Democrat Analilia Mejia won a New Jersey special election for the U.S. House, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway and keeping the seat in Democratic hands. A progressive backed by Bernie Sanders and other left-wing figures, she campaigned on strong criticism of Donald Trump and populist economic policies. Her victory adds to a series of Democratic wins ahead of the midterms and helps maintain the party’s control … Continue reading Progressive Democrat Analilia Mejia wins New Jersey special election for US House

The U.S. Senate approved a short-term extension of a controversial surveillance program used by intelligence agencies, just before its authority was set to expire. The measure passed quickly by voice vote after a chaotic push in Congress, sending it to President Donald Trump for approval. Lawmakers chose a temporary fix until April 30 after longer-term extension proposals failed to gain enough support. The program remains … Continue reading Senate extends surveillance powers until April 30 after chaotic votes in House

South African opposition leader Julius Malema was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of firing a rifle in the air at a 2018 rally. The court also imposed additional penalties, though the sentences will run concurrently, and he was released pending appeal. Malema has vowed to take the case to the Constitutional Court, a process that could take years and delays any … Continue reading South African opposition leader Malema gets jail sentence for firing gun

Progressive leaders from more than 100 organizations are meeting in Barcelona, Spain, to coordinate a global response to the rise of far-right and nationalist movements. The “Global Progressive Mobilization” initiative, backed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, aims to strengthen cooperation among left-leaning parties worldwide. Participants include prominent leaders such as Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum. … Continue reading Global leftist leaders gather in Spain to mobilize against right-wing politicians

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing renewed political pressure after it was revealed he was not told that former US ambassador Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before his appointment. Mandelson later resigned over links to Jeffrey Epstein, adding to the controversy surrounding the appointment. Starmer said it was unacceptable that he had been kept unaware while telling Parliament that proper procedures had been … Continue reading UK prime minister Starmer faces pressure to resign, pleads ignorance over Mandelson

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he believes the House will ultimately agree to expel Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick after serious ethics findings against her. The House Ethics Committee has substantiated most allegations against her, including claims she misused $5 million in FEMA disaster funds, and a hearing on potential sanctions is set for April 21. Cherfilus-McCormick, who is also facing a federal indictment, denies wrongdoing but … Continue reading Speaker Johnson: Cherfilus-McCormick ‘should be expelled’

Tensions have risen between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after Trump criticized her for not supporting U.S. policy toward Iran and said she lacked “courage.” In a phone interview, Trump called Meloni “unacceptable,” while also escalating criticism of Pope Leo XIV, sparking additional diplomatic friction. The dispute comes as Meloni has begun distancing Italy from some U.S. and Israeli positions, … Continue reading Trump blasts close ally Meloni, says she’s failing US on Iran

Senate Republicans are divided over how to respond to an expected request from President Donald Trump to fund and potentially extend the ongoing military conflict with Iran. Some GOP senators are working with Sen. Lisa Murkowski on a possible authorization framework that would extend war powers beyond the 60–90 day limit under the War Powers Act. Several Republicans, including Sens. John Curtis, Thom Tillis, and … Continue reading Senate GOP divided over Trump push for Iran war funding

The US Senate has failed for the fourth time to pass a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to wage war with Iran, with the vote largely split along party lines. The measure followed recent developments in the conflict, including a short ceasefire and stalled negotiations between the US and Iran. Supporters argue Trump acted unconstitutionally by launching military action without congressional approval, … Continue reading US Senate rejects another war powers resolution to limit Trump on Iran

House Democrats have introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of serious misconduct related to the war in Iran and his leadership of the Pentagon. The resolution includes six charges, such as unauthorized military action, violations of the law of armed conflict, mishandling classified information, and obstructing congressional oversight. It also alleges abuse of power, politicization of the military, and actions … Continue reading House Democrats file articles of impeachment against Hegseth

Republicans in Congress are moving ahead with a plan to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security after it has been shut down for nearly two months amid a partisan dispute over immigration enforcement. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans will try to pass funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection without Democratic support using the reconciliation process. … Continue reading Republicans are moving to fund Homeland Security ‘the hard way’ after end of talks

Mexico’s government, led by Claudia Sheinbaum, has formally protested the deaths of Mexican citizens in U.S. immigration custody and is taking a tougher stance toward the United States. The shift follows the death of a Mexican detainee in an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, adding to a series of similar fatalities over the past year. Mexico has called the detention conditions unacceptable, demanded investigations, … Continue reading Mexico’s Sheinbaum takes a firmer stance toward the US over migrant deaths and Cuba

Giorgia Meloni said Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of a defence cooperation agreement with Israel amid growing tensions over the Middle East conflict. The decision follows Italian criticism of Israeli military actions in Lebanon, which have caused significant casualties and damaged relations between the two countries. Meloni said the move reflects her government’s response to actions it disagrees with, despite Italy traditionally being a … Continue reading Italy’s Meloni suspends defence cooperation deal with Israel

