Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet speaks after assuming command of the Royal Canadian Air Force at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum on July 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet speaks after assuming command of the Royal Canadian Air Force at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum on July 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is opening up the debate for ‘renewal’ in Ontario provincial leadership, according to an email obtained by The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Kingston Liberal MPP Ted Hsu says he supports Bonnie Crombie as the party leader but would leave it up to party delegates to vote
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is opening up the debate for ‘renewal’ in Ontario provincial leadership, according to an email obtained by The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Austerity masked as modernization has a history. Former Conservative PM Stephen Harper offers the real lessons for navigating the balance between fiscal targets and
Prime Minister Mark Carney shouldn’t lean too heavily on his corporate background, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Applying Bay Street’s quarterly logic of returns on capital investment to a 158-year-old civil service is a slow grind to institutional death. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Austerity masked as modernization has a history. Former Conservative PM Stephen Harper offers the real lessons for navigating the balance between fiscal targets and
Austerity masked as modernization has a history. Former Conservative PM Stephen Harper offers the real lessons for navigating the balance between fiscal targets and
Prime Minister Mark Carney shouldn’t lean too heavily on his corporate background, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Applying Bay Street’s quarterly logic of returns on capital investment to a 158-year-old civil service is a slow grind to institutional death. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and interim NDP Leader Don Davies have some work to do this summer to pull their parties ahead, writes Andrew Tzembelicos. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
During the break, the Liberals should try to sway opposition MPs to their benches, which would be a challenge to Pierre Poilievre’s leadership; and
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and interim NDP Leader Don Davies have some work to do this summer to pull their parties ahead, writes Andrew Tzembelicos. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne speaks with reporters in the West Block on May 14, while his director of communications, Audrey Milette, left, looks on. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Staffers currently leading Champagne’s policy team previously worked for the ministers of international trade, innovation, and housing.
Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne speaks with reporters in the West Block on May 14, while his director of communications, Audrey Milette, left, looks on. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
The Liberal government needs to prioritize giving Canadians a longer and more prosperous life rather than aligning itself with the fossil fuel industry.
A new Clean Energy Canada polls suggests 85 per cent of Canadians want stronger federal climate action. But Prime Minister Mark Carney's government appears to be moving in the opposite direction, write Richard van der Jagt, Maria Medeleanu, and Geoff Strong. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The Liberal government needs to prioritize giving Canadians a longer and more prosperous life rather than aligning itself with the fossil fuel industry.
The Liberal government needs to prioritize giving Canadians a longer and more prosperous life rather than aligning itself with the fossil fuel industry.
A new Clean Energy Canada polls suggests 85 per cent of Canadians want stronger federal climate action. But Prime Minister Mark Carney's government appears to be moving in the opposite direction, write Richard van der Jagt, Maria Medeleanu, and Geoff Strong. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed on further collaboration across a range of sectors. No 10 Downing Street photograph by Simon Dawson
The new plan defines strengthening ties with key partners like Canada as an 'obvious priority,' and builds on leaders' commitments.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed on further collaboration across a range of sectors. No 10 Downing Street photograph by Simon Dawson
Wildfires require unprecedented co-ordination across jurisdictions and countries. Yet our communication infrastructure remains siloed, fragmented, and vulnerable to the conditions these disasters create.
As thousands of people evacuate due to raging wildfires, our communications infrastructure is breaking down exactly when emergency responders and evacuees need it, writes Kevin Fernandes. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Manitoba
Wildfires require unprecedented co-ordination across jurisdictions and countries. Yet our communication infrastructure remains siloed, fragmented, and vulnerable to the conditions these disasters create.
Wildfires require unprecedented co-ordination across jurisdictions and countries. Yet our communication infrastructure remains siloed, fragmented, and vulnerable to the conditions these disasters create.
