Crooked Bough News Round-up

— Antisemitism reaches 45-year high in US. It’s ‘the canary in the coal mine.’

 

at 4/25/25 2:24pm

Over the past decade, attacks on Jews have jumped almost 900%, a new report finds. A rise in antisemitism has often been seen as a bellwether for threats to the rights and liberties of all.

— Russia and the US seem near a Ukraine peace deal. Kyiv’s role may be moot.

 

at 4/25/25 2:02pm

Moscow and Washington seem close to an agreement on a Ukraine peace plan, leaving Russia pleased – even if the talks don’t pan out.

— Tariffs are jamming the US-China supply chain. Who that hits first.

 

at 4/25/25 1:27pm

U.S. and Chinese tariffs on each other’s goods have stifled trade. The first to suffer are factory workers, wholesalers, shippers, and dockworkers.

— Hugs of mercy in a Texas courtroom

 

at 4/25/25 1:25pm

After a plea of guilty and his sentencing, a mass shooter receives acts of forgiveness from family members of victims. It was both healing and civilizing.

— On eve of election, Canada’s Tories try to prove they’re ready to confront Trump

 

at 4/25/25 12:21pm

Pierre Poilievre is a long shot to be Canada’s next prime minister. He wants to show that conservatism has the solution to deal with Donald Trump.

— When government promises are broken, how is trust restored?

 

at 4/25/25 9:57am

What can history tell us about the social contract between the U.S. government and the American people? Our columnist interviews author Justene Hill Edwards about the Reconstruction-era Freedman’s Bank.

— ‘Make America Healthy Again’: A movement rallies around RFK Jr.’s agenda

 

at 4/25/25 3:00am

RFK Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again initiatives are controversial, but tap into a postpandemic skepticism of the medical establishment and a desire for more natural solutions.

— Pope Francis focused on ‘this world.’ He angered some, and inspired many others.

 

at 4/24/25 3:20pm

Pope Francis heralded migrant rights, rang alarms over climate change, and served as a bridge toward peace on several continents. He spurred many citizens to action.

— Kenya embraces refugees as partners

 

at 4/24/25 1:29pm

A new plan that integrates more than 800,000 refugees sees them as contributors, not burdens, to society.

— Hate chased a Holocaust survivor off TikTok. His message is still: Seek hope.

 

at 4/24/25 1:00pm

In an online world filled with vitriol, Holocaust survivor and grandfather Gidon Lev continues to be a social media influencer who tries to teach where hate can lead, with a mix of stories, dancing, and humor.

— Trump’s ‘quick fix’ approach to diplomacy slow to yield results

 

at 4/24/25 12:24pm

Donald Trump boasted he could get a Ukraine peace deal in a day. The conflicts there and in Gaza are proving harder nuts to crack than he’d thought.

— These migrants took a legal pathway into the US. Now they reinvest in their homeland.

 

at 4/24/25 3:00am

Under a process known as circular migration, workers secure an H-2A visa to come for a few months to the United States.

— In postwar Ethiopia, a stand on higher ground

 

at 4/23/25 1:12pm

A potential for renewed war in Tigray state was averted after two former foes – the prime minister and Tigrayan general – helped rebalance a peace deal that ended the deadly 2020-2022 war.

— What USAID cuts mean for Peru as it battles cartels on coca, gold trade

 

at 4/23/25 1:06pm

Peru received $135 million in USAID funding in 2024. Substantial contributions were for areas ranging from democratic governance to minority rights.

— The European Union has wealth and people. Why isn’t it more competitive?

 

at 4/23/25 12:39pm

The European Union is the largest single market in the world, yet it is seeing only sluggish economic growth. Why isn’t the EU competitive?

— They wanted to build affordable housing. The town took their land.

 

at 4/23/25 10:14am

A federal case out of Rhode Island could set a precedent in governments’ power over private developments. Can eminent domain be used to halt development in the name of public good?

— The world looked away from Congo’s rape crisis. She did not.

 

at 4/23/25 9:09am

This year, a rebel army called M23 has captured large sections of eastern Congo, exposing women there to a familiar weapon of war: rape.

— Spring verse offers a poetic refuge in tempestuous times

 

at 4/23/25 6:03am

Five writers offer a collection of poetry to welcome spring and, with it, light and hope during uncertain times.

— Four years on, Trump is still focused on his 2020 loss

 

at 4/23/25 3:00am

Even as ongoing defamation lawsuits find no evidence of a fraudulent election, President Donald Trump keeps insisting that the 2020 vote was rigged. He’s issuing orders targeting officials and lawyers whose work undercut his claims, and demanding states tighten voting rules to prevent alleged fraud.

— As cities fight to retain ‘sanctuary’ status, some immigrants question the policy

 

at 4/23/25 3:00am

The Trump administration wants to take away federal funding from sanctuary cities; two in Massachusetts are suing. As they observe increased immigration enforcement, some immigrants say the policies aren’t effective.

— In Spain, migrants reshape the Catholic Church – and the country

 

at 4/22/25 2:24pm

As immigrants increasingly fill its pews in Spain, the Catholic Church is advocating more inclusive policies to the broader Spanish public.

As of 4/25/25 9:09pm. Last new 4/25/25 2:44pm.