Journalism, US State Department, Embassy in Baghdad

The Independent covers important stories from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech. They rely on donations to send journalists to report from the ground. The US State Department is ordering the departure of nonessential personnel from the US Embassy in Baghdad due to regional unrest, with the Pentagon ready to support a potential evacuation.

China's International Adoption Program

The Chinese government is mostly ending its international adoption program, impacting hundreds of families from the U.S. and around the world. The only exception will be for families adopting blood relatives' children in China.

Kidnapping of American YouTube Star in Haiti

An American YouTube star, YourFellowArab, was kidnapped in Haiti by a gang while attempting to interview the nation's notorious gang leader. He is being held for ransom, with $40,000 already paid. The US State Department has issued a travel advisory warning against traveling to Haiti due to widespread kidnapping incidents.