In a tense three-day negotiation, Senate Democrats sought billions in previously approved government funding in exchange for confirming a batch of President Trump’s nominees before the August recess. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer requested funds for health, global aid, and UN programs, while also opposing any late-year funding clawbacks. A deal to confirm about 20 nominees appeared close until Trump abruptly rejected it, leaving over … Continue reading Democratic senators negotiated for release of billions in funds in exchange for confirmation deals

Senators have 12 votes left after Pirro’s confirmation, prompting Senator Thune to urge them to stay in the chamber to speed up the remaining votes, with no objections. Former President Trump praised Republican senators and Thune for advancing his appointees, blaming Democrats for delaying confirmations. Trump nominated Pirro as U.S. Attorney for D.C. after his original nominee, Edward Martin who failed to gain Senate support, … Continue reading Senate confirms Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

Texas Democrats plan to flee to Illinois to block a Monday vote on a new congressional map that would add five Republican-leaning seats, denying Republicans the quorum needed to pass it. They accuse Texas Republicans and Governor Greg Abbott of pushing a partisan redistricting plan tied to Donald Trump’s agenda and withholding flood relief aid to force the vote. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is supporting … Continue reading Texas Democrats flee state to prevent vote on redrawing congressional map

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has opened an investigation into former Special Counsel Jack Smith to determine if he violated the Hatch Act during his criminal probes of President Donald Trump. The probe follows a referral by Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, who accused Smith of politically motivated actions before the 2024 election. Smith and former Attorney General Merrick Garland have denied any political … Continue reading Office of Special Counsel says it’s opened Hatch Act probe of Jack Smith

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to further peace talks with Ukraine but emphasized that Russian forces are advancing along the entire front. His comments followed a deadly missile strike on Kyiv and came amid U.S. threats of new sanctions if a ceasefire isn’t reached soon. Putin reiterated demands Ukraine sees as surrender—neutrality and recognition of occupied territories. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he’s ready … Continue reading Putin not swayed by Trump’s Ukraine war ultimatum

The Senate reached an agreement Friday to advance three fiscal 2026 spending bills, ending a days-long stalemate. The deal combines the Military Construction-VA and Agriculture-FDA bills into a package, while a third bill funding Congress will be voted on separately at the request of Sen. John Kennedy. Votes are expected to begin Friday afternoon. Although the full set of 12 annual appropriations bills won’t be … Continue reading Senate unlocks ‘minibus’ deal, prepares to advance three spending bills

South Korea’s jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol refused questioning by investigators on Friday by removing his prison uniform and lying on the floor of his cell. Yoon, ousted in April for declaring martial law, is on trial for rebellion and faces further investigations into election-related misconduct involving him and his wife. Despite a court-issued warrant, investigators did not forcibly remove him due to safety … Continue reading South Korea’s jailed ex-leader Yoon resists questioning by taking off his clothes and lying on the floor

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned a ruling by the EU’s top court that tightens rules on how member states can designate countries as “safe” for rejecting asylum seekers. The Court of Justice of the EU said such designations must be justified with public data and apply to all regions and populations of a country. The ruling challenges Italy’s practice of repatriating migrants to countries … Continue reading Meloni fumes as EU top court makes it harder to reject asylum-seekers

El Salvador’s legislature, dominated by President Nayib Bukele’s New Ideas party, approved constitutional changes on Thursday allowing indefinite presidential reelection and extending presidential terms from five to six years. The reform also eliminates the second round of voting in presidential elections. Bukele, already reelected despite a prior constitutional ban, has faced growing criticism over his consolidation of power since 2021, when his party removed top … Continue reading El Salvador approves indefinite presidential reelection and extends terms to 6 years