U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo at the Vatican City for 45 minutes to discuss the Middle East amid rising tensions between the Trump administration and the pope over the Iran war. The meeting, described as “frank,” focused on peace, humanitarian aid, and religious freedom, and included an exchange of symbolic gifts. Relations between Washington and the Vatican have been strained after President Donald Trump publicly criticized … Continue reading Marco Rubio meets with Pope Leo after Trump’s criticism over Iran war

A US trade court ruled that President Donald Trump’s 10% global tariffs were unlawful, saying they were not justified under the 1974 Trade Act used to impose them. The 2–1 decision sided with small businesses that challenged the tariffs, arguing the administration was bypassing a previous Supreme Court of the United States ruling limiting emergency trade powers. The court found the law Trump cited did not apply to … Continue reading US trade court rules against Trump’s 10% global tariffs

The United States and Iran exchanged fire late Thursday in the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides accusing the other of initiating the latest escalation, though President Donald Trump said a ceasefire still remains in effect. Iran claimed U.S. forces struck an oil tanker, another vessel, and coastal areas, while the U.S. said it responded to Iranian attacks on its naval ships with self-defence strikes. United States Central Command said it destroyed incoming Iranian … Continue reading Trump says US-Iran ceasefire still in place after exchange of fire in Strait

Tennessee lawmakers passed a new congressional map that could eliminate the state’s only Democratic seat, setting up a likely 9–0 Republican delegation. The redistricting targets the 9th District, a majority-Black seat centered in Memphis, Tennessee, prompting concerns about reduced Black voter representation. Republicans say the changes reflect Tennessee’s increasingly conservative electorate, while Democrats argue the map is an example of gerrymandering that suppresses minority voices. The … Continue reading Tennessee passes new congressional map likely to flip final Dem seat as protests erupt

Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders are preparing a contingency plan that emphasizes international law, sovereignty, and freedom of navigation as they meet for an ASEAN summit in the Philippines. The draft declaration also addresses regional risks from the Middle East war, including energy shortages, inflation, and disruptions to global trade. It calls for coordinated measures such as emergency fuel sharing, a regional power grid, and diversified … Continue reading Southeast Asian leaders will reaffirm core values in veiled Mideast war rebuke

President Donald Trump hosted top UFC fighters at the White House to preview an upcoming mixed martial arts event planned for June 14 on the South Lawn. The event is intended to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and will feature championship bouts, including Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje and Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane. Trump said the fight card would be a historic, one-time spectacle showcasing … Continue reading UFC stars thank President Trump for transforming the sport with historic White House fight

Former President Barack Obama warned in a televised interview that American democracy is at risk when the Justice Department and other institutions are used for political purposes. Speaking on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” he said the greatest danger is not policy disagreements but the politicization of law enforcement and the use of government power against political opponents. Obama argued that the Justice Department … Continue reading Obama tells Colbert he worries about “politicization of the criminal justice system”

President Donald Trump has promoted a large new White House ballroom as being fully funded by private donors, but new legislation could require up to $1 billion in taxpayer money for related security upgrades. Donald Trump previously said no public funds would be used, but the project now includes extensive security enhancements such as reinforced structures, underground facilities, and bomb shelter elements. Republicans say the … Continue reading Republicans propose $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to secure Trump ballroom

British voters are heading to elections that could deepen political instability for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with his Labour Party expected to suffer major losses in local and regional contests across the U.K. Polls suggest voter frustration over a weak economy, strained public services, and controversial political appointments has turned the vote into a referendum on Starmer’s leadership. Opposition parties, including Reform UK and the … Continue reading Local elections could hasten the exit of Britain’s embattled prime minister

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified behind closed doors before the House Oversight Committee about his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, facing accusations from Democrats that he gave inconsistent and misleading accounts. Lawmakers pointed to evidence from the so-called Epstein files suggesting business ties and visits to Epstein’s properties, including a Caribbean island, despite Lutnick previously claiming he cut ties years earlier. Democrats, including Rep. Ro … Continue reading Lutnick’s testimony in Epstein probe earns harsh criticism from House Democrats