As thousands of people evacuate due to raging wildfires, our communications infrastructure is breaking down exactly when emergency responders and evacuees need it, writes Kevin Fernandes. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Manitoba
Based on his recent podcast appearances, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon comes across as a diehard who has no clue about Canada or its people, writes Andrew Caddell. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon could be Quebec’s next premier. What does that mean for Canada?
Based on his recent podcast appearances, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon comes across as a diehard who has no clue about Canada or its people, writes Andrew Caddell. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
For all the effort towards building new overseas trade relationships, the prospects for an outward-focused nation like Canada—where exports account for 34 per cent
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. The reordering of Canadian export options is taking place in a world of increasing anti-globalization, splintering trade frameworks, and deteriorating supply chains, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
For all the effort towards building new overseas trade relationships, the prospects for an outward-focused nation like Canada—where exports account for 34 per cent
For all the effort towards building new overseas trade relationships, the prospects for an outward-focused nation like Canada—where exports account for 34 per cent
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. The reordering of Canadian export options is taking place in a world of increasing anti-globalization, splintering trade frameworks, and deteriorating supply chains, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Plus, NDP leadership hopefuls start readying their campaigns, Travis Dhanraj exits CBC News, politicos converge on Calgary for the Stampede, former Tory MP Damien
Kent Vachon, left, is heading up Canada's new full embassy in Laos, which opened in March. His was one of 24 heads-of-mission appointments announced on July 3, including Anderson Blanc to Mozambique, Alison Grant to Austria, and Tarik Khan to Pakistan. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia, screenshots courtesy of X and the Government of Canada
Plus, NDP leadership hopefuls start readying their campaigns, Travis Dhanraj exits CBC News, politicos converge on Calgary for the Stampede, former Tory MP Damien
Plus, NDP leadership hopefuls start readying their campaigns, Travis Dhanraj exits CBC News, politicos converge on Calgary for the Stampede, former Tory MP Damien
Kent Vachon, left, is heading up Canada's new full embassy in Laos, which opened in March. His was one of 24 heads-of-mission appointments announced on July 3, including Anderson Blanc to Mozambique, Alison Grant to Austria, and Tarik Khan to Pakistan. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia, screenshots courtesy of X and the Government of Canada
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is meeting with his provincial and territorial counterparts in Charlottetown this week. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is meeting with his provincial and territorial counterparts in Charlottetown this week. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Conservative MP Ziad Aboultaif is among the first 30 MPs who will get a chance to bring forward private members' business. He says he plans to table a bill tackling organ and tissue donation—a subject close to his heart. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
‘I’m very excited about it,’ says Liberal MP Ahmed Hussen, who’s among the first set of MPs to get a crack at proposing legislation
Conservative MP Ziad Aboultaif is among the first 30 MPs who will get a chance to bring forward private members' business. He says he plans to table a bill tackling organ and tissue donation—a subject close to his heart. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
As Mark Carney struggled at the griddle, Pierre Poilievre was busy pitching himself as an Albertan returned ‘home’ at the festival where Alberta Senator
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, pictured with Conservative MP Dalwinder Gill, said that, if elected in a Aug. 18 byelection, he would fight for Alberta, adding that ‘the era of Ottawa telling Alberta to shut up and pay up must come to an end once and for all.’ Photograph courtesy of X
As Mark Carney struggled at the griddle, Pierre Poilievre was busy pitching himself as an Albertan returned ‘home’ at the festival where Alberta Senator
As Mark Carney struggled at the griddle, Pierre Poilievre was busy pitching himself as an Albertan returned ‘home’ at the festival where Alberta Senator
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, pictured with Conservative MP Dalwinder Gill, said that, if elected in a Aug. 18 byelection, he would fight for Alberta, adding that ‘the era of Ottawa telling Alberta to shut up and pay up must come to an end once and for all.’ Photograph courtesy of X
The new government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to rebuilding confidence in our democratic system by appointing a commissioner for the Foreign Influence Transparency
The upcoming fall sitting of Parliament will be a test of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s seriousness about democratic integrity, writes Henry Chan. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The new government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to rebuilding confidence in our democratic system by appointing a commissioner for the Foreign Influence Transparency
The new government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to rebuilding confidence in our democratic system by appointing a commissioner for the Foreign Influence Transparency
The upcoming fall sitting of Parliament will be a test of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s seriousness about democratic integrity, writes Henry Chan. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The system is 'marked by silos of responsibility and accountability,' and needs a convening figure, says Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic in a new report.
Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic tells reporters that there needs to be a major overhaul of Canada's $37-billion procurement system to fix persistent issues on July 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The system is 'marked by silos of responsibility and accountability,' and needs a convening figure, says Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic in a new report.
The system is 'marked by silos of responsibility and accountability,' and needs a convening figure, says Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic in a new report.
Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic tells reporters that there needs to be a major overhaul of Canada's $37-billion procurement system to fix persistent issues on July 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 6, 2025, at the West Wing entrance of the White House. White House photograph courtesy of Gabriel B. Kotico
‘Everything is negotiable at all times’ with U.S. President Donald Trump, says trade consultant Eric Miller.
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 6, 2025, at the West Wing entrance of the White House. White House photograph courtesy of Gabriel B. Kotico
Senior leadership may be accurate in assessing a seven-year window to recover the military. However, in what universe can that be considered a plan, asks Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Brendan Gamache
Perhaps the Liberals need to do more than make promises of massive budget increases if there are too few personnel left in uniform to
Senior leadership may be accurate in assessing a seven-year window to recover the military. However, in what universe can that be considered a plan, asks Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Brendan Gamache
The Dalai Lama, pictured in April 2012 during a visit to Ottawa, turned 90 on July 6. China views his death as a golden opportunity to ‘nationalize’ Tibetan Buddhism by giving the state the power to choose his successor, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Since the Chinese invasion of 1950, Tibet has been officially part of of the country and Beijing does not like religious leaders who are
The Dalai Lama, pictured in April 2012 during a visit to Ottawa, turned 90 on July 6. China views his death as a golden opportunity to ‘nationalize’ Tibetan Buddhism by giving the state the power to choose his successor, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland has criticized a decision by BC Ferries to buy vessels made in China. A Commons committee is meeting on that topic today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland has criticized a decision by BC Ferries to buy vessels made in China. A Commons committee is meeting on that topic today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Bill C-5 will create a major projects office with an advisory council of Indigenous representatives, but leaders from those groups are still waiting for
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said in an Intergovernmental Affairs press release on June 26 that the One Canadian Economy Act 'marks a historic milestone in creating a stronger, more inclusive Canada—one where Indigenous partnership is not only valued, but is fundamental to every step of development.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Bill C-5 will create a major projects office with an advisory council of Indigenous representatives, but leaders from those groups are still waiting for
Bill C-5 will create a major projects office with an advisory council of Indigenous representatives, but leaders from those groups are still waiting for
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said in an Intergovernmental Affairs press release on June 26 that the One Canadian Economy Act 'marks a historic milestone in creating a stronger, more inclusive Canada—one where Indigenous partnership is not only valued, but is fundamental to every step of development.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
U.S. President Donald Trump, right, meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the White House's Oval Office, on May 6, 2025. Official White House photograph by Emily J. Higgins
Donald Trump hates Canada’s supply-management policies. What if he next says either you drop supply management as a policy of your country, or the
U.S. President Donald Trump, right, meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the White House's Oval Office, on May 6, 2025. Official White House photograph by Emily J. Higgins
NDP interim leader Don Davies, left, and Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who won New York City's mayoral primary race last week, may have dramatically changed the dynamics of left-wing politics in the U.S., writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Just because a 'new American left' might be surging in the U.S., that doesn’t mean it’ll also happen here in Canada.
NDP interim leader Don Davies, left, and Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who won New York City's mayoral primary race last week, may have dramatically changed the dynamics of left-wing politics in the U.S., writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Treasury Board President Anita Anand and the rest of government must work with us to create the public service of the future, writes Sharon DeSousa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Rather than fighting to be treated with basic respect, we could be collaborating on building the public service of tomorrow.
