WESTERN RUSSIA

May 11 2026POLITICS

Montana Republicans face off in a crowded race for Congress

Western Montana’s Republican voters now have a tough choice to make in June. After Congressman Ryan Zinke announced a surprise retirement, a pack of candidates rushed to claim his spot in the House. The district covers 16 counties, stretching from the Idaho border to the Canadian line. What started

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May 11 2026POLITICS

Armenia under fire for hosting Zelenskiy amid Russia’s growing tensions

Russia has sharply criticized Armenia for allowing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to speak in Yerevan last week. During his visit, Zelenskiy warned that Russian leaders might face drone threats over Red Square during Moscow’s Victory Day parade on May 9—a claim Moscow dismissed as reckless.

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May 07 2026FINANCE

Russia’s currency moves hint at oil price struggles, not just Middle East chaos

Russia plans to buy foreign cash for the first time since the Ukraine war began, but not as much as experts thought it would. The government will spend 110. 3 billion roubles—mostly in Chinese yuan—between May 8 and June 4 to top up its rainy-day fund. The idea is to keep the rouble from shooting up

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May 01 2026POLITICS

Russia Turns to China for War Tech

Russian arms makers are now getting more than nine out of ten pieces of restricted equipment from China. This shift follows tighter European controls that block many supply routes, pushing Moscow to look eastward for support. The share of Chinese‑supplied tech has risen from roughly eight out of

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Apr 27 2026CRYPTO

Western Union’s New Digital Dollar Could Speed Up Global Transfers

Western Union, the 175‑year‑old money‑transfer giant, is ready to launch its own stablecoin, a digital dollar that could change how it moves money worldwide. The company said the coin, called USDPT, will be issued through Anchorage Digital and run on the Solana blockchain. The launch is expected nex

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Russia’s Strain: War, Sanctions, and a Workforce on the Edge

Russia’s economy is showing clear signs of trouble as the war in Ukraine drags on. Policymakers in Moscow recently met to discuss shrinking capital markets and rising costs, with warnings that labor shortages could get worse. Inflation is climbing, production is slowing, and experts say the country’

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

How the US and EU plan to shake up the minerals trade

Western powers are stepping up their game to reduce their heavy reliance on a single player for vital raw materials. The United States and the European Union have just signed a fresh deal to work together on securing supplies of critical minerals. These minerals are the backbone of modern industries

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Apr 22 2026CRYPTO

Russia Sets Rules for Crypto, Opens Path Around Sanctions

Russia’s parliament has approved a new law that will be the country’s first official rules for digital money. The bill says crypto is property, so it can be used in court cases like bankruptcies and divorces. People who are not professional traders can only buy up to 300, 000 rubles a year. Profe

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Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Mississippi River’s Changing Flow: What’s Endangering Wisconsin’s Waters?

Western Wisconsin’s rivers and streams are facing growing problems, and experts warn the situation could get worse. Heavy rains and melting snow don’t just fill up creeks—they carry pollution, dirt, and even salt from roads straight into the Mississippi River. That extra water isn’t always harmless.

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Europe’s Drone Aid and Russia’s Growing Concerns

Russia says that European countries are making more drones for Ukraine. The defence ministry claims this pushes the conflict closer to Europe. It released a list of factories that it says build drones or parts for Ukraine, including sites in Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, Israel and Poland.

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