We’re but a month into 2026 and there has already been enough political news for a year. At The Cascade, we try to keep our coverage more centred on local and UFV news, but with everything going on, it’s hard not to be alarmed by some of the major international happenings. So let’s do a brief rundown, shall we?
The Independent just released a list of every country President Donald Trump has had conflict with since he took over as president, particularly since the launch of his controversial “America First” campaign. Venezuela recently joined that list following the U.S.’ military strikes on their capital city and the abduction of Nicolas Maduro — more coverage of this on page 3.
The latest antics from Trump include threatening the imposition of tariffs on select European nations — an attempt to pressure the international community to cave to his desire to purchase Greenland. Prime Minister Mark Carney has considered sending troops to help protect Greenland and avoid further escalation.
Repeating my lovely editor-in-chief’s words from last issue: will we cave to the orange cheeto next door?
More from across the border, the number of people detained by ICE has now reached the highest in history, with detention-related deaths claiming the largest number outside of COVID years. Anti-ICE sentiment has only increased following the death of Renee Nicole Good and other victims of ICE which you can read more about on page 3.
Protests in Iran broke out last December, the largest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, brought on by deep-rooted political and economic unrest.
So what do all these events have in common? Clearly, there is a phenomenon of global political turmoil but despite that, there remains a steadfast resistance, and a forging toward regime change. Resistance will never stop and can never stop. We’ve reached a point where people have had enough and it’s showing in the way they’re fighting back, standing up for what they believe is right.
If you’re looking to uncover more about world politics, flip through our news section where we dive into these issues further. Tying it back to our local community, we have a piece on the 2021 and 2025 floods from the perspective of an Abbotsford farmer. And if it’s some UFV news you’re after, check out what our newest provost has to say on page 5.
With 2026 also comes the next “word of the year.” 2025’s — according to Oxford Languages — was “rage bait.” Pretty fitting. I know we’re just shy of a month in, but “kakistocracy” is lookin’ like a solid contender to me for ‘26.
