Sen. Warner says he won’t vote to confirm Jay Clayton as DNI

Democratic Sen. Mark Warner said he will not support Jay Clayton’s confirmation as director of national intelligence after Clayton declined to say Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election during his Senate hearing. Warner said he respects Clayton personally but was concerned by his response to questions from the Senate Intelligence Committee. Despite his opposition, Warner expects Clayton to be confirmed because Republicans hold a … Continue reading Sen. Warner says he won’t vote to confirm Jay Clayton as DNI

Lindsey Graham’s sister mulls Senate run

Sen. Darline Graham