Treasury Board President Anita Anand and the rest of government must work with us to create the public service of the future, writes Sharon DeSousa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux, left, and PSG Senator Clément Gignac, co-chairs of the Canada-ASEAN Interparliamentary Friendship Group, write that Canada can tap into the vast potential that the ASEAN region offers. Dan Peres photograph courtesy of the Canada ASEAN Business Council
Canada stands to gain greatly from investing in and developing close ties with this dynamic and economically vibrant part of the world.
Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux, left, and PSG Senator Clément Gignac, co-chairs of the Canada-ASEAN Interparliamentary Friendship Group, write that Canada can tap into the vast potential that the ASEAN region offers. Dan Peres photograph courtesy of the Canada ASEAN Business Council
Given the reality of climate change, the demand for federal disaster assistance will only increase. The answer cannot always be 'send in the military.'
Canadian Armed Forces members on the ground helping to respond to the wildfire that engulfed Jasper, Alta., last month. Screenshot courtesy of CTV News
Given the reality of climate change, the demand for federal disaster assistance will only increase. The answer cannot always be 'send in the military.'
Given the reality of climate change, the demand for federal disaster assistance will only increase. The answer cannot always be 'send in the military.'
Canadian Armed Forces members on the ground helping to respond to the wildfire that engulfed Jasper, Alta., last month. Screenshot courtesy of CTV News
'Defunding media that rural, francophone, and Indigenous communities depend on is a non-starter, and anyone who wants to represent them should know this,' says
Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge, left, says the Liberal government's approach 'contrasts sharply' with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's plan to 'defund and dismantle' an organization that 'millions of Canadians count on.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
'Defunding media that rural, francophone, and Indigenous communities depend on is a non-starter, and anyone who wants to represent them should know this,' says
'Defunding media that rural, francophone, and Indigenous communities depend on is a non-starter, and anyone who wants to represent them should know this,' says
Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge, left, says the Liberal government's approach 'contrasts sharply' with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's plan to 'defund and dismantle' an organization that 'millions of Canadians count on.' The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
'If you thought Toronto-St. Paul's was a world of pain for Justin Trudeau, not doing well in LaSalle-Émard-Verdun would be another devastating blow,' says
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. If the New Democrats win the upcoming two byelections, this could be the beginning of the end of the extraordinary supply and confidence agreement with the Liberals, say pollster Nik Nanos. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
'If you thought Toronto-St. Paul's was a world of pain for Justin Trudeau, not doing well in LaSalle-Émard-Verdun would be another devastating blow,' says
'If you thought Toronto-St. Paul's was a world of pain for Justin Trudeau, not doing well in LaSalle-Émard-Verdun would be another devastating blow,' says
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. If the New Democrats win the upcoming two byelections, this could be the beginning of the end of the extraordinary supply and confidence agreement with the Liberals, say pollster Nik Nanos. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, U.S. Vice-president Kamala Harris, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, and photographs courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Leadership in North America faces a potential shakeup with the U.S. election coming up in November, and Canada's federal election coming by October of
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, U.S. Vice-president Kamala Harris, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, and photographs courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is 'committed' to staying in an interview with CBC News on July 1, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
'Far fewer people have a positive view of [Justin Trudeau],' and changing that perception may be difficult if those people have stopped listening to
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is 'committed' to staying in an interview with CBC News on July 1, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Plus, Stephen Hoff leaving CBC, Nick Murray joining CBC's Hill bureau, Shanahan re-appointed to NSICOP, Aaron Wudrick Conservatives' new policy adviser, Karen Vecchio not
Donald Savoie's book, Speaking Truth to Canadians about Their Public Service, and published by McGill-Queen’s University Press, will be released in September. Book cover image courtesy of McGill-Queen's University Press and The Hill Times photograph by Abbas Rana
Plus, Stephen Hoff leaving CBC, Nick Murray joining CBC's Hill bureau, Shanahan re-appointed to NSICOP, Aaron Wudrick Conservatives' new policy adviser, Karen Vecchio not
Plus, Stephen Hoff leaving CBC, Nick Murray joining CBC's Hill bureau, Shanahan re-appointed to NSICOP, Aaron Wudrick Conservatives' new policy adviser, Karen Vecchio not
Donald Savoie's book, Speaking Truth to Canadians about Their Public Service, and published by McGill-Queen’s University Press, will be released in September. Book cover image courtesy of McGill-Queen's University Press and The Hill Times photograph by Abbas Rana
Members of the Parliamentary Protective Service prevent protesters bearing large wooden flagpoles from entering Parliament Hill grounds on Jan. 28, 2023, the anniversary of the Freedom Convoy protest. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson
Death threats, arson, violent imagery, vandalism, and more: Canadian politics is becoming more violent, MPs say.
Members of the Parliamentary Protective Service prevent protesters bearing large wooden flagpoles from entering Parliament Hill grounds on Jan. 28, 2023, the anniversary of the Freedom Convoy protest. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson
There are jurisdictional issues over emergency responses, but the federal government should create one national registry so Canada is better prepared for the worst.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan was recently asked if Canada should create a national emergency response agency. He didn't rule it out, but said Ottawa provides emergency assistance when asked. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
There are jurisdictional issues over emergency responses, but the federal government should create one national registry so Canada is better prepared for the worst.
There are jurisdictional issues over emergency responses, but the federal government should create one national registry so Canada is better prepared for the worst.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan was recently asked if Canada should create a national emergency response agency. He didn't rule it out, but said Ottawa provides emergency assistance when asked. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, front centre, was killed on July 31. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, top left, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Alli Khamenei, top right, and Israel's Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu. Tension is already high along Israel’s northern border, write Michael Harris. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
With the assassination of the political leader of Hamas in Tehran, Iran is vowing revenge against Israel. No one knows what that will look like. For
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, front centre, was killed on July 31. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, top left, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Alli Khamenei, top right, and Israel's Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu. Tension is already high along Israel’s northern border, write Michael Harris. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured on the Hill in May. For Singh, winning a second seat in Quebec would also mean overcoming a symbolic barrier that has been holding back his success as leader, writes George Soule. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
In Montreal, Justin Trudeau is putting his leadership on the line; in Winnipeg, Pierre Poilievre is testing out his cosplay routine as a 'regular
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, pictured on the Hill in May. For Singh, winning a second seat in Quebec would also mean overcoming a symbolic barrier that has been holding back his success as leader, writes George Soule. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough moved quickly to stem the controversy by announcing that the federal government would be suspending funding of coaching salaries. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Politics inevitably gets in the mix at the Olympics, and that’s a horror show for politicians asked to comment on their county’s performance and
Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough moved quickly to stem the controversy by announcing that the federal government would be suspending funding of coaching salaries. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Re: “Elections Canada’s nomination ideas have merit,” (The Hill Times, July 29). I read the editorial in The Hill Times about Elections Canada’s suggestions
Re: “Elections Canada’s nomination ideas have merit,” (The Hill Times, July 29). I read the editorial in The Hill Times about Elections Canada’s suggestions
Re: “Elections Canada’s nomination ideas have merit,” (The Hill Times, July 29). I read the editorial in The Hill Times about Elections Canada’s suggestions
Re: “Environmental checkup: reviewing governments’ clean-economy performance,” (The Hill Times, July 8, by Sarah McBain and Thomas Gunton). It was fantastic to hear the good news
Re: “Environmental checkup: reviewing governments’ clean-economy performance,” (The Hill Times, July 8, by Sarah McBain and Thomas Gunton). It was fantastic to hear the good news
Re: “Environmental checkup: reviewing governments’ clean-economy performance,” (The Hill Times, July 8, by Sarah McBain and Thomas Gunton). It was fantastic to hear the good news