United States

After delaying an earlier ultimatum, the European Union has passed a new sanctions package against Russia. The sanctions come as a result of Russia rejecting plans for a 30-day ceasefire that the US, the UK, and Ukraine signed off on, bringing negotiations to a standstill. What is the potential impact of further sanctions, given the current state of the Russian economy?

People are meeting at “climate cafés” to talk about how climate change is impacting their lives and their feelings around it. With locations around the world, attendees can share their anxieties and fears about the future without the pressure of trying to find a solution.

President Donald Trump wrapped up the first day of his three-nation tour of the Middle East today in Riyadh. He thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a warm welcome and said the US-Saudi partnership has never been stronger. The visit is expected to focus on economic and trade agreements, but the president’s hosts are likely to raise concerns about some regional security issues as well. 

International students — and the big tuition checks they bring  — are a key ingredient in the American college business model. But just as US colleges face a shrinking pool of domestic college-aged students, international students are feeling less welcome here. From the Higher Education desk at GBH in Boston, Kirk Carapezza reports that the shift could have major consequences for colleges – and the US economy.

US and Chinese officials are heading to Switzerland this weekend to talk about the trade war. At one time, both Washington and Beijing were promising not to back down. But the two sides have recently been signaling a willingness to compromise.