International

Donetsk and Luhansk, together known as Donbas, lie on Ukraine's eastern border and broke away in 2014. Putin ordered Russian troops there this week.

Understanding Ukraine’s breakaway regions

President Joe Biden announced the White House has issued its first round of sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

White House issues sanctions following Russian invasion of Ukraine

The US has promised sanctions following the Russian government announcement that it is moving closer to what could be described as an invasion of Ukraine.

US promises sanctions as Russia moves closer to Ukraine invasion

Oil prices are rising amid tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

Escalating Russia-Ukraine tensions send oil prices soaring

Residents of England and Australia have gotten some welcomed relief from COVID-19 restrictions.

England’s COVID-19 restrictions to end, Australia welcomes back tourists

What happened to that COVID pandemic baby boom everyone was predicting? Straight Arrow News investigates why birth rates are falling.

Birth rates are declining and the COVID pandemic isn’t helping

A Chinese Navy ship is accused of pointing a laser at an Australian aircraft.

Australian PM accuses Chinese navy ship of pointing laser at military aircraft

Putin is considering backing separatist regions in Ukraine.

Putin to sign decree recognizing separatist regions in Ukraine

Ottawa police begin arresting “freedom convoy” protesters, towing vehicles

At the annual Munich Security Conference, all eyes from NATO and the West have been on the increasing tension between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine tensions center stage at Munich Security Conference

Vatican testimony revealed a top adviser to Pope Francis outsource internal Vatican police spy work.

Vatican extortion trial: Papal adviser used Italian secret service for spy work

As Russia threatens military action against Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an impromptu visit to the UN.

“Imminent invasion”: Blinken visits UN to address Russian aggression

Figure skater Kamila Valieva, the Russian Olympic Committee's heavy favorite to win individual gold, fell multiple times and did not medal.

Russian Olympic Committee figure skater Valieva fails to medal in individual event

We see it every Olympics: athletes that live in one nation, but compete for another. Rule 41 allows them to make the swap.

Is nation swapping the fastest growing Olympic sport?

The last border blockade between the United States and Canada broke up.

Last US-Canada border blockade breaks up, Ottawa police threaten arrest

Despite claims of a troop withdrawal from Ukraine's borders by Russia's Defense Ministry, security experts remain skeptical that has happened.

Security experts skeptical of Russian withdrawal from Ukraine borders

Dozens have been killed after flooding and mudslides hit Brazil.

Dozens dead after heavy rain causes flooding, mudslides in Brazil

U.S. sprinter Sha'carri Richardson suggested a double standard was at play in the decision to allow Kamila Valieva to compete at the Olympics.

Sha’carri Richardson claims double standard after Valieva’s Olympic green light

Financial regulators warned the fast-evolving cryptocurrency market could be a threat due to size, structural vulnerabilities and more.

Financial Stability Board: Cryptocurrency could destabilize global markets

Peter Sloly resigned as Ottawa Police chief.

Ottawa police chief resigns, another ‘freedom convoy’ blockade broken up

Russia says it is withdrawing troops from near the Ukraine border.

Russia claims troop withdrawal, offers talks as Ukraine hit with cyberattack

Stock markets surged and oil prices dropped after Russia claimed some of its troops are retreating from the Ukrainian border.

Stocks surge, oil drops as Russia claims retreat from Ukraine border

A settlement was reached in the sex abuse lawsuit of Prince Andrew.

Prince Andrew, Giuffre reach settlement in sex abuse lawsuit

A court ruled that despite a positive test for a banned substance, Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva will be able to compete at the Olympics.

Court: Olympic figure skater Valieva can compete despite positive test for banned substance