope and a practical model for communities everywhere fighting to keep their languages—and their identities—alive.
Summary for Audio File
The Zapotec Language Project, a partnership between U.C. Santa Cruz linguists and Zapotec communities from Oaxaca and California, is working to preserve and revitalize the endangered Zapotec language. Through collaborative research, monthly classes, and online resources, the project empowers new generations to reclaim their linguistic heritage and explores what Zapotec reveals about human language and cognition. Their efforts offer hope and a model for endangered language preservation worldwide.
TAGS:Zapotec language, language revitalization, U.C. Santa Cruz, Oaxaca, indigenous communities, endangered languages, linguistics, cultural heritage, community collaboration, oral traditions, diaspora
China’s Territorial Claims Ignore Philippines’ Sovereign Rights, International Law, and Global Maritime Standards
By the Staff of The Stewardship Report: Let the truth-telling begin
New York, N.Y. – In the latest escalation of South China Sea tensions, China’s Coast Guard has again demonstrated its disregard for international maritime law by aggressively confronting Philippine vessels operating within Philippines’ legitimate territorial waters.
While Beijing frames its actions as defending “indisputable sovereignty,” the reality reveals a pattern of maritime aggression that threatens regional stability and violates established international legal frameworks.
Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua arrived at Kagoshima Port ahead of joint maritime exercises with the U.S. and Japan coast guards. Photo credit: Japan Coast Guard.
Philippine surveillance photo shows an island China has created on a reef among the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.Photo credit: Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
Who: Philippines Defending Legitimate Maritime Rights
The incident involves two Philippine official vessels conducting lawful activities near Zhubi Jiao and Tiexian Jiao – areas that fall within Philippines’Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
These are not random fishing boats or civilian vessels, but official government ships exercising Philippines’ sovereign rights in waters internationally recognized as falling under Manila’s jurisdiction.
China’s Coast Guard response – including landing personnel on the reef and causing a collision with a Philippine vessel – represents an escalation of Beijing’s campaign to unilaterally control vast swaths of the South China Sea through intimidation and force.
People’s Liberation Army Naval cadets in China.
The Spratlys are one of many disputed island chains and archipelagos in the South China Sea to which multiple countries currently lay claim
What: Illegal Occupation Disguised as Law Enforcement
China’s characterization of Philippine activities as “illegal” fundamentally misrepresents international maritime law.
The 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling under UNCLOS explicitly rejected China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claims, determining that Beijing has no legal basis for asserting historic rights over waters within other nations’ EEZs.
The Chinese Coast Guard’s actions – landing on reefs, confronting Philippine vessels, and causing collisions – constitute the actual violations of international law.
Beijing is essentially claiming that any activity by Philippines within its own territorial waters requires Chinese approval, a position that has no basis in international maritime law.
When and Where: Strategic Timing in Contested Waters
This incident occurred Wednesday in waters that Philippines has consistently maintained fall within its EEZ – approximately 200 nautical miles from Philippine shores. The confrontation took place in an area where Manila has historically exercised maritime jurisdiction without significant interference, making China’s aggressive response particularly notable for its departure from previous patterns of engagement.
The timing coincides with increased U.S.-Philippines defense cooperation and growing international pressure on China to respect UNCLOS provisions.
Recent joint military exercises between Washington and Manila, including enhanced coast guard cooperation agreements, have heightened Beijing’s sensitivity to Philippine activities in these waters.
The incident also comes amid broader regional tensions as ASEAN nations increasingly voice concerns about Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Zhubi Jiao and Tiexian Jiao sit within what Philippines calls the West Philippine Sea, areas where Manila has conducted routine patrols for decades without triggering such aggressive responses.
These specific locations hold strategic importance due to their proximity to major shipping lanes and potential hydrocarbon reserves, factors that have intensified competing territorial claims in recent years.
China’s sudden assertion of exclusive control represents a unilateral change to the status quo, not a defense of established territorial rights. This escalation suggests a calculated shift in Beijing’s enforcement strategy, potentially testing Philippine resolve and international response mechanisms during a period of heightened geopolitical focus on the region.
China’s sudden assertion of exclusive control represents a unilateral change to the status quo, not a defense of established territorial rights.
Why: Beijing’s Expansionist Maritime Strategy
China’s actions serve a broader strategy of gradually establishing de facto control over the entire South China Sea through a combination of artificial island construction, coast guard harassment, and legal intimidation. By framing defensive responses from neighboring countries as “provocations,” Beijing seeks to normalize its presence while portraying itself as the aggrieved party.
The reference to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties is particularly cynical, as China consistently violates this non-binding agreement through militarization of artificial islands, harassment of civilian fishing vessels, and unilateral assertions of administrative control.
International Law Versus Unilateral Claims
The fundamental issue remains China’s rejection of the 2016 UNCLOS arbitral ruling, which found that Beijing’s historic claims have no legal foundation.
The Philippines has consistently called for resolution through international legal mechanisms, while China insists on bilateral negotiations that would inherently favor Beijing’s superior military and economic power.
UNCLOS provides clear frameworks for resolving maritime disputes, including definitions of territorial seas, EEZs, and continental shelf rights. China’s position essentially argues that these international legal standards don’t apply to Beijing, creating a dangerous precedent for maritime governance globally.
Regional Implications and Stability Concerns
China’s increasingly aggressive posture affects not just Philippines but the entire Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei all have overlapping claims that Beijing similarly dismisses through shows of force rather than legal resolution.
The collision between vessels represents a dangerous escalation that could easily lead to casualties and military confrontation. China’s pattern of causing “accidents” while blaming other parties creates an environment where miscalculation could–and will–trigger broader regional conflict.
Let this be your act of resistance — not through yelling, but through clarity. Not with conspiracy, but with conscience.
Editor’s Note: This editorial series directly responds to and counters specific stories published by far-right and state-controlled media outlets including the New York Post, Fox News, Breitbart, TASS, and Xinhua News. While we fundamentally oppose the editorial positions and reporting practices of these publications, we believe it is essential to address their narratives with factual analysis and alternative perspectives. Our goal is to provide readers with well-sourced counterarguments to misinformation and authoritarian viewpoints circulating in these media ecosystems.
75-Word Summary
China’s Coast Guard confronted Philippine vessels in disputed South China Sea waters, causing a collision while claiming the Philippines violated Chinese sovereignty. However, international maritime law and a 2016 tribunal ruling support Philippines’ rights in these waters, revealing Beijing’s pattern of using intimidation to enforce illegitimate territorial claims that threaten regional stability and violate established legal frameworks.
TAGS: maritime disputes, South China Sea, Philippines, China, UNCLOS, coast guard, territorial sovereignty, international law, arbitral tribunal, exclusive economic zone, regional stability, maritime security
China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier is accompanied by navy frigates and submarines, as they conduct exercises in the South China Sea on April 12, amid heightened tensions over increased US support for Taiwan. Photo: Xinhua.
Traditional Wooden Vessel Recreates Ancient Cultural Exchange Mission Between Peninsula And Island Nation
New York, N.Y. – A meticulously crafted replica of a traditional Korean diplomatic vessel has completed a historic voyage to Japan, recreating ancient maritime exchanges that once fostered centuries of cultural and intellectual dialogue between the two nations.
The wooden sailing ship, built using traditional techniques, represents a powerful symbol of diplomatic cooperation and shared heritage across the East China Sea.
Japanese painting of Joseon Tongsinsa housed in the National Museum of Korea. The entourage traveled over sea and land routes. Provided by the National Museum of Korea.
Ancient Maritime Diplomacy Comes Alive
The replica vessel draws inspiration from the Joseon Dynasty-era ships that regularly traversed the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan from the 15th through 19th centuries. These diplomatic missions, known as Tongsinsa in Korean, served as crucial channels for political negotiation, scholarly exchange, and cultural enrichment between the neighboring nations.
Historical records indicate that these voyages carried diplomats, scholars, artists, and craftsmen who shared knowledge in fields ranging from Confucian philosophy to advanced printing techniques. The ships themselves represented masterpieces of Korean naval architecture, featuring sophisticated hull designs optimized for both coastal navigation and open-sea voyages.
The modern recreation project involved years of research into traditional shipbuilding methods, with craftsmen studying archaeological evidence and historical documents to ensure authenticity. Maritime historians and naval architects collaborated to recreate the vessel’s distinctive features, including its reinforced wooden hull and traditional rigging system.
Cultural Bridge Across Historical Waters
The contemporary voyage serves multiple purposes beyond historical recreation. Educational institutions from both countries have partnered to develop exchange programs that mirror the intellectual curiosity of their predecessors.
Students and researchers aboard the replica ship are documenting traditional navigation techniques and studying the cultural significance of these historic trade routes.
“This journey represents more than just a sailing expedition,” explained a cultural historian involved in the project. “It demonstrates how shared maritime heritage can serve as a foundation for contemporary cooperation and understanding.”
The ship’s crew includes both Korean and Japanese participants, reflecting the collaborative spirit that characterized the original diplomatic missions. Modern safety equipment ensures the voyage meets current maritime safety standards while preserving the authentic sailing experience.
Modern Technology Meets Ancient Wisdom
While maintaining historical accuracy in construction and operation, the replica incorporates discrete modern technologies for safety and documentation purposes. GPS systems and emergency communication equipment operate alongside traditional navigation instruments, creating a unique blend of past and present.
The voyage has been extensively documented through digital media, with historians and cultural anthropologists creating comprehensive records of the experience. This documentation will serve educational institutions and researchers studying East Asian maritime history and diplomatic traditions.
Environmental considerations have also played a significant role in the project’s planning. The ship’s route follows traditional pathways while accounting for modern shipping lanes and marine conservation areas. This approach demonstrates how historical recreation can coexist with contemporary environmental stewardship.
Educational Impact and Future Initiatives
The successful completion of this voyage has sparked interest in expanding cultural exchange programs between Korea and Japan. Educational institutions are exploring opportunities to incorporate maritime history and traditional navigation into their curricula, fostering greater appreciation for shared regional heritage.
Universities in both countries are developing joint research initiatives focused on East Asian diplomatic history and traditional shipbuilding techniques. These academic partnerships aim to preserve valuable knowledge while training new generations of scholars in specialized fields.
The replica ship will continue serving as an educational platform, with plans for additional voyages and public exhibitions. Museums and cultural centers are coordinating to display artifacts and documentation from the journey, making this historical recreation accessible to broader audiences.
Future initiatives may include training programs for traditional navigation techniques and wooden shipbuilding methods, ensuring these valuable skills remain available for future generations. The project demonstrates how historical recreation can serve as a catalyst for ongoing cultural cooperation and educational innovation.
TAGS:maritime history, cultural diplomacy, Korea, Japan, traditional ships, Joseon Dynasty, Tongsinsa, East Asian relations, naval architecture, educational exchange
A replica of a traditional Korean diplomatic ship has sailed to Japan, recreating historic cultural exchanges between the two nations. The wooden vessel, built using ancient techniques, symbolizes centuries of shared maritime heritage and diplomatic cooperation. This journey highlights the importance of cultural diplomacy and educational exchange in modern East Asian relations, demonstrating how historical connections can bridge contemporary political divides.
New York, N.Y. – A French lawmaker’s plans to engage with U.S. policymakers were abruptly halted when his visa was denied, sparking a diplomatic controversy and raising questions about U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration.
Pouria Amirshahi, a prominent Green Party member of the French Parliament, was barred from entering the United States on June 17, 2025, in a move he described as politically motivated. The incident, unprecedented in over two centuries of U.S.-French relations, has ignited debates over national security, diplomacy, and the travel ban policies recently reinstated by President Donald Trump.
Pouria Amirshah is a prominent member of the French Parliament–Palais Bourbon–representing the Green Party. Photo by Antonio Miralles Andorra / : https://www.pexels.com
Visa Rejection Sparks Diplomatic Tensions Between U.S. and France
On June 17, 2025, Pouria Amirshahi, an Iranian-born French lawmaker and co-founder of the progressive initiative “The Dam,” learned that his visa application to visit the U.S. had been rejected.
Amirshahi, a Green Party member, intended to meet with U.S. lawmakers, civil society leaders, and intellectuals to discuss building a “progressive international” alliance to counter the global rise of far-right ideologies.
The visa denial, which Amirshahi believes was politically driven, marks the first time in 240 years that a French parliamentarian has been refused entry to the U.S., according to the lawmaker.
Amirshahi expressed outrage, stating, “This is an unprecedented affront to the longstanding diplomatic ties between our nations.” He had previously visited the U.S. three times between 2000 and 2013 without incident, first as a tourist, then as a cultural director for the Parti Socialiste, and later as a Socialist MP.
The Green Party member’s recent shift toward advocating a global progressive alliance may have triggered scrutiny under the Trump administration’s tightened immigration policies.
The visa denial marks the first time in 240 years that a French parliamentarian has been refused entry to the United States
Context of Trump’s Expanded Travel Ban
The visa denial coincides with President Trump’s reinstatement of a controversial travel ban, signed into effect on June 4, 2025, via Executive Order 14161. The order bans citizens from twelve countries, primarily in Africa and the Middle East, from entering the U.S., citing concerns over terrorism, visa overstays, and inadequate vetting processes.
Seven additional countries face heightened restrictions, though France is not explicitly named in the ban. The White House justified the policy as essential for “national security” and to prevent “dangerous foreign actors” from entering the U.S.
However, Amirshahi’s case suggests that the U.S. State Department may be applying broader discretion in visa decisions, potentially targeting individuals whose political activities are perceived as critical of theTrump administration.
In his visa application, Amirshahi noted that his trip aimed to “build a progressive alliance and understand life in the United States under the Trump presidency.” He told POLITICO that this framing likely led to the initial refusal, which he described as “politically motivated.”
On June 20, 2025, POLITICO reported that Amirshahi’s visa was approved following public outcry and diplomatic pressure, allowing him to travel to the U.S.. However, the initial denial has raised concerns about the U.S.’s approach to international relations and its treatment of allies.
Critics argue that the incident reflects a broader pattern of restricting entry based on political ideology, echoing sentiments from Trump’s first-term travel ban, which faced legal challenges for targeting Muslim-majority countries.
Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
French president Emmanuel Macron.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from French officials and international organizations. French President Emmanuel Macron, already at odds with Trump over issues like Iran and G7 negotiations, called the visa denial “a regrettable misstep” that undermines bilateral relations.
Claude Malhuret, a French senator known for his outspoken critiques of Trump, compared the move to tactics used by authoritarian regimes like China, which routinely deny visas to critics of the Chinese Communist Party.
Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America, condemned the travel ban and its broader implications, stating, “This policy is not about national security—it is about sowing division and vilifying communities.”
International aid groups and refugee resettlement organizations echoed her sentiments, arguing that the travel ban unfairly targets vulnerable populations and disrupts family unification efforts.
On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed alarm over the incident. One post described Trump’s administration as “verifying authoritarian concerns” by blocking Amirshahi, while another questioned how the U.S.’s actions differed from China’s visa policies. These sentiments reflect growing unease about the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy and immigration.
Implications for U.S.-France Relations
The visa denial risks straining U.S.-France relations, which have historically been robust despite occasional tensions. France, a key NATO ally and partner in counterterrorism efforts, has cooperated closely with the U.S. on issues like global security and climate change. Amirshahi’s exclusion, even if temporary, sends a troubling signal to European allies about the U.S.’s openness to diplomatic engagement.
Analysts suggest that the Trump administration’s policies may be driven by a desire to project strength and deter perceived critics. The travel ban’s broad criteria—such as inadequate vetting or high visa overstay rates—provide significant leeway for the State Department to deny entry to individuals like Amirshahi, whose progressive advocacy may be viewed as a challenge to Trump’s agenda. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has defended the ban, emphasizing the need to protect American interests from “foreign actors.”
Amirshahi, now permitted to travel, plans to proceed with his meetings but has called for transparency regarding the initial denial. “The U.S. must clarify whether this was an error or a deliberate act,” he said. His case may prompt further scrutiny of the travel ban’s implementation and its impact on diplomatic relations.
Looking Ahead: Policy and Accountability
The incident underscores the challenges of balancing national security with international cooperation. While the Trump administration argues that the travel ban is essential to protect American citizens, critics warn that it risks alienating allies and stifling free expression. The U.S.’s decision to reverse Amirshahi’s visa denial suggests responsiveness to diplomatic pressure, but questions remain about the consistency and fairness of visa policies.
Amiri, a United Nations correspondent for The Associated Press, noted that the travel ban’s broad scope could deter legitimate travelers, including diplomats, journalists, and activists, from engaging with the U.S.. The Somali ambassador, Dahir Hassan Abdi, emphasized the need for dialogue to address concerns raised by the ban, signaling a desire to maintain bilateral ties despite the restrictions.
As the U.S. navigates its foreign policy under Trump, the Amirshahi incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between security and diplomacy. The French lawmaker’s experience may galvanize efforts to challenge the travel ban’s scope and ensure that allies are not inadvertently targeted.
Summary for audio file
On June 17, 2025, French MP Pouria Amirshahi was denied a U.S. visa, sparking diplomatic tensions. The Green Party member, aiming to build a progressive alliance, called the move politically motivated. The incident, linked to Trump’s travel ban, was reversed after outcry, but it raises concerns about U.S. immigration policies and their impact on allies. Critics warn of strained relations, while the administration defends the ban as vital for national security.
Thai, Cambodian Troops Pull Back After Deadly Skirmish, but Diplomatic Rift Widens
Bangkok—Thai and Cambodian military commanders shook hands recently near a disputed jungle border, agreeing to withdraw troops to positions held before a May 28 firefight that killed a Cambodian soldier.
The fragile truce, however, masks a deepening diplomatic crisis as Cambodia seeks international intervention against Thailand’s objections, reviving a century-old sovereignty dispute that threatens regional stability.
Ceasefire Holds Amid Diplomatic Deadlock
The May 28 clash erupted near Chong Bok Pass—a contested zone in the Emerald Triangle where Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos converge.
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry accused Thai troops of opening fire on a Cambodian trench, while Thailand claimed its soldiers responded defensively.
The incident triggered immediate troop reinforcements and heavy weapons deployments from both nations. By June 8, military representatives agreed to return forces to 2024 positions under last year’s de-escalation framework. Thailand’s Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called the move “essential to reduce confrontation,” while Cambodia’s Defense Minister Tea Seiha affirmed adjustments to troop placements.
Despite this, Cambodia’s defense ministry later clarified that its forces “have not been withdrawn from any areas under Cambodian sovereignty,” signaling unresolved territorial claims.
Cambodia Pushes for World Court as Thailand Resists
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on June 16 that Cambodia had formally petitioned the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve disputes over four border areas, including Chong Bok. The move followed Thailand’s rejection of third-party intervention.
“Diplomatic dialogue remains the most effective way forward,” insisted Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura after June 14–15 Joint Boundary Commission talks yielded no breakthroughs. Cambodia’s appeal to the ICJ echoes its 2011–2013 success in securing the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, through international adjudication. Thailand, however, maintains that the court lacks jurisdiction and advocates bilateral solutions via the Joint Boundary Committee established in 2000.
Economic Retaliation and Border Controls
As diplomatic channels stalled, economic retaliation escalated:
—Cambodia banned Thai fruits, vegetables, and media imports, while disconnecting cross-border internet links.
—Thailand prohibited its citizens from working in Cambodian border casinos and restricted operating hours at 10 key checkpoints. Thailand denied cutting electricity to Cambodian towns, clarifying that Cambodia initiated the power halt.
Thai Army spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree confirmed road construction within Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani Province on June 15, which Cambodian soldiers initially challenged before acknowledging it lay in Thai territory. The incident underscored persistent mistrust.
Flashpoints and Historical Grievances
The 500-mile (817-km) border, mapped by French colonizers in 1907, contains at least four hotly contested zones. Tensions flared in 2008 when Cambodia secured UNESCO status for Preah Vihear, sparking clashes that killed 28 people by 2011. The ICJ reaffirmed Cambodia’s ownership in 2013, but Thailand disputes surrounding areas. Recent incidents reveal the volatility:
—On June 17, Thai troops dispersed 30 Cambodian tourists singing at Ta Kwai Temple in Surin Province, deeming it a “provocative act” in a symbolically charged location.
—Thailand established a Special Operations Centre for Thai-Cambodian Border Situations Management (SOC-TCBSM) to coordinate daily crisis response, though Cambodia indefinitely postponed a key regional military meeting set for June 27–28.
Royal Thai Army commander-in-chief Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk, right, shakes hands with Gen Mao Sophan, Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army during talks on Thursday to resolve a border conflict. Photo credit: Royal Thai Army.
Leadership Dynamics and Regional Implications
The crisis tests the relationship between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Manet, whose fathers—exiled billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra and longtime strongman Hun Sen—share a contentious political history.
Paetongtarn has dismissed claims that personal ties compromise her stance: “Even though our two families are friends, it doesn’t mean we would allow the country to lose its interests.”
Analysts warn that Thailand’s military could exploit border tensions to undermine Paetongtarn’s government, echoing past coups against Shinawatra-aligned leaders.
Rath Pichanvorlak of the Royal University of Phnom Penh noted the Thai Army’s history of “allow[ing] border tensions to escalate, inflaming nationalist sentiment.”
Seeking a Lasting Peace
While both governments publicly seek calm, their paths diverge irreconcilably: Cambodia champions international law, while Thailand insists on sovereign negotiations. With ASEAN’s credibility hinging on peaceful dispute resolution, the stalemate threatens not only bilateral trade but regional cohesion. As SOC-TCBSM chief Natthaphon Narkphanit stated, restoring normalcy requires “mutual understanding”—a commodity scarcer than territory in this ancient feud 49.
75-Word Audio Summary
Thai and Cambodian troops withdrew to pre-clash positions after a May 28 firefight killed a Cambodian soldier near the Emerald Triangle. Cambodia petitioned the International Court of Justice to resolve four border disputes, but Thailand rejects third-party intervention. Economic retaliation includes Cambodia banning Thai produce and Thailand restricting border crossings. Analysts fear military factions could exploit tensions, risking regional stability.
Company faces mounting setbacks as ambitious space program encounters repeated technical failures throughout 2025
New York, N.Y. – SpaceX’s ambitious space exploration program suffered another devastating blow when Starship 36 exploded during routine ground testing at the company’s Starbase facility in Texas, marking the latest in a troubling series of failures that have plagued Elon Musk’s aerospace venture throughout 2025.
The dramatic explosion occurred on Wednesday, June 18, at approximately 11:00 p.m. Central Time as engineers prepared the massive rocket for a static fire test—a critical procedure designed to verify engine performance before actual flight missions. Video footage captured the catastrophic moment when a rupture appeared near the rocket’s nose cone, followed seconds later by a massive fireball that illuminated the night sky and scattered debris across the SpaceX testing facility.
Explosion Details and Emergency Response
“On Wednesday, June 18 at approximately 11 p.m. CT (0400 Thursday GMT), the Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase,” SpaceX confirmed in an X post, adding that “all personnel are safe and accounted for” and “there are no hazards to residents in surrounding communities.”
The Precinct 1 Constable Office in Cameron County, Texas, where SpaceX’s Starbase facility operates, released video footage on Facebook showing the explosion’s aftermath. Officials confirmed that “no injuries have been reported at this time” and announced that “an investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the incident.”
The resulting fire burned intensely for over 90 minutes before emergency crews successfully extinguished the flames, according to CBS News reports. Local residents reported that windows in nearby houses rattled from the blast’s impact, with the explosion’s effects felt as far away as South Padre Island and Port Isabel, communities located several kilometers from the test site.
The explosion represents a significant setback for SpaceX’s testing timeline and will likely delay the tenth Starship test flight, originally scheduled for June 29. This latest failure adds to mounting concerns about the Starship program’s technical challenges and raises questions about the company’s ability to meet its ambitious timeline for commercial space operations.
The incident marks another chapter in what has become a pattern of setbacks for SpaceX in 2025. Earlier this year, three consecutive Starship flights encountered failures, revealing persistent technical issues that continue to challenge the company’s engineering teams.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Tesla CEO Elon Musk yuck it up in the Lone Star State – home ofSpaceX.
Technical Challenges and Engine Problems
Industry analysts point to recurring problems with the Raptor engines that power the Starship vehicle as a primary concern. These advanced methane-fueled engines, designed to be more efficient and reusable than traditional rocket propulsion systems, have experienced multiple technical difficulties during both ground tests and flight operations.
The Raptor engine system represents a critical component of SpaceX’s long-term strategy for Mars exploration and commercial space transportation. The company has invested billions of dollars in developing this technology, which is essential for achieving the performance specifications required for deep space missions.
SpaceX engineers have been working to address various technical challenges, including combustion instability, turbopump reliability, and engine throttling capabilities. The complexity of operating 33 Raptor engines simultaneously on the Super Heavy booster creates additional challenges for system integration and performance optimization.
Broader Implications for Space Industry
The repeated Starship failures raise important questions about the pace of commercial space development and the balance between innovation and safety protocols. While SpaceX has historically embraced a “fail fast, learn fast” approach to rocket development, the frequency of recent setbacks may prompt closer scrutiny from NASA and other regulatory agencies.
The Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) oversees commercial space launch operations and requires comprehensive safety reviews following significant incidents. This latest explosion will likely trigger additional regulatory oversight and potentially impact SpaceX’s future launch licenses.
NASA has contracted with SpaceX to provide lunar landing capabilities for the Artemis program, making Starship’s successful development crucial for America’s return to the Moon. Any extended delays in the Starship program could affect NASA’s timeline for lunar missions and broader space exploration objectives.
Company Response and Future Plans
Despite these setbacks, SpaceX maintains its commitment to the Starship program and continues to emphasize the importance of iterative testing and development. The company’s leadership has consistently argued that early failures are an essential part of the development process for revolutionary space technologies.
Elon Musk has previously stated that SpaceX expects to conduct multiple test flights and ground tests as part of the normal development cycle. The company operates multiple Starship prototypes simultaneously, allowing testing to continue even when individual vehicles are lost during development activities.
The Starbase facility in Texas serves as SpaceX’s primary development and testing location for the Starship program. The company has invested heavily in expanding the facility’s capabilities, including construction of additional test stands, manufacturing facilities, and launch infrastructure.
75-Word Summary
SpaceX’s Starship 36 exploded during ground testing at the company’s Texas facility on June 18, marking another setback for the ambitious space program. The blast occurred during routine static fire testing, with no injuries reported. This latest failure continues a troubling pattern of technical difficulties that have plagued SpaceX throughout 2025, potentially delaying upcoming test flights and raising questions about the program’s timeline.
New York, N.Y. — In a sun-baked showroom on Nairobi’s Likoni Road, Josephine Wanja watches as a crowd gathers around a sleek Neta V hatchback. “Last year, people just pointed. Now, they’re test-driving,” says Wanja, Marketing Manager at Moja EV Kenya. Her observation captures a seismic shift: Chinese electric vehicles aren’t just entering Africa—they’re reshaping its future.
Market Surge: From Phones to Highways
Africa’s EV market, projected to hit $28.30 billion by 2030 1, has become a strategic frontier for Chinese manufacturers. Transsion, famed for dominating 50% of Africa’s smartphone sales with brands like Tecno, now leads the charge with its TankVolt e-bikes. Since 2023, it has expanded into Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, leveraging existing distribution networks to outsell local rivals. “Our playbook is simple: competitive pricing, flexible payments, and understanding local needs,” explains Daniel Nyakora, Transsion’s Business Development Director for Nigeria.
The strategy mirrors tactics honed in mobile tech. TankVolt’s $1,500 e-bikes undercut Ethiopia’s Dodai ($1,800) while offering battery-swapping services—a lifeline in regions with erratic grids. For ride-hailing driver Samuel Odindo, whom I met adjusting his Dongfeng sedan’s charging cable, the math is irresistible: “I save 80% on fuel. That’s survival.”
In 2023 UNDP in Uganda added its first electric car into their fleet as a major step forward for Uganda’s transition to a clean energy future.Photo credit: UNDP Uganda.
Affordability Meets Ingenuity
Soaring fuel costs—up 64.6% year-on-year in East Africa—have turbocharged demand. At Nairobi’s E-Mobility Expo, Lawrence Maringa, a taxi operator, marveled at Chinese EVs’ “quiet power and space” 6. Yet price remains critical. While a new BYD Dolphin costs $21,899 in South Africa, entrepreneurs like Joe Gakuru offer alternatives. His firm, Qtron Industries, retrofits classic cars with Chinese batteries at half the cost. “We turn e-waste into mobility solutions,” Gakuru says, showcasing a Volkswagen van reborn as a $40,000 EV.
Financing innovations further democratize access. Moja EV partners with Kenyan SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperatives) to help drivers build credit histories through ride payments. Similarly, Transsion collaborates with lenders like M-Kopa to offer pay-as-you-go models—an approach that propelled its smartphone empire.
Infrastructure: Solar Sparks and Policy Shifts
The Achilles’ heel? Charging networks. Ghana’s Energy Ministry admits grid instability could stall progress 4. Chinese firms respond with off-grid solutions:
Yadea adapts e-scooters for Kenya’s potholes while linking clients to battery-swap suppliers.
Yingchen New Energy deploys solar-diesel microgrids in Nigeria, powering sesame plants 22 hours daily.
Ghana plans 100 solar-hybrid charging stations by 2030.
Policy tailwinds help. Ethiopia banned internal combustion engine (ICE) imports in 2024, spiking EV values 10. Nigeria aims for 100% EV adoption by 2060 and slashed import duties 48. As Seth Mahu, Ghana’s Director of Renewable Energy, declared: “Our EVs will be built by African hands, for African roads.”
Local Impact: Jobs and Jitters
In Accra, Infore Enviro’s sanitation trucks—nearly 1,000 strong—showcase collaboration beyond hardware. The Chinese firm trained technicians and redesigned waste routes, boosting efficiency 11. Yet risks loom. A brutal EV price war in China threatens smaller brands like Xiaohu and Changan, warns analyst Lei Xing. “If they collapse, African buyers face warranty nightmares,” he told me 10.
Sally Njogu, a Nairobi EV strategist, adds: “Without local manufacturing, taxes keep prices high.” Some solutions emerge: BYD will assemble EVs in Kenya 3, and Zonda Tec Ghana breaks ground on a “game-changer” plant.
The Road Ahead
Back at Moja EV, Wanja hands keys to a delivery startup owner. “This isn’t just about cars,” she smiles. “It’s about rewriting Africa’s energy story.” With Chinese EVs now navigating Lagos’s danfo stands and Kigali’s hills, that story is accelerating—one solar-charged mile at a time.
AUDIO SUMMARY Chinese EVs are surging across Africa, driven by soaring fuel prices and innovative financing. Kenya’s Moja EV reports surging consumer interest in models like the Neta V, while Ghana and Nigeria enact tax cuts and charging infrastructure plans. Despite supply chain risks from China’s EV price war, partnerships in local assembly and solar energy signal a transformative shift in sustainable transport
Tags: Chinese EVs, Africa electric mobility, Kenya green transport, Transsion, BYD Africa, EV affordability, solar charging Africa, China-Africa partnership
London – In a historic vote, British lawmakers have passed a bill legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales, marking a significant shift in the nation’s social policy.
The decision, which followed an emotional and divisive debate, could make Britain one of the few countries to allow terminally ill individuals the right to end their lives with medical assistance. According to Reuters, the U.K. Parliament voted 314 to 291 on June 20, 2025, to advance the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, a move described as the country’s most significant social reform in decades.
U.K. lawmakers approved the bill after months of intense scrutiny and debate, with the legislation now moving to the House of Lords for further review. The bill allows mentally competent adults over 18, diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months or less to live, to request medical assistance to end their lives. The process requires approval from two doctors and a panel consisting of a senior legal figure, a psychiatrist, and a social worker, replacing an earlier requirement for court approval. This change, Reuters reports, was made to streamline the process while maintaining robust safeguards.
The vote, which took place nearly a decade after a similar proposal was rejected in 2015 by a margin of 330 to 118, reflects a shift in public and political sentiment. “This is a landmark moment for choice, compassion, and dignity at the end of life,” said Dignity in Dying, a pro-assisted dying group, on the social media platform X. However, the decision has sparked concern among opponents who fear it could pressure vulnerable individuals, particularly the disabled, into ending their lives prematurely.
A Polarizing National Debate
The debate over assisted dying has divided British society, cutting across political, religious, and legal lines. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour Party lawmaker who introduced the bill, emphasized its safeguards, telling the BBC, “I am fully confident in the bill.” She argued that the legislation offers some of the strongest protections globally, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison for anyone found pressuring or coercing someone into choosing assisted death. Leadbeater’s bill was inspired by a growing public demand for choice, with a 2023 Ipsos Mori poll showing two-thirds of Britons support legalizing assisted dying.
Opponents, however, expressed deep reservations. John Howard, a Catholic priest who led prayers outside Parliament during the vote, told Reuters, “I feel great sorrow and concern, particularly for the most vulnerable and disabled. This is a dark day for our country.” Critics, including some lawmakers who initially supported the bill, argued that the removal of court approval weakened its safeguards. Others, like Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, warned that safeguards in other countries have eroded over time, raising fears about the long-term implications.
Global Context and Comparisons
The U.K. joins a small but growing number of countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several U.S. states, that have legalized assisted dying under strict conditions. In Switzerland, where assisted dying has been legal since 1942, wealthy Britons have traveled to end their lives, a practice that has highlighted inequalities in access. The new legislation aims to address this by allowing terminally ill individuals to die at home, surrounded by loved ones, through the National Health Service.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who voted in favor of the bill, has faced criticism for the government’s neutral stance, which allowed lawmakers to vote based on conscience rather than party lines. Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch voted against the measure, reflecting the deep divisions within Parliament. The bill’s passage, though, was celebrated by advocates like Esther Rantzen, an 84-year-old broadcaster with stage four cancer, who has long campaigned for reform. “I’m fortunate because I can afford to go to Switzerland,” Rantzen told Sky News, “but for all the hundreds of thousands of people who can’t afford that and want to die in their own homes, this is vital.”
Concerns Over Implementation
While supporters hail the bill as a step toward compassion and autonomy, critics argue that the NHS and the broader healthcare system are unprepared for such a significant change. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, who opposed the bill, raised concerns that inadequate end-of-life care could lead some to choose assisted dying out of desperation. James Sanderson, CEO of the palliative care charity Sue Ryder, echoed this sentiment, noting that gaps in care could leave some feeling it’s their only option.
The bill’s opponents also worry about its impact on the disabled and vulnerable. Akiko Hart, director of Liberty, a British human rights group, told NPR that spotting coercion is challenging, and inadvertent approvals could put lives at risk. Some lawmakers, including Diane Abbott, argued that the legislation risks altering the relationship between the state and its citizens, potentially pressuring those who feel like a burden to choose death.
What’s Next for the Legislation
The bill now faces scrutiny in the House of Lords, where amendments could be proposed before a final vote. While the Lords can suggest changes, the strong support from elected lawmakers in the House of Commons suggests a high likelihood of the bill becoming law. However, Reuters notes that some lawmakers who initially backed the bill have withdrawn support, citing insufficient debate time and weakened safeguards. If approved, the legislation could take effect within months, fundamentally reshaping end-of-life care in England and Wales.
Scotland, which operates under a separate legal system, is also considering similar legislation, having voted in favor of a comparable bill in May 2025. The outcome of these parallel efforts could further influence the U.K.’s approach to assisted dying.
Current political trajectories in Iran, Israel, and America threaten global stability and democratic values worldwide
New York, N.Y. – The Middle East stands at a crossroads where three nations—Iran, Israel, and the United States—desperately need fundamental leadership changes to prevent further regional destabilization. Each country’s authoritarianism and current trajectory threatens not only their own citizens but global peace and security.
Iran’s Authoritarian Grip Must End
Change Needed: Ruhollah Khomeini.
Iran’s theocratic regime continues its brutal suppression of dissent while pursuing nuclear ambitions that destabilize the entire region.
The Islamic Republic has systematically violated human rights, particularly targeting women, minorities, and political dissidents.
The regime’s support for proxy groups across the Middle East fuels conflicts from Yemen to Lebanon, creating a network of instability that extends far beyond its borders.
The Iranian people demonstrated their desire for change during the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death.
These brave citizens faced violent crackdowns, yet their message was clear: they want freedom from authoritarian rule.
The international community must support these democratic aspirations while applying maximum pressure on the current regime through targeted sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
Israel’s current government has pursued policies that undermine democratic institutions and international law.
The judicial overhaul attempts, expansion of West Bank settlements, and increasingly aggressive military operations have isolated Israel from traditional allies and violated Palestinian rights.
This trajectory threatens Israel’s founding democratic principles and long-term security.
Israeli citizens have repeatedly demonstrated against these policies, showing that significant portions of the population reject the current government’s approach.
The Israeli military’s concerns about the judicial changes reflect broader institutional worries about democratic erosion.
Israel needs leadership that prioritizes democratic values, Palestinian rights, and sustainable peace over short-term political gains.
America’s Complicity Demands Policy Overhaul
Change Needed: Donald Trump.
The United States bears responsibility for enabling both Iranian and Israeli extremism through inconsistent policies and military support.
American foreign policy has often prioritized short-term strategic interests over long-term stability and human rights.
The U.S. continues providing military aid to Israel despite documented human rights violations, while simultaneously maintaining sanctions on Iran that primarily harm ordinary citizens.
American leadership must acknowledge that its current Middle East strategy has failed to bring peace or stability.
The U.S. should condition military aid on human rights compliance, engage in genuine diplomacy with Iran, and support Palestinian self-determination.
This requires leaders who prioritize justice over political expediency.
The Path Forward: Democratic Transformation
Real change requires grassroots movements within each nation supported by international pressure. Iranian civil society needs continued support for democratic opposition groups. Israeli peace activists and human rights organizations deserve backing in their efforts to restore democratic norms. American voters must elect leaders committed to ethical foreign policy.
The interconnected nature of these crises means that progress in one area can catalyze improvements elsewhere. Iranian democratization would reduce regional proxy conflicts, Israeli democratic restoration could enable Palestinian reconciliation, and American policy changes could support both processes. The international community, including the United Nations, European Union, and regional powers, must coordinate efforts to support these transformations.
Economic Incentives for Change
Economic pressure remains a powerful tool for encouraging political transformation. Targeted sanctions on Iranian leadership, conditional aid to Israel, and American trade policies can create incentives for democratic reforms. However, these measures must be carefully designed to avoid harming ordinary citizens who are often the strongest advocates for change.
The global economy increasingly favors nations with strong democratic institutions and human rights records. Iran, Israel, and the United States all benefit from international integration, but current policies threaten these relationships. Economic isolation for authoritarian behavior and rewards for democratic progress can accelerate positive change.
International Responsibility
The global community cannot remain passive while these three nations pursue destabilizing policies. The European Union, United Nations, and regional organizations must take principled stands against human rights violations and threats to international peace. This includes supporting Iranian protesters, condemning Israeli settlement expansion, and holding American leaders accountable for enabling violations of international law.
Democratic nations have a responsibility to support democracy movements worldwide. The struggles of Iranian women, Israeli peace activists, and American human rights advocates are interconnected. International solidarity can amplify their voices and create pressure for meaningful change.
The time for incremental adjustments has passed. Iran, Israel, and the United States need fundamental leadership changes—regime change—to address the crises they have created. The Middle East deserves leaders committed to peace, democracy, and human rights. The world cannot afford to let these nations continue their current destructive trajectories.
75-Word Summary
This editorial argues that Iran, Israel, and the United States require fundamental leadership changes to address regional instability and human rights violations. Current policies in all three nations threaten democratic values and international peace. The piece calls for supporting democratic movements, applying economic pressure, and international coordination to encourage positive transformation in these interconnected crises.
How a Doctor of Audiology from Romania’s Legendary Region Became Roosevelt Island’s Visual Chronicler and New York’s Newest Pastel Master
New York, N.Y.—From her Roosevelt Island studio window, Georgette Sinclair watches light dance across the East River, her pastel sticks poised to capture another vanishing metropolitan moment.
From August 28 to September 21, Sinclair will present her most ambitious solo exhibition to date at RIVAA Gallery, 527 Main St., New York, NY 10044
This Doctor of Audiology has carved an unlikely dual legacy: healing ears by day while creating award-winning art that freezes urban poetry in time.
Her pastels transform commuter routines into sublime visual sonnets—haystacks of golden light, lavender-hushed sunsets, and children discovering art beneath the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse. Yet her story has deepened considerably, weaving together threads from the mystical hills of Transylvania, the prestigious halls of Gramercy Park, and the romantic waterways of the French countryside.
The Immigrant Artist: From Transylvanian Roots to the Art Students League
Sinclair’s journey began in the storied region of Transylvania, Romania—that legendary corner of Europe where Gothic castles pierce misty hillsides and ancient artistic traditions run deep.
Georgette Sinclair and her incomparable landscapes at the Salmagundi Club, NYC.
It was here, amid the dramatic landscapes that inspired countless tales and legends, that childhood drawing classes at a public School of Art ignited her passion for capturing the interplay between light and shadow, the tangible and the mysterious.
After immigrating to the U.S., she pursued night classes while earning a Master of Science and Doctoral Degree in Audiology (Au.D.)—a rigorous scientific foundation that unexpectedly honed her artistic perception.
“Listening deeply shapes how I see light and silence in landscapes,” she reflects, her Transylvanian accent still faintly coloring her words when she speaks of her homeland’s influence on her artistic vision.
Her formal training culminated at New York’s prestigious Art Students League, studying under Richard Pionk and John Foote before mastering pastel techniques with Elizabeth Mowry in France.
This transcontinental education forged her signature approach: Impressionistic spontaneity grounded in disciplined observation, with an almost mystical sensitivity to atmosphere that harks back to her Transylvanian origins.
Where some see ordinary sidewalks and riverbanks, Sinclair finds “fragments of time” worthy of preservation—a philosophy echoing American Tonalism and French Impressionists, but filtered through the haunting beauty of her Romanian heritage.
A New Chapter: Teaching at the National Arts Club
Since April 2024, Sinclair has embarked on a significant new phase of her career as an instructor at the Pastel Society of America studio, housed within the historic National Arts Club at Gramercy Park. This prestigious Manhattan institution, with its storied halls and Gothic Revival architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for Sinclair to share her mastery of pastel techniques with a new generation of artists.
Her teaching style reflects both her scientific precision and her intuitive understanding of light—qualities honed through decades of professional audiology work and deepened by her recent artistic pilgrimages. Students at the National Arts Club studio learn not just technical skills, but Sinclair’s unique approach to “listening” to landscapes, a synesthetic method that draws from her dual expertise in both hearing and seeing.
“Teaching has revealed new layers of my own understanding,” Sinclair explains from her Gramercy Park classroom, gestures animated as she demonstrates how to build luminous atmospheric effects with soft pastels. “When I help others discover how to capture light, I rediscover it myself.”
Following the Masters: A Pilgrimage to the Barbizon School
Sinclair’s artistic journey took a profoundly meaningful turn with her recent participation in “Painting and Barge,” an immersive painting expedition to France that followed in the footsteps of the early French Impressionists and the renowned Barbizon School.
This wasn’t merely a painting trip—it was a pilgrimage to the very locations where masters like Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Théodore Rousseau, and Jean-François Millet lived, painted, and revolutionized landscape art.
Traveling with a carefully selected group of serious artists, Sinclair experienced the same qualities of light and atmosphere that inspired the Barbizon masters to abandon their studios for the direct observation of nature.
The trip included extended stays in the Forest of Fontainebleau, where the Barbizon painters established their open-air practices, and visits to the actual homes and studios where these artistic pioneers worked.
“Standing where Corot captured his silver-light dawns, working at my easel in the same meadows where Millet painted his gleaners—it was transformative,” Sinclair reflects.
“The light in France carries a different frequency than American light. My ear for auditory subtlety helped me detect these visual frequencies that the Impressionists were responding to.”
The barge component of the journey allowed the artists to drift slowly through the French countryside’s waterways, experiencing the landscape as a continuously unfolding panorama—much like the way the Impressionists learned to see nature as a series of momentary effects rather than static scenes.
For Sinclair, whose Roosevelt Island work often captures the flow of river light and urban rhythm, this experience deepened her understanding of how water and light collaborate to create constantly shifting compositions.
Roosevelt Island: Muse and Manifesto
When Sinclair arrived on the two-mile-long island in 1987, its kinetic beauty struck like revelation. “I am still fascinated today by the beauty surrounding us as much as the first time I stepped on the island,” she confesses. Twenty-three years later, her April 2023 solo exhibition “The Island of Art“ at the Octagon Gallery became a visual love letter to her adopted home, but it was also a preview of the artistic evolution that her French sojourn would inspire.
The show’s centerpiece—a girl sketching the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse—deliberately evoked Mary Cassatt‘s tender studies of artistic awakening. Through 21 pastels, Sinclair framed commuters as ballet dancers, frost patterns as lacework, and window reflections as layered dreams. “Windows fascinate me endlessly,” she explains. “They’re thresholds between inner worlds and the city’s pulse.”
Now, enriched by her Barbizon experience and her teaching role at the National Arts Club, Sinclair’s Roosevelt Island work has taken on new dimensions. Her latest pieces incorporate lessons learned from the French masters about capturing atmospheric conditions and the subtle variations in natural light throughout the day.
The Science of the Sublime
Sinclair’s audiology career profoundly informs her artistry. Just as she diagnoses auditory nuances, her landscapes dissect visual frequencies: the cobalt resonance of twilight, or how winter light vibrates differently on snow than on asphalt. This methodical sensitivity earned her leadership roles at America’s oldest art institutions. Since 2001, she’s been an active member of the Salmagundi Club, serving four years as third Vice President and shaping exhibitions as an Art Committee stalwart.
Her technical mastery shines in temporal layering—a signature technique developed through workshops at Woodstock School of Art and the Hudson River Valley Art School, and refined during her recent French studies. By building translucent pastel strata, she embeds multiple moments within single compositions: a raincloud’s shadow simultaneously contains the memory of sunlight and promise of clearing skies.
This approach, influenced by both her scientific training and her immersion in Impressionist techniques, creates works that seem to pulse with life. Her students at the National Arts Club learn to recognize what Sinclair calls “visual harmonics”—the way certain color combinations create resonances similar to musical chords.
Looking Forward: Solo Exhibition at RIVAA Gallery
From August 28 to September 21, Sinclair will present her most ambitious solo exhibition to date at RIVAA Gallery. This show promises to unveil the fruits of her recent artistic evolution—works that synthesize her Transylvanian sensitivity to atmosphere, her Roosevelt Island intimacy with urban rhythms, her French Impressionist studies, and her ongoing exploration of light’s infinite varieties.
The exhibition will feature new works created since her return from France, pieces that demonstrate how her Barbizon pilgrimage has influenced her interpretation of familiar Roosevelt Island scenes. Visitors can expect to see how a morning commuter ferry, viewed through eyes educated by Monet’s studies of the Seine, becomes something transcendent—a vessel carrying not just passengers, but light itself across the water.
Her website, www.georgettesinclairfineart.com, provides glimpses of this evolving body of work, but the RIVAA Gallery exhibition will offer the first comprehensive view of how a Transylvanian-born artist, trained in American institutions and refined by French traditions, continues to find infinite inspiration in the small island that has been her home for nearly a quarter-century.
Legacy of Light: The Continuing Journey
Now an elected member of the Allied Artists of America and associate of the Pastel Society of America, Sinclair’s influence extends beyond galleries.
As Treasurer of the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association (RIVAA) for fifteen years, she championed public art installations that turned the island into an open-air museum. Her role has expanded as she helps organize the very exhibition space where her upcoming solo show will be mounted.
Her latest works incorporate her granddaughters, their small hands reaching through sunbeams—a testament to art’s generational continuity. These intimate family scenes, informed by her studies of how the Barbizon masters depicted rural family life, create bridges between her Romanian heritage, her American present, and the artistic traditions she continues to explore and transmit.
International collectors cherish her pieces not as static images, but as preserved breaths of life touched by European tradition and elevated by scientific precision. As Sinclair phrases it: “I capture moments seizing them forever as sublime experiences nature reveals fleetingly.”
In an age of digital saturation, her analog alchemy—crushed pigment translating transient light, informed by centuries of artistic tradition and sharpened by contemporary urban experience—feels like quiet rebellion.
From the Gothic mysteries of Transylvania to the Gothic Revival halls of Gramercy Park, from the historic studios of the Barbizon School to the contemporary galleries of Roosevelt Island, Georgette Sinclair continues to prove that the artist’s essential task remains unchanged: to help others see the extraordinary beauty hidden within ordinary moments.
Her story is far from complete. With her teaching flourishing, her exhibition approaching, and her artistic vision continuously deepening through new experiences and explorations, Sinclair represents that rare artist who grows more curious and more capable with each passing season. Like the light she captures so masterfully, her artistic journey continues to shift, evolve, and surprise—always beautiful, always changing, always worth watching.
Georgette Sinclair’s solo exhibition runs from August 28 to September 21 at RIVAA Gallery. Her ongoing pastel classes at the Pastel Society of America studio can be attended at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park. For more information about her work and upcoming exhibitions, visit www.georgettesinclairfineart.com.
Georgette Sinclair merges scientific precision with poetic vision, transforming Roosevelt Island’s ordinary moments into timeless pastel meditations. From her Romanian art school roots to leadership in New York’s prestigious Salmagundi Club, she proves deep observation is the ultimate act of creative courage. Her work invites us to witness the world with renewed wonder.
TAGS: Georgette Sinclair, Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association, Salmagundi Club, Art Students League, urban landscapes, Romanian-American artists, pastel techniques, art and science, New York art exhibitions, impressionism
Landscapes from the “Fifty-three Stations” Series Reveal Edo Japan’s Soul Through Masterful Ukiyo-e Storytelling
New York, N.Y.—In 1842, as the Edo period neared its twilight, Utagawa Hiroshige crafted Hara—No. 14, a serene vista from his legendary series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido. Five years later, Sakanoshita—No. 49 emerged—a dramatic mountain pass echoing with travelers’ footsteps.
These woodblock prints, housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, transcend mere documentation of the Tokaido highway. They immortalize a poetic dialogue between land and life, inviting modern viewers into 19th-century Japan’s spiritual and social rhythms.
The Tokaido: Journey Through a Transforming Nation
The Tokaido, stretching 319 miles between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, pulsed as Japan’s cultural and economic lifeline. By Hiroshige’s era, over 300 years of peace under the Tokugawa shogunate had birthed a travel boom. Pilgrims, merchants, and daimyō (feudal lords) traversed its 53 post stations, fueling demand for souvenirs like Hiroshige’s prints.
Unlike contemporaries fixated on kabuki actors or courtesans, Hiroshige elevated landscapes to emotional narratives. His Reisho Tokaido sub-series—distinguished by vertical formats and restrained palettes—balanced realism with lyricism, mirroring ukiyo-e’s (“pictures of the floating world”) ethos: beauty in transience.
Hara: Station 14’s Sublime Serenity
Hara—No. 14 (1842) captures travelers resting near reed-thatched huts, dwarfed by Mount Fuji’s snow-capped cone. Hiroshige renders the volcano in soft grays and blues, its slopes echoing the thatched roofs’ curves. Three foreground figures—back turned, faces hidden—evoke anonymity, emphasizing collective experience over individualism.
A lone pine tree anchors the composition, symbolizing endurance. The scene’s quiet power lies in its spatial harmony: human structures nestle like natural extensions of the land. As art historian Timothy Clark notes, Hiroshige’s genius was “making the ordinary luminous”—here, a roadside pause becomes meditation.
Sakanoshita—No. 49, from the series “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido (Tokaido gojusan tsugi),” also known as the Reisho Tokaido.
Sakanoshita: Station 49’s Thrilling Ascent
Contrasting Hara’s tranquility, Sakanoshita—No. 49 (c. 1847–1852) thrusts viewers into a vertiginous climb. Travelers ascend a steep path flanked by jagged cliffs; mist swallows the valley below. Hiroshige employs bokashi (gradated ink) to heighten atmospheric depth, while vermilion accents on robes pop against mossy greens.
The perilous terrain underscores the Tokaido’s physical challenges, yet camaraderie emerges: a porter steadies a palanquin, and two figures converse mid-slope. This print exemplifies Hiroshige’s skill in compressing epic journeys into intimate vignettes—where geology and grit intertwine.
Enduring Echoes: From Edo to Van Gogh
Hiroshige’s death in 1858 coincided with Japan’s opening to the West, catapulting his work to global acclaim. Vincent van Goghcopied Hiroshige prints meticulously, praising his “astounding” use of color. The Art Institute of Chicago’s 2018 exhibition highlighted this cross-cultural resonance, displaying Hara and Sakanoshita alongside Western artists they inspired.
Beyond aesthetics, Hiroshige’s focus on communal harmony and nature’s sanctity feels strikingly modern. As climate crises mount, his vision—of humans as humble participants in vast ecosystems—resonates as both balm and blueprint.
Summary for Audio
Explore Hiroshige’s iconic Tokaido woodblock prints at the Art Institute of Chicago. “Hara—No. 14” reveals Mount Fuji’s tranquil majesty, while “Sakanoshita—No. 49” captures travelers scaling perilous cliffs. These 19th-century masterpieces blend nature, humanity, and artistry, reflecting Edo Japan’s soul and influencing giants like Van Gogh. Discover why they remain timeless meditations on journey and belonging.
Discovering authentic Japanese life beyond Tokyo’s bright lights through immersive education and unexpected human connections
Tokyo — The train from Tokyo gradually slowed as it approached Morioka Station, carrying me toward an experience that would fundamentally reshape my understanding of Japan.
As a college junior, I would soon spend two semesters at the prestigious Waseda University in Tokyo‘s bustling metropolis. But this first semester would be different—profoundly so. I was in Tōhoku.
The Earlham College program in Iwate-ken promised something Tokyo couldn’t: authentic immersion into rural Japanese life. Six American students, myself included, would spend five months living with host families while teaching English at local junior high schools. It was 1980, and Japan was still largely closed to foreign influence outside major cities.
Living Among Samurai Descendants
My host family’s home in Morioka stood as a testament to old Japan. The vice-mayor of the city, my host father commanded respect throughout the community. Their residence, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens and koi ponds, embodied the aesthetic principles that have defined Japanese architecture for centuries.
Inside, ancient samurai armor gleamed from display cases—tangible connections to the family’s noble lineage. The weight of history permeated every room, from the traditional tatami mats to the ceremonial tea sets that emerged for special occasions. My host mother, elegant and patient, would later accompany my awkward rendition of “Sakura” on piano for a NHK documentary crew, transforming what felt like cultural performance into genuine cultural exchange.
The family’s generosity extended beyond material comfort. They offered something far more valuable: patient guidance through the labyrinth of Japanese social customs. Every meal became a lesson in etiquette, every conversation an opportunity to practice honorific language forms that distinguished between social hierarchies.
Teaching English, Learning Humanity
Three days each week, I donned my embroidered athletic uniform—my name stitched proudly on the front, the school’s characters emblazoned on the back—and entered the world of Japanese public education. The junior high school buzzed with energy that transcended language barriers.
However, one interaction haunts me still. A teacher, leaning close with conspiratorial whispers, advised me to ignore a particular student whose grandparents had emigrated from Korea. The prejudice was casual, matter-of-fact, and deeply troubling. This young boy, indistinguishable from his classmates in appearance and behavior, had been marked as “other” by historical animosities I was only beginning to understand.
Instead of complying, I made a point of engaging with him. We practiced English together, and his face lit up with the same enthusiasm I saw in every student. That small act of defiance taught me more about the complexity of Japanese society than any textbook could.
Morioka in the 1980’s. Photo credit: BlackMedusa108 / pexels.com.
Exploring Japan’s Northern Frontier
Morioka revealed itself slowly, like a photograph developing in a darkroom. Riding my bicycle through narrow streets—remembering to stay left, British-style—I discovered a city where tradition and modernity coexisted in surprising harmony. Ancient temples stood next to contemporary shopping centers, while elderly women in kimonos shared sidewalks with teenagers in Western fashion.
The rhythm of daily life in Iwate-ken differed markedly from Tokyo’s frenetic pace. Here, shopkeepers knew their customers by name. Neighbors bowed respectfully when passing on the street. The seasons changed visibly—spring cherry blossoms giving way to humid summers, then brilliant autumn foliage painting the mountainsides.
Mountains and Hot Springs
Our program’s most memorable adventures took us beyond the classroom. Climbing Mount Iwate, the prefecture’s namesake peak, provided panoramic views of northern Honshu’s rugged landscape. The mountain, dormant but imposing, served as a spiritual anchor for the region’s residents.
Equally transformative were our visits to the regional onsen—natural hot springs that Japanese culture has elevated to ritual significance. These communal baths, heated by volcanic activity deep underground, offered more than physical relaxation. They provided spaces for vulnerable conversation, where social barriers dissolved in mineral-rich waters.
Soaking in outdoor pools while snow fell gently around us, I understood why onsen culture persists in modern Japan. These moments of collective quietude create bonds that transcend language and cultural differences.
Lasting Connections
The NHK documentary crew captured our experience for Japanese audiences, but their cameras couldn’t record the program’s deeper impact. Living with a host family, teaching eager students, and navigating daily life in a language I was still learning—these experiences fundamentally altered my worldview.
My host family’s warmth and patience introduced me to concepts of hospitality that extended far beyond mere politeness. They demonstrated how genuine cultural exchange requires vulnerability from both sides—the willingness to be awkward, to make mistakes, and to learn from them.
Decades later, I still remember the taste of my host mother’s homemade miso soup, the weight of responsibility I felt when students struggled with English pronunciation, and the quiet satisfaction of successfully navigating Morioka’s streets without consulting a map.
The Gaijin’s Perspective
Being a gaijin—foreigner—in rural Japan during the 1990s meant constant visibility. Every public appearance became a cultural moment, every interaction a potential bridge between worlds. The NHK documentary, while somewhat embarrassing in retrospect, served an important purpose: showing Japanese audiences that young Americans could appreciate and respect their culture.
That experience in Morioka taught me that authentic cultural understanding requires more than tourism or academic study. It demands sustained engagement, daily vulnerability, and the courage to challenge prejudices—even when they’re presented as social norms.
A college student’s transformative five-month experience in Morioka, Japan, through an Earlham College immersion program. Living with a prominent samurai-descended family, teaching English at local junior high schools, and navigating rural Japanese culture in the 1990s. The program included climbing Mount Iwate, visiting hot springs, and confronting social prejudices. Despite awkward moments like performing for NHK television, the experience provided authentic cultural exchange and lasting connections that shaped the author’s worldview permanently.
TAGS: Japan, cultural immersion, study abroad, Morioka, Iwate, host family, English teaching, Japanese culture, samurai, onsen, Mount Iwate, NHK, gaijin, rural Japan, cultural exchange
The IAEA applies safeguards to verify states are honoring their international legal obligations to use nuclear material for peaceful purposes only
New York, N.Y. —Just days before Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran, the United Nations watchdog agency monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities warned that the country was in violation of its non-proliferation commitments.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) dates back to 1957 and was set up in response to global fears following the first use of nuclear and atomic weapons and alarm over the advent and spread of nuclear technology. An autonomous part of the United Nations system, it works on issues as varied as food safety, cancer control and sustainable development – and also on promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Another principal responsibility, perhaps less well understood, is the agency’s framework of nuclear ‘safeguards’ agreements. These agreements are voluntarily entered into by countries and are key to preventing the spread of nuclear weapons by independently verifying whether countries are meeting their non-proliferation commitments. As of 2024, some 182 countries have safeguards agreements with the IAEA.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi delivers remarks on the military action launched by Israel which includes attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran. Photo credit: IAEA / Dean Calma.
In a June 9 address to the agency’s board, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi laid out troubling findings, raising fresh concerns about Iran’s compliance with global nuclear agreements.
“Iran has repeatedly either not answered” IAEA requests “or not provided technically credible answers,” Mr. Grossi told the 35-nation board on Monday. Additionally, he said, Iran has sought to “sanitise the locations,” which the agency has now concluded were part of a “structured” nuclear programme in the early 2000s.
“Unless and until Iran assists the agency in resolving the outstanding safeguards issues, the Agency will not be in a position to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful,” he said.
Mr. Grossi expressed alarm at the rapid accumulation of over 400 kilogrammes of highly enriched uranium, which has serious implications (highly enriched uranium is one of the necessary components for the creation of a nuclear bomb).
The statement to the board underlined the significant role the IAEA plays in Iran, which can be broken down into four main areas.
1. Monitoring
The agency uses safeguard agreements under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a key international accord designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The vast majority of safeguards agreements are those that have been concluded by the IAEA with non-nuclear-weapon States. However, safeguards are implemented in three States that are not party to the NPT – India, Pakistan and Israel – on the basis of item-specific agreements they have concluded with the IAEA.
As a non-nuclear armed signatory to the treaty, Iran is banned from acquiring nuclear weapons and is required to allow the IAEA to inspect and verify all nuclear materials and activities, including at short notice, if asked.
The agency regularly inspects Iran’s nuclear facilities, including sites like Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. The aim is to ensure that nuclear materials are only used for peaceful means and are not diverted for weapons use.
On 9 June, Mr. Grossi noted that man-made uranium particles had been found at three more, undeclared sites (Varamin, Marivan and Turquzabad). Iran, he said, had failed to provide “technically credible explanations” for the presence of the particles, despite years of consultations.
Rafael Grossi (on screen), Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), briefs the U.N. Security Council meeting on Iran. Photo credit: U.N. Photo / Loey Felipe.
2. Reporting
The agency regularly reports to its Board of Governors on the nuclear activities of Iran (and other countries), using methods such as inspections, monitoring equipment, environmental sampling, and satellite imagery to gather data and prepare technical reports. In the case of countries under special scrutiny – such as Iran – these reports are typically issued every quarter.
If Iran – or any non-nuclear weapon country party to the NPT – fails to comply with the IAEA’s requirements (for example, by limiting access or not explaining the presence of uranium particles), the agency can report Iran to the UN Security Council, which may lead to diplomatic pressure, sanctions or calls for further negotiations.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi (2nd left) visiting the Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities. Photo credit: IAEA.
3. Diplomatic engagement
The IAEA frequently calls for diplomatic solutions and emphasises the importance of dialogue to resolve concerns about Iran’s nuclear intentions. Director General Grossi has engaged directly with Iranian authorities and international stakeholders to maintain communication and transparency.
Addressing the Security Council on June 13, Mr. Grossi said that his agency was in constant contact with the Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to assess the status of affected facilities and determine broader impacts on nuclear safety and security.
4. Safety and security oversight
This is a critical part of the IAEA’s broader mission to prevent nuclear accidents, ensure that nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes, and protect people and the environment.
The IAEA works with the Iranian authorities to ensure that nuclear facilities like Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan operate safely, by assessing the design and operation of the facilities, monitoring radiation protection measures, and evaluating emergency preparedness.
After the June 2025 Israeli strikes, the IAEA confirmed that Natanz had been impacted but reported no elevated radiation levels. However, it emphasized that any military attack on nuclear facilities is a violation of international law and poses serious risks to safety and the environment.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a critical role in monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities to ensure compliance with non-proliferation agreements while promoting peaceful nuclear energy use. Through inspections, verification, and technical cooperation, the IAEA works to maintain global security and support sustainable development. This article explores the agency’s efforts in balancing oversight with fostering nuclear energy for civilian purposes, highlighting its importance in international diplomacy and safety.
How Macharia Kamau Shaped International Policy While Championing Africa’s Development Agenda
New York, N.Y.—The conference rooms of the United Nations headquarters have witnessed decades of diplomatic maneuvering, but few negotiators have left as indelible a mark as Macharia Kamau. With his signature blend of intellectual rigor and unflappable calm, the Kenyan diplomat steered the most ambitious global development blueprint in history—the Sustainable Development Goals—from contentious debates to unanimous adoption. This journey began not in the halls of power, but in the liberal arts classrooms of a small Ohio college.
The Wooster Crucible: Forging a Global Perspective
Kamau’s trajectory from the College of Wooster to the apex of multilateral diplomacy reveals how formative liberal arts education can be for global leadership. Graduating in 1982 with a rare triple major in History, Economics, and Religion, Kamau developed the interdisciplinary lens that would later define his approach to complex international challenges. His academic foundation—steeped in critical analysis and ethical reflection—provided unexpected preparation for navigating the politically charged negotiations that awaited him at the U.N.
After Wooster, Kamau pursued a Master of Education in Social Policy and Planning at Harvard University, specializing in the intersection of macro-economic policy and social welfare systems. This academic combination—broad vision grounded in practical implementation—would become his professional signature during 16 years of senior leadership roles with UNICEF and the UNDP across Africa, theCaribbean, and global headquarters.
Architect of the World’s Development Compass
Kamau’s defining moment came in 2012 when he was appointed co-chair of the U.N. Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals, tasked with creating what would become humanity’s shared development blueprint. Over two grueling years, he orchestrated what many deemed impossible: reconciling 193 nations’ competing priorities into 17 coherent goals with 169 specific targets. His “inside story” of this process, captured in the book Transforming Multilateral Diplomacy, reveals how patient consensus-building overcame seemingly intractable divides.
“The S.D.G.s represented a fundamental shift,” Kamau reflected in a rare interview. “Instead of developed nations dictating development priorities, we created a universal framework where all nations acknowledged their interdependencies—recognizing that poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation anywhere threaten stability everywhere.” This philosophical breakthrough—that Connecticut suburbs and Nairobi slums faced interconnected challenges—became the agenda’s revolutionary core.
Climate Crusader and Unlikely Peacebuilder
Even while serving as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the U.N. (2010-2018), Kamau accepted special envoy roles that would overwhelm most diplomats.
In 2016, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed him and former Irish President Mary Robinson as Special Envoys on El Niño and Climate.
Their mission: sound the alarm about climate-induced droughts affecting 60 million people while mobilizing coordinated global relief.
Simultaneously, Kamau chaired the U.N. Peacebuilding Commission—an irony not lost on colleagues who knew his critique of superficial conflict resolution.
“Peace cannot exist without development, nor development without peace,” he often argued, “and neither can endure without respect for sovereignty.”
This holistic vision—connecting humanitarian response, development investment, and institutional strengthening—became his operational mantra.
The Unfinished Business of Global Equity
Now serving as chair of the U.N. Peacebuilding Fund Advisory Group, Kamau oversees a $50 million annual portfolio addressing violence and instability at their roots. His June 2024 reappointment signals continued trust in his ability to translate the Pact for the Future—the U.N.’s bold recommitment to multilateralism—into tangible conflict prevention.
Yet Kamau remains uncompromising when Western narratives misrepresent Africa. He publicly chastised The New York Times and Financial Times for “woefully biased” Kenya coverage in 2018, demanding editorial accountability.
This willingness to challenge powerful institutions stems from his core belief: true global partnership requires mutual respect, not paternalism.
An Enduring Wooster Legacy
Four decades after leaving Ohio, Kamau’s Wooster experience continues to shape his leadership philosophy.
The college’s emphasis on independent inquiry—culminating in every student’s senior thesis—forged his ability to distill complexity into actionable insight.
His current advisory role to former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Democracy, Stability & Governance applies that same intellectual discipline to Kenya’s democratic development.
“Development isn’t about grand declarations,” Kamau told Penn’s global health symposium in 2016 while discussing Africa’s healthcare systems. “It’s about whether a mother in Kibera slum can access prenatal care, or a Somali refugee child receives nutrition. Our policies succeed or fail at that human scale.”This grounding in tangible human outcomes—beyond statistical targets—remains his true north.
For four decades, Macharia Kamau has navigated the world’s most complex diplomatic challenges while staying anchored in human dignity. From shaping the Sustainable Development Goals to mobilizing climate response, his career embodies Wooster’s ideal of global citizenship. As he now chairs the U.N. Peacebuilding Fund, Kamau continues bridging policy and practice—proving that principled diplomacy can build a more equitable world.
TAGS: Macharia Kamau, United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals, Peacebuilding Fund, College of Wooster, Kenyan Diplomacy, Climate Envoy, UNICEF, Global Governance, African Development
His Revolutionary Vision Captured the Sublime Power of Untamed American Wilderness
New York, N.Y. – In the pantheon of American art, few figures loom as large as Thomas Cole, the visionary painter who transformed how America saw itself through the sublime power of landscape painting. As the founding father of the Hudson River School, Cole didn’t merely paint nature—he painted America’s soul, capturing the raw, untamed beauty of a continent still discovering its identity.
Born in England in 1801, Cole immigrated to America as a young man, bringing with him the romantic sensibilities of European landscape painting while developing an distinctly American voice. His arrival in the Catskill Mountains of New York in the 1820s marked the beginning of a artistic revolution that would define American landscape painting for generations.
The Birth of American Landscape Art
Cole’s breakthrough came not through formal training, but through direct communion with the American wilderness. Unlike his European contemporaries who painted idealized pastoral scenes, Cole confronted the raw, untamed power of American nature. His canvases pulsed with the energy of thundering waterfalls, towering peaks, and endless forests that seemed to stretch beyond the horizon of human comprehension.
The Hudson River School emerged from Cole’s revolutionary approach to landscape painting. This movement, centered in New York’s Hudson River Valley, represented America’s first major art movement. Cole and his followers believed that American landscapes possessed a spiritual power equal to, if not greater than, the classical landscapes of Europe. They painted with religious fervor, seeing God’s hand in every sunset, storm cloud, and mountain peak.
“It’s The Light” – Cole’s Mastery of Illumination
Cole’s genius lay in his understanding of light as both a physical and spiritual force. In masterpieces like “Distant View of Niagara Falls” (1830), he demonstrated how light could transform a landscape from mere geography into something transcendent. The painting, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Cole’s ability to capture the sublime power of Niagara Falls while maintaining the romantic ideal of unspoiled wilderness.
The work reveals Cole’s sophisticated understanding of American mythology. By placing Native American figures in the foreground, he acknowledged the continent’s indigenous heritage while simultaneously romanticizing a landscape already threatened by industrialization. The painting bears little resemblance to the actual terrain surrounding Niagara Falls, which by 1830 was already marked by factories, hotels, and tourist infrastructure. Cole’s vision was deliberately idealized, presenting America as he believed it should be remembered—wild, pure, and untouched.
“Sunrise in the Catskills,” an oil on canvas painting created by Thomas Cole in 1826.
The Romantic Vision of American Wilderness
Cole’s paintings served as visual manifestos for American Manifest Destiny, yet they also contained subtle warnings about the cost of progress. His famous series “The Course of Empire” (1833-1836) depicted the rise and fall of civilizations, suggesting that America’s rapid expansion and industrialization might lead to its own destruction. This tension between celebration and warning became a hallmark of Cole’s work and the broader Hudson River School movement.
“Mountain Sunrise” (1826) exemplifies Cole’s ability to find the divine in the American landscape. The painting transforms a simple dawn scene into a meditation on creation itself, with light breaking over mountain peaks like a visual hymn. Cole’s technique—bold brushstrokes for dramatic skies, meticulous detail for foreground elements—created a visual language that spoke directly to American audiences hungry for cultural validation.
Legacy of the Hudson River Master
Cole’s influence on American art cannot be overstated. He trained a generation of painters, including Frederic Edwin Church and Asher Brown Durand, who carried the Hudson River School tradition into the latter half of the 19th century. His emphasis on direct observation of nature, combined with romantic idealization, established a template for American landscape painting that persisted well into the 20th century.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Gallery of Art, and countless other institutions preserve Cole’s legacy, ensuring that future generations can experience his vision of America’s sublime wilderness. His paintings remain powerful reminders of what America was, what it aspired to be, and what it has lost in the name of progress.
Thomas Cole died in 1848 at the age of 47, but his artistic vision continues to shape how Americans understand their relationship with the natural world. In an era of climate change and environmental crisis, Cole’s paintings serve as both historical documents and urgent reminders of the wilderness that once defined the American continent.
Thomas Cole revolutionized American art by founding the Hudson River School, transforming landscape painting from mere documentation into sublime spiritual expression. His masterful use of light and idealized wilderness scenes created America’s first major art movement, influencing generations of painters while capturing the nation’s complex relationship with its untamed natural heritage and rapid industrialization.
TAGS: Thomas Cole, Hudson River School, American landscape painting, Niagara Falls, wilderness art, 19th century art, American art history, sublime landscape, Native American imagery, art movement
Capturing Nature’s Grandeur in American and Andean Landscapes
New York, N.Y. — Frederic Edwin Church, a luminary of the Hudson River School, transformed the American art scene with his breathtaking landscapes that celebrated the untamed beauty of nature.
Born in 1826 in Hartford, Connecticut, Church’s work epitomized the movement’s reverence for the natural world, blending meticulous detail with romantic idealism. His travels to South America in the 1850s, inspired by the writings of Alexander von Humboldt, expanded his canvas to include dramatic Andean vistas, cementing his legacy as a painter who captured the earth’s majesty with both scientific precision and emotional depth.
Coast of Grand Manan Island, Canada, Frederic Edwin Church, August or September 1851, Smithsonian: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Early Mastery of North American Landscapes
Church’s early works, such as Coast of Grand Manan Island, Canada (1851), housed at the Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt, demonstrate his ability to capture the rugged beauty of North America.
His paintings of the Hudson Valley, Niagara Falls, and the Catskill Mountains resonated with a growing American audience eager to embrace their nation’s natural splendor.
The Hudson River School, a mid-19th-century art movement, emphasized the sublime power of nature, and Church’s large-scale canvases, often filled with vibrant light and intricate detail, became its hallmark.
His ability to render atmospheric effects, such as the interplay of light and shadow, distinguished him as a master of his craft.
Church’s early paintings were not merely aesthetic; they reflected a cultural moment when Americans sought to define their identity through the land.
His works, displayed in galleries like the Brooklyn Museum, invited viewers to marvel at the untouched wilderness, fostering a sense of national pride. By the 1850s, Church’s reputation as a leading landscape painter was firmly established, with exhibitions in New York drawing crowds eager to witness his vision of nature’s grandeur.
South American Sojourns and Humboldt’s Influence
In 1853 and 1857, Church ventured to South America, inspired by Alexander von Humboldt, a German scientist whose 1849 travel accounts urged artists to depict the continent’s pristine landscapes. Humboldt’s call to study the earth in its “most original state” resonated with Church, who sought to capture the Andes with scientific accuracy. Paintings like The Andes of Ecuador (1855) showcase his ability to blend empirical observation with romantic awe, depicting towering peaks and lush valleys with meticulous detail.
Church’s South American works, such as Tropical Scenery (1873), housed at the Brooklyn Museum, reveal a shift in his approach. This oil on canvas employs soft outlines and suffused golden light to evoke a nostalgic, almost dreamlike quality. Unlike his earlier, more analytical depictions, Tropical Scenery prioritizes mood over precision, reflecting perhaps the mellowing of age or the veil of memory. The painting’s large frame underscores its monumental presence, a testament to Church’s ability to command attention.
Evolution of Style and Vision
As Church aged, his work evolved from the scientific rigor of his youth to a more contemplative style. His later paintings, including Tropical Scenery, embraced quieter, more generalized views of nature. The Ecuadorian landscape in this work, bathed in warm, golden hues, contrasts with the dramatic intensity of his earlier Andean scenes. This shift may reflect Church’s personal growth or a response to changing artistic tastes, as the Hudson River School began to wane in popularity by the 1870s.
Church’s ability to adapt while maintaining his reverence for nature set him apart from his peers. His use of light, particularly in Tropical Scenery, creates a serene, almost spiritual atmosphere, inviting viewers to reflect on the timeless beauty of the natural world. This evolution underscores his versatility, as he balanced the Hudson River School’s romantic ideals with a growing interest in emotional resonance.
Detail of ‘Passing Shower in the Tropics’ (1872) by Frederic Edwin Church.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Church’s contributions to American art extend beyond his canvases. His works, exhibited in shows like New York: A Magnet for Artists and American Art at the Brooklyn Museum, continue to inspire awe. Tropical Scenery, acquired through the Dick S. Ramsay Fund, remains a highlight of the museum’s American Art collection, a testament to Church’s enduring influence. His ability to capture the sublime—whether in the Hudson Valley or the Andes—helped shape America’s artistic identity, bridging scientific inquiry with romantic expression.
Today, Church’s paintings invite viewers to reconsider humanity’s relationship with nature. His work, free of copyright restrictions, is accessible to new generations through institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and the Smithsonian. As environmental concerns grow, Church’s celebration of the earth’s beauty serves as a poignant reminder of the landscapes we must preserve.
Frederic Edwin Church, a leading figure of the Hudson River School, painted stunning North American and Andean landscapes. Inspired by Alexander von Humboldt’s travel accounts, his 1873 work, Tropical Scenery, reflects a nostalgic shift from scientific precision to serene, generalized views. Exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum, Church’s oil on canvas masterpiece showcases his ability to evoke nature’s grandeur, blending romanticism with detailed observation in a career that redefined American art.
Organized criminal enterprises profit from illegal puppy mills and cross-border smuggling operations throughout Europe
Paris – The European Union’s open borders, designed to facilitate legitimate trade and travel, have inadvertently created a lucrative highway for organized criminal networks trafficking dogs across national boundaries. These sophisticated operations, collectively known as the “European Dog Mafia,” generate millions of euros annually while subjecting countless animals to deplorable conditions and unsuspecting families to heartbreak.
The Scale of Criminal Operations
Recent investigations by European law enforcement agencies reveal a disturbing network of interconnected criminal enterprises operating across multiple E.U. member states. These organizations exploit regulatory gaps between countries, moving puppies from substandard breeding facilities in Eastern Europe to affluent markets in Western European capitals.
The European Anti-Fraud Office estimates that illegal dog trafficking generates approximately 1.3 billion euros annually across the continent. Unlike traditional smuggling operations, these networks have adapted to exploit the emotional attachment people form with pets, making detection and prosecution particularly challenging for authorities.
Criminal organizations typically source puppies from overcrowded, unsanitary breeding facilities in countries with weaker animal protection laws. These “puppy mills” prioritize quantity over animal welfare, often separating puppies from their mothers too early and failing to provide adequate veterinary care or proper socialization.
Cross-Border Smuggling Methods
The trafficking networks employ sophisticated logistics systems that rival legitimate commercial operations. Puppies are transported in specially modified vehicles designed to conceal dozens of animals in cramped, poorly ventilated compartments. Many animals do not survive the journey, with mortality rates reaching 30% in some documented cases.
Border control authorities report that smugglers frequently use forged vaccination records and health certificates to bypass veterinary inspections. The animals are often given sedatives to keep them quiet during border crossings, further compromising their health and survival prospects.
Once across borders, the puppies are distributed through seemingly legitimate pet shops, online marketplaces, and direct sales. The criminal networks have established sophisticated money laundering operations to disguise the profits from these activities, often investing proceeds in real estate and other legitimate businesses.
Impact on Families and Communities
The human cost of these operations extends far beyond the immediate animal welfare concerns.
Families who purchase these trafficked puppies often face significant veterinary expenses when the animals develop serious health problems shortly after purchase.
Many of these dogs carry infectious diseases that can spread to other pets and, in some cases, pose risks to human health.
Veterinary professionals across Europe report increasing numbers of puppies presenting with severe health issues consistent with poor breeding conditions and inadequate early care.
These animals frequently require extensive medical treatment, and many do not survive despite intensive veterinary intervention.
The emotional trauma experienced by families, particularly children, when their new pets become seriously ill or die cannot be quantified in economic terms. These experiences create lasting psychological impacts and erode public trust in legitimate pet acquisition channels.
Law Enforcement Response and Challenges
European law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to combat these criminal networks, but face significant operational challenges. The International Criminal Police Organization has established specialized task forces focusing on animal trafficking, but the cross-border nature of these crimes complicates investigation and prosecution efforts.
Recent successful operations have demonstrated the scale and sophistication of these networks. In March 2024, a coordinated operation across seven E.U. countries resulted in 89 arrests and the seizure of more than 2,400 animals. However, experts believe this represents only a fraction of the total criminal activity in this sector.
The profits from dog trafficking often fund other criminal enterprises, including drug smuggling and human trafficking. This interconnection makes dismantling these networks a priority for European security agencies, but also increases the complexity of investigations.
Building Stronger Protections
Consumer education represents a critical component in combating these criminal enterprises. Animal welfare organizations emphasize the importance of purchasing pets only from verified, licensed breeders who can provide complete health and vaccination records.
Potential pet owners should insist on visiting breeding facilities in person and meeting the puppy’s mother before completing any purchase. Legitimate breeders welcome such visits and provide transparent information about their animals’ care and breeding practices.
European lawmakers are considering harmonized regulations that would standardize animal welfare requirements across all member states, eliminating the regulatory arbitrage that these criminal networks exploit. Such measures would require significant coordination between national governments but could substantially reduce the profitability of illegal trafficking operations.
75-Word Summary
European criminal networks are exploiting open borders to traffic puppies from substandard Eastern European breeding facilities to Western markets, generating over one billion euros annually while subjecting animals to deplorable conditions. These sophisticated operations use forged documents and modified vehicles to smuggle puppies across borders, with mortality rates reaching thirty percent. Law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts, conducting coordinated operations resulting in dozens of arrests, but the cross-border nature complicates investigations.
My father went to Andover, Dartmouth and Yale. Yet I attended The College of Wooster in Ohio, and three decades later I can say I owe who I am to the four years this institution gave me.
My father went to Andover, Dartmouth and Yale. Mygreat-grandfather 12 times over signed the charter that created Harvard. Yet I attended the College of Wooster in Ohio — my first choice, my only choice — and three decades later I can say I owe who I am to the four years this institution gave me.
Dr. Grant H. Cornwell, president of the College of Wooster, with Haitian tin art in the background. Credit: College of Wooster — Matt Dilyard.
Grant, who came long after I graduated, has moved Wooster in a direction I agree with. He is a thought leader and global citizen — not to mention being 6′ 5 inches — and I interviewed him on his leadership role in making Wooster one of the best colleges in the U.S.
Wooster is ranked No. 71 overall by U.S. News & World Report, but also singled out for ten years running by other college presidents and provosts for having outstanding undergraduate research opportunities and senior capstone programs.
Grant took office as The College of Wooster‘s 11th president in 2007. A philosopher by training, his scholarship and teaching lie in the areas of human rights, globalization and critical race theory.
Grant is co-editor of two books:
President Cornwell joins students at a picnic. Central Park reminds me of Wooster. Credit: College of Wooster — Ryan Donnell.
Global Multiculturalism: Comparative Perspectives on Ethnicity, Race, and Nation and Democratic Education in an Age of Difference: Redefining Citizenship in Higher Education.
He has authored more than two dozen scholarly articles or chapters in edited volumes, as well as a CD-ROM and website on the history of slavery and the sugar industry in St. Kitts.
Prior to his appointment at Wooster, Grant served as vice president of the university and dean of academic affairs at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., from 2002 to 2007.
I arrived at Wooster fresh from a year high school exchange program with AFS in Germany and was among the first freshman to live in Babcock International Hall.
I was stunned to realize that about 10% of Wooster’s students were international and the bonds I formed there have shaped my career.
I asked Grant on his views of the importance of international students on campus:
A history class at Wooster. Although renovated since I was there, class sizes remain small. Credit: College of Wooster — Matt Dilyard.
“Wooster has long recognized the importance of having a rich mix of international and domestic students on campus, and we continue to work hard to build on that foundation. Now more than ever our students need to learn in an environment where different perspectives come together to form larger, more complete understanding.”
“We have launched a new center on campus with an innovative, 21st century vision, called the Center for Diversity and Global Engagement (CDGE). It is housed in Babcock Hall, where you lived. Through is activities, offices and new initiatives, the CDGE fosters a collaborative environment of inclusion and global engagement for the campus community.”
“Babcock Hall is also now home for students in the Cross-Cultural Living and Experiences Program (CCLEP), a residential education program that includes intercultural communication as part of the Center’s activities.
As a student of The College of Wooster, I spent one semester in Bogotá, living with a Colombian family and studying Spanish and Latin American culture. I then spent three semesters in Japan, including one in the north of Iwate and two at Waseda University in Tokyo — again, living with local families. These experiences were transformational for me as I learned about other people and new perspectives.
I asked Grant, “How important is global studies today at Wooster?” He said:
“The first sentence of our mission statement says that Wooster is “a community of independent minds, working together to prepare students to become leaders of character and influence in an interdependent global community,” so it’s absolutely central to what we do.
These four Wooster students spent the summer of 2011 working with NGOs in India, through the college’s Global Social Entrepreneurship program. Credit: College of Wooster — Amyaz Moledina.
“We have developed a new approach to study abroad which I think is brilliant, innovative, and very Wooster. It is called Global Social Entrepreneurship and it involves our students doing research and problem solving for NGO‘s in developing countries.
“Our Wooster in India initiative is pretty interesting. Wooster has had a long and historic relationship with India, as you know from your own friendship with Sundaram Tagore. We are continuing to expand this relationship and I recently toured India toward this end (story).
At the foundation of Wooster’s curriculum is a commitment to mentored, undergraduate research, culminating in a yearlong senior capstone project — independent study — in which every student works one-on-one with a faculty mentor on a major piece of scholarship, researcher creative endeavor. Mine was on “Figurative Language in the Novels of Abe Kōbō.”
A student works on an art installation. Credit: College of Wooster — Matt Dilyard
I asked Grant to reflect on the transformational educational impact of this focus. He told me:
“Wooster’s senior capstone project and the four-year approach to liberal education that prepares each student for independent inquiry, problem solving, and polished communication are the things that we do that make us who we are: America’s premier college for mentored undergraduate research.
“Why is it so important? Not because most of our students are going to become researchers after graduation; they’re not.
“It’s because the capacities they develop — independent judgment, creativity, project-management and time-management skills, strong written and oral communication skills — are precisely the ones they will need to make their way successfully in any profession.
Professor Tom Tierney holds class outside. Credit: College of Wooster — Matt Dilyard.
Having left the world of finance to focus on doing what I can to better humanity, I feel I have a large sense of social responsibility.
Although I had this feeling prior to Wooster, I believe my college experience strengthened this resolve. I wondered how Wooster continues to support students who feel a sense of social responsibility. Grant explained:
“In that speech, I said that all of us at Wooster — students, faculty and staff — “have a profound social obligation, to this and future generations, to graduate alumni who can and will use their access and influence to work for social justice, environmental sustainability, and world peace.”
“I believe that profoundly, and this is a college that acts upon that belief every day, whether it’s through programs like our Center for Diversity and Global Engagement, our Global and Local Social Entrepreneurship programs, or the individual efforts of students and faculty.
I was very pleased to help found an unofficial gay and lesbian organization on campus in 1979.
Students head for class with Wooster’s iconic Kauke Hall in the background. Credit: College of Wooster — Matt Dilyard.
I asked the president how far he felt diversity had come in the last thirty years and in comparison with other Top 100 North American colleges. He told me:
“Frankly, there was a time when Wooster was slower than its peers — and slower than it ought to have been — to make progress in this area, but we are in a much better place today.
Last year, we launched Going True, the College’s first official association of LGBT alumni, allies and friends, and also established a scholarship that honors a Wooster alumnus who worked in the College’s business office and was a mentor to our LGBT students for almost four decades.
“In terms of other aspects of diversity, we are very pleased that a quarter of this fall’s entering class were either domestic students of color or international students.”
Although Grant Cornwell was not president when I was a student, I feel enormously connected to him as both a thought leader and global citizen. As president of The College of Wooster, I am convinced his leadership will lead to increasing numbers of bright, articulate and particularly global students will continue to emerge from its idyllic campus, that the college’s place in the world will become more and more pronounced, and that the world will continue to be a better place for all as a result of his dynamic tenure and wise international stewardship.
Grant Cornwell, former president of The College of Wooster, is a visionary leader recognized for championing diversity, global engagement, and liberal learning. Throughout his career, he has advocated for experiential education, collaborative research, and building inclusive communities. Cornwell’s dedication to global citizenship and responsible leadership has shaped institutions and inspired countless students. His commitment to education’s transformative power continues to influence higher education and promote values essential for the 21st century.
TAGS: Grant Cornwell, global thinker, College of Wooster, higher education, liberal learning, diversity, global engagement, experiential education, responsible leadership, inclusive community
Exploring the unique academic, cultural, and community strengths of leading colleges in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Maine
New York, N.Y. — Liberal arts colleges across the Northeast and Midwest offer distinctive experiences shaped by their history, location, and campus culture. This feature compares standout institutions in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Maine to reveal what sets each apart and why students are drawn to these academic communities.
The New York Experience: Tradition Meets Innovation
Vassar, known for its rigorous academics and vibrant arts scene, fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity. Hamilton emphasizes writing and public speaking, encouraging students to shape their own academic paths. Bard stands out for its commitment to social engagement and interdisciplinary study, attracting students eager to challenge conventions.
These colleges benefit from proximity to New York City, offering unparalleled access to internships, cultural institutions, and a diverse alumni network. The result is a dynamic environment where tradition and innovation coexist, preparing graduates for leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Kenyon’s historic campus and literary tradition make it a haven for aspiring writers. Oberlin, a pioneer in coeducation and racial integration, is celebrated for its progressive values and renowned conservatory.
The College of Wooster—my alma mater—distinguishes itself through its mentored undergraduate research program, where every student completes an independent thesis project.
Students at these colleges benefit from strong faculty mentorship and a collaborative spirit that extends beyond the classroom, fostering lifelong friendships and a deep sense of belonging.
Swarthmore and Haverford, both members of the Tri-College Consortium, offer students access to shared resources and a broad curriculum.
Swarthmore is known for its rigorous honors program, while Haverford’s honor code shapes a culture of trust and integrity. Dickinson stands out for its global education focus and commitment to sustainability.
These colleges combine historic campuses with a forward-thinking approach, creating environments where students are encouraged to think critically and act responsibly.
Carleton is known for its challenging curriculum and strong science programs. Macalester emphasizes internationalism and civic engagement, drawing students from around the world. St. Olaf combines a commitment to the liberal arts with a strong tradition in music and the sciences.
The supportive campus communities and emphasis on undergraduate research make these colleges a magnet for intellectually curious students seeking both challenge and camaraderie.
Bowdoin’s focus on the common good inspires students to pursue meaningful careers. Colby’s innovative academic programs and global reach attract students with a passion for discovery. Bates, with its inclusive culture and commitment to social justice, encourages students to engage deeply with the world around them.
The natural beauty of Maine’s coast provides a stunning backdrop for learning, while the colleges’ small size ensures close faculty-student relationships and a vibrant campus life.
Williams is renowned for its tutorial system and strong alumni network. Amherst offers an open curriculum, giving students extraordinary freedom to design their education. Wellesley, a women’s college, is known for empowering women leaders and fostering a global perspective.
These institutions set the standard for academic excellence, offering unparalleled resources, accomplished faculty, and a commitment to cultivating future leaders.
What Sets Each State Apart?
New York: Urban access, progressive academics, and a blend of tradition and innovation.
Ohio: Strong mentorship, collaborative communities, and a focus on undergraduate research.
Pennsylvania: Academic rigor, ethical leadership, and shared resources through consortia.
Minnesota: Intellectual challenge, global engagement, and supportive campus life.
Maine: Community focus, social responsibility, and natural beauty.
Massachusetts: Top national rankings, curricular flexibility, and leadership development.
A Shared Vision for Global Leadership
J. Luce Foundation Young Global Leaders at the Sri Lankan Mission to the United Nations. Photo credit: Annie Watt/Stewardship Report.
The eighteen distinguished liberal arts colleges highlighted across these six states share a profound connection with the mission of the J. Luce Foundation—fostering Young Global Leadership through transformative educational experiences.
Each institution, whether nestled in Maine’s coastal beauty or thriving in New York’s dynamic environment, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to developing leaders who think globally while acting with local purpose.
The Foundation’s dedication to cultivating international understanding and cross-cultural competency finds natural partners in these colleges and so many of our Young Global Leaders have attended them.
Macalester‘s emphasis on internationalism, Colby‘s global reach, Dickinson’s world-spanning programs, and Wellesley’s commitment to empowering women leaders worldwide all reflect the Foundation’s core belief that tomorrow’s challenges require leaders who transcend traditional boundaries.
Resilience Through Uncertainty
J. Luce Foundation Young Global Leaders at the Sri Lankan Mission to the United Nations. Photo credit: Annie Watt/Stewardship Report.
While the current political landscape may create uncertainty regarding international student access and programming, these institutions possess something more powerful than any temporary policy shift: two centuries of proven resilience and adaptability.
From Oberlin‘s pioneering role in integration to Bard‘s commitment to social engagement, these colleges have consistently risen above political turbulence to advance their educational missions.
The collaborative networks these institutions have built—from Pennsylvania’s Tri-College Consortium to the informal partnerships that connect alumni across continents—create an ecosystem of support that transcends any single administration’s approach to international education.
Whether through Hamilton‘s emphasis on public discourse or Swarthmore‘s rigorous honors program, these colleges continue preparing students to engage meaningfully with an interconnected world.
The Enduring Liberal Arts Promise
What makes these institutions particularly vital in our current moment is their fundamental commitment to the liberal arts tradition: developing critical thinking, fostering empathy, encouraging intellectual curiosity, and preparing graduates to navigate complexity with wisdom and integrity.These qualities become even more essential during periods of political uncertainty.
From Kenyon’s literary tradition to Carleton‘s scientific rigor, from Vassar‘s artistic innovation to Bowdoin‘s commitment to the common good, these colleges embody the very best of American higher education while maintaining their global perspective.
They understand that true leadership requires both deep knowledge and broad understanding—precisely the combination the J. Luce Foundation seeks to nurture in young people worldwide.
A Continuing Legacy
As these colleges move forward, they carry with them not just their individual histories and traditions, but a collective responsibility to demonstrate that excellence in liberal arts education remains America’s gift to the world. Through their graduates, their research, their partnerships, and their unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom, they will continue to serve as beacons of what American higher education can achieve when it remains true to its highest ideals.
The J. Luce Foundation’s investment in Young Global Leadership finds its perfect expression in these institutions—places where tradition and innovation converge, where local community and global citizenship intertwine, and where the next generation of leaders learns to navigate an uncertain world with knowledge, compassion, and hope.
TAGS: liberal arts, college comparison, New York colleges, Ohio colleges, Pennsylvania colleges, Minnesota colleges, Massachusetts colleges, Maine colleges, campus culture, academic excellence, student life, College of Wooster
Audio Summary (75 words)
This feature compares top liberal arts colleges in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Maine, highlighting their unique academic strengths, campus cultures, and community values. From New York’s urban innovation to Maine’s coastal charm and Massachusetts’ academic leadership, each state offers a distinctive experience. The story encourages prospective students to explore these differences, visit campuses, and find the college community where they will thrive.
European Parliament prepares to vote on groundbreaking animal protection legislation amid enforcement concerns
Paris – The European Union’s ambitious attempt to establish comprehensive welfare standards for cats and dogs faces critical scrutiny as lawmakers prepare to vote on legislation that advocates warn could inadvertently strengthen illegal pet trafficking networks across the continent.
The European Parliament is expected to vote Thursday in Strasbourg on the E.U.’s first-ever comprehensive pet welfare law, designed to regulate a market generating €1.3 billion annually. While the legislation represents a significant step forward in animal protection, mounting concerns from MEPs and animal welfare organizations highlight potentially dangerous loopholes that could undermine the law’s humanitarian objectives.
Microchipping Requirements Aim to Combat Fraud
The proposed legislation mandates electronic microchip identification for all pets before they enter the market.
This creates a digital trail designed to reduce fraud and improve enforcement of animal welfare standards.
The European Commission introduced the proposal in December 2023, targeting controversial practices including ear cropping while establishing minimum breeding and keeping standards across all 27 member states.
“This regulation represents the E.U.’s commitment to treating animals with dignity and respect,” said Georgia Diamantopoulou from Four Paws, an international animal welfare organization.
“However, the devil is in the details, and current loopholes threaten to undermine these noble intentions.”
The legislation’s traceability requirements would theoretically create accountability throughout the pet supply chain, from breeders to final owners.
E.U. ministers adopted their negotiating position last year, setting the stage for Thursday’s parliamentary vote and subsequent inter-institutional negotiations.
The most significant concern centers on the legislation’s treatment of online pet sales, where most illegal trafficking occurs. Despite digital platforms serving as primary marketplaces for pet transactions, the current proposal does not require sellers to undergo verification before posting listings.
Only nine E.U. countries currently mandate basic standards for online pet sales, creating a patchwork of enforcement that illegal traders exploit systematically. Anonymous listings, unlicensed sellers, and identification bypasses flourish in this regulatory vacuum, enabling sophisticated criminal networks to operate with impunity.
Animal welfare advocates are pushing for amendments requiring simple verification systems similar to credit card authentication, ensuring online sellers remain traceable and accountable. This approach would close critical gaps without imposing excessive burdens on legitimate breeders and sellers.
Underground Market Thrives Through Regulatory Avoidance
A related problem involves sellers masquerading as “private individuals” to circumvent licensing requirements, mandatory health checks, registration obligations, and tax responsibilities. This deceptive practice enables a vast underground market that operates outside regulatory oversight while generating substantial profits for unscrupulous actors.
The European Parliament faces pressure to address these evasion tactics through targeted amendments that would strengthen verification requirements and eliminate regulatory arbitrage opportunities.
Small Breeder Exemptions Raise Puppy Mill Concerns
Perhaps the most contentious aspect involves proposed exemptions for breeders producing three litters or fewer annually.
Eurogroup for Animals estimates this exemption could exclude approximately 80% of all breeders from oversight, many operating without proper regulation or welfare standards.
The mathematics are sobering: a single unregulated breeder can produce up to 100 puppies or kittens over an animal’s reproductive lifetime.
France alone hosts an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 amateur breeders, many producing at least one litter annually while operating outside regulatory frameworks.
Without proper oversight, these animals risk confinement in unsanitary conditions, including notorious “puppy mills” where animals endure chaining and other cruel practices. Animal welfare organizations are demanding elimination of these exemptions, arguing that welfare standards should apply universally regardless of breeding scale.
Shelter System Faces Mounting Pressure
The legislation’s limited scope creates additional challenges for animal shelters already struggling with overcrowding and resource constraints. Microchipping and registration requirements apply only to animals entering commercial markets, excluding stray and free-roaming populations that shelters must manage.
This regulatory gap means shelters will face increased pressure from unregistered pets and continued consequences of unregulated breeding practices. Animal shelters across Europe report severe overcrowding situations that could worsen without comprehensive regulatory reform.
“To effectively combat illegal pet trade and protect animal welfare, EU rules must apply to all cat and dog breeders, including small and amateur operations,” said Iza Arriet from Eurogroup for Animals. “Illegal trade often originates from breeders who cut corners and ignore welfare standards.”
Parliamentary Vote Sets Stage for Final Negotiations
Thursday’s parliamentary vote will determine whether proposed amendments addressing these concerns advance to final inter-institutional negotiations. The outcome will significantly influence the legislation’s ultimate effectiveness in achieving its stated objectives of improving animal welfare while combating illegal trafficking.
The stakes extend beyond regulatory technicalities to fundamental questions about European values and commitment to animal protection. Success requires balancing legitimate breeding interests with comprehensive welfare standards that eliminate loopholes criminals exploit.
As MEPs prepare to cast their votes, the pet welfare community watches anxiously, hoping legislative ambitions translate into meaningful protection for millions of cats and dogs across the European Union.
75-Word Summary
The European Union’s first comprehensive pet welfare law faces critical scrutiny as Parliament prepares to vote on legislation that could inadvertently strengthen illegal trafficking networks. While requiring microchip identification and establishing breeding standards, the proposal contains significant loopholes in online trading verification and small breeder exemptions that animal welfare advocates warn could undermine the law’s humanitarian objectives and enable continued operation of puppy mills.
Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States by commemorating the day in 1865 when Union soldiers informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom.
Washington, D.C. Wednesday, June 19, marks the third anniversary of Juneteenth being recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.
Its establishment in 2021 came in response to the nationwide outcry sparked by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and other African Americans whose deaths were ruled as racially motivated.
In 2020, their deaths sparked nationwide protests in which millions brandished Black Lives Matter signs to denounce what many Americans describe as entrenched racism.In response to this mobilization, President Joe Biden signed a bill on June 19, 2021, creating the holiday and leveraging it as a catalyst for addressing police brutality and racial injustice in the United States.
Juneteenth celebration and march through Uptown Greenville, June 19, 2021. Original public domain image from Flickr.
How did Juneteenth come about?
Despite the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 – which theoretically freed African Americans but applied only to Confederate states – slavery continued until after the end of the Civil War in 1865. At that time, approximately 250,000 African Americans were still enslaved in Texas.
Slavery persisted in border states including Delaware and Kentucky until December 1865, when the 13th Amendment was ratified, officially abolishing slavery.
Juneteenth’s journey to recognition as a U.S. holiday for African Americans started with racial tensions during the late 1960s.
In 1979, state Representative Al Edwards of Texas established Juneteenth USA, an organization whose sole purpose was raising awareness about Juneteenth and advocating for its recognition as a state holiday.
Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in “East Woods” on East 24th Street in Austin, Texas. Credit: Austin History Center.
“My father always thought that the freedom of our ancestors should be celebrated and marked by a holiday at a state level,” his son, Jason Edwards, told VOA.
For 40 years, Representative Edwards, alongside the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, worked with lawmakers nationwide to establish Juneteenth as a state holiday. By 2014, 45 states had passed legislation recognizing it.
In 2017, 89-year-old activist Opal Lee, who’d campaigned vigorously to see Juneteenth recognized as a national holiday for decades, walked 1,400 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to garner support from Congress.
U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a supporter of Edwards’ initiative, introduced the bill to Congress 12 times over 22 years before it was finally signed into law. Reflecting on this achievement, Jason Edwards expressed pride in seeing his father’s dream become a reality.
On Monday at the White House, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris honored Edwards, who died in 2020, for his 40-year initiative to have Juneteenth recognized as both a state and federal holiday.
How do people celebrate Juneteenth?
Today, people celebrate Juneteenth by honoring African American history and culture. Festivities include civil rights activism, readings on African American history, festivals, musical performances and supporting Black-owned businesses. Edwards emphasized the importance of acknowledging the pain associated with the holiday while celebrating the resilience of African American ancestors.
Stephan Nziengui, who emigrated from Gabon to Parkville, Maryland, told VOA that he plans to celebrate Juneteenth, recognizing its significance as a symbol of freedom for his ancestors. He intends to visit Washington with his family to learn about the oppression his ancestors faced and ongoing struggles against racism today.
What should we remember on Juneteenth?
On Juneteenth, many reflect on sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and equality. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described it as a day “when we honor the strength and courage of African Americans and the contributions they have made and continue to make for our country.”
Victoria Thorson’s Sculptures Lead a Multifaceted Exploration of Expression and Transformation
New York, N.Y. — Marc Straus Gallery unveils Past Tense/Future Perfect, a compelling exhibition dissecting identity, femininity, and creative freedom through divergent artistic lenses.
June 20 – Aug. 8, 2025 | Marc Straus Gallery — Lower East Side at 299 Grand St. off Allen St.
Featuring gallery stalwarts like Renée Stout, Rona Pondick, Jeanne Silverthorne, and Katrina Andry alongside dynamic newcomers including Victoria Thorson, the show transforms introspective narratives into visceral forms. Thorson’s basswood sculptures—ethereal yet grounded—anchor the collection, embodying the exhibit’s celebration of ambiguity and reinvention.
The Exhibition: Where Shadows Define Meaning
Curated to resist singular interpretations, Past Tense/Future Perfect thrives in “twilight spaces,” where emotion materializes as form. Works oscillate between cultural commentary and whimsy, reclaiming the “frivolous” as potent expression. Thorson’s pieces epitomize this ethos: carved fissures channel light through organic masses, blurring boundaries between abstraction and corporeality.
Victoria Thorson is among our most profound sculptors— her intelligence permeates every groove.
Thorson’s Dance with Basswood: Silences in Solid Form
Thorson’s process begins with a tactile romance. “Basswood’s smoothness evokes the body,” she explains, guiding her chisel along knots and grain to “follow lines of energy.”
In Oculus (housed from 2006 to 2018 at The Octagon, Roosevelt Island) and BassWood Bodies (debuted at Garrison Art Center, 2018), she manipulates weight through dark crevices and colored waxes.
Industrial metals counterbalance wood’s softness, creating tension between fragility and permanence. Her sculptures—minimalist yet emotionally resonant—invite viewers into “life’s silences and vibrations.”
Art Historian Turned Visionary: A Dual Legacy
Thorson’s trajectory bridges academia and studio. A Ph.D. art historian, she taught at Oakland University and USC, later joining MoMA where she exposed fake Auguste Rodin drawings with Kirk Varnedoe.
Her 1975 Rodin Graphics: A Catalogue Raisonne remains definitive. This scholarly rigor infuses her art: “Abstract forms demand precision,” she asserts.
Mentorship from figurative sculptor Bruno Lucchesi (National Academy of Design), abstractionist Peter Gourfain, and wood masters Wally Johnson and James Murray refined her shift from figuration to “idiosyncratic abstraction.”
Rodin to Roosevelt Island: Authenticity as Artistic Core
Thorson’s expertise in authentication parallels her sculptural philosophy—both honor “truth in material.” Her detection of Rodin forgeries revolutionized art scholarship, while her own work rejects artifice. “Wood is my partner; its flaws dictate the dance,” she says. Descended from painter Ruth Rogers-Altmann and architect Arnold Karplus, Thorson inherits a legacy of meticulous craft. In Past Tense/Future Perfect, her pieces converse with the paintings of Christine Lee Tyler and Estefania Velez Rodriguez, collectively challenging “neat categorization.”
Why This Exhibition Resonates Now
In an era of polarized discourse, the exhibit champions nuance. These artists seem to find tremendous power in contradiction. Thorson’s sculptures—poised between weight and weightlessness—mirror societal tensions. As feminism evolves beyond binaries, her work whispers: Transformation begins in ambiguity.
Marc Straus Gallery’s Past Tense/Future Perfect unites artists exploring identity and femininity through diverse mediums. Sculptor Victoria Thorson—a Rodin scholar and basswood whisperer—anchors the show with pieces that turn silence into form. Her journey from MoMA authenticator to abstractionist reflects the exhibit’s embrace of contradiction. Through August 8, the gallery celebrates art that finds power in the unpredictable, urging viewers to revel in the “delightful messiness of being human.”
TAGS: Victoria Thorson, Marc Straus Gallery, Past Tense Future Perfect, Rodin authentication, basswood sculpture, feminist art, New York exhibitions, abstract art, art history, Renée Stout
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