Pedro Sánchez called for closer ties between Europe and China during a visit to Beijing, arguing that cooperation is needed to defend multilateralism. Chinese President Xi Jinping said the international order is “crumbling” and that stronger relations with Spain serve mutual interests. Sánchez, one of Europe’s most pro-engagement leaders toward China, emphasized expanding trade and cooperation in areas like climate, security, and infrastructure. China reportedly … Continue reading Spain, China pledge closer ties in the face of threats to world order

The Irish government led by Micheál Martin survived a confidence vote after widespread fuel protests disrupted supply chains, blocked roads, and caused shortages across the country. The vote passed 92–78, allowing the coalition to remain in power despite criticism from opposition parties, including Sinn Féin. The protests, driven by truckers, farmers, and transport workers, were sparked by rising fuel costs and demands for tax cuts … Continue reading Irish government survives confidence vote over handling of fuel protests

Hungary’s prime minister-elect Péter Magyar has vowed sweeping reforms after his centre-right Tisza Party won a landslide victory over Viktor Orbán’s long-time government. He pledged to crack down on corruption, restore judicial independence, and reform media and state institutions to reverse what he called years of democratic erosion. Péter Magyar also said his administration would pursue officials accused of mismanaging or “plundering” the country and create mechanisms to … Continue reading Péter Magyar vows to pursue those who ‘plundered’ Hungary after election win

Mediators are working to restart U.S.-Iran negotiations after failed talks in Pakistan, aiming to arrange another round of in-person discussions before a ceasefire expires next week. Despite mutual accusations of violations, the approaching deadline is being used as pressure to bring both sides back to the table. Efforts also include discouraging renewed U.S. strikes and encouraging Iran to reconsider a proposal from the Donald Trump administration. Donald Trump said the other … Continue reading Trump says Iran has ‘called’ about making a deal after failed weekend talks

Donald Trump staged a media event at the White House by having DoorDash deliver McDonald’s to the Oval Office to promote a tax policy on tipped income. The event featured a delivery driver who spoke about benefiting from the policy, which allows some workers to deduct taxes on tips. Donald Trump used the moment to highlight the initiative ahead of Tax Day, despite other major issues dominating headlines. The appearance was clearly prearranged, with the … Continue reading Trump tips DoorDash driver $100 for delivering McDonald’s to Oval Office

Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, announced he is stepping down from Congress after admitting to an extramarital affair with a staffer. The decision comes amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and workplace discrimination. Tony Gonzales said he takes responsibility for his actions and previously ended his re-election campaign but had planned to finish his term. The controversy also involves allegations tied to a former staffer … Continue reading Republican Tony Gonzales to step down from Congress amid expulsion threat

Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations, while continuing to deny some of the claims against him. The allegations include accusations from a former aide and reports from multiple women involving inappropriate conduct and explicit messages. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat who previously ran for president, said he was taking responsibility for past mistakes and stepping down to avoid distracting from his duties. His resignation came … Continue reading Rep. Eric Swalwell resigns from U.S. House after sexual misconduct allegations

Hungary’s opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, won a decisive parliamentary election, ending the long rule of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power. The result gave Tisza a strong parliamentary majority, potentially a super-majority capable of reversing constitutional changes and restoring access to EU funds. Orbán conceded defeat, acknowledging a “painful but unambiguous” result and moving into opposition after years of … Continue reading Hungarian opposition ousts Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power

Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor following serious sexual misconduct allegations that led to a rapid collapse of his bid. The allegations, reported by major outlets, include claims from multiple women and are being investigated by prosecutors in New York and California, while Swalwell has denied all accusations and called them false. Within hours of the reports, key Democratic allies withdrew their … Continue reading Eric Swalwell ends bid for California governor after sexual misconduct allegations

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to join a U.S.-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead to avoid deploying warships in the operation. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the blockade after failed nuclear negotiations with Iran and said allied countries would support the effort. The UK government said it would focus on mine-clearing and protecting navigation rather than enforcing the blockade itself. … Continue reading Starmer refuses to join Trump’s Hormuz blockade

Iraq’s parliament elected Nizar Amidi as president after months of political deadlock following inconclusive elections. His appointment comes amid regional turmoil, as Iraq faces economic and security pressures linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, including disrupted oil exports. Amidi, backed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, won decisively in a second round of voting after no candidate secured the required majority initially. Under Iraq’s … Continue reading Iraq elects Kurdish politician Nizar Amidi as president

Polls have closed in Peru’s presidential and legislative elections, with no clear winner emerging in a crowded field of 35 candidates amid ongoing political instability. Early exit polls show right-leaning candidate Keiko Fujimori in the lead, followed by leftist and centrist rivals, but no one is close to the 50% needed to win outright. If the results hold, the top two candidates will advance to … Continue reading Peru votes for ninth president in less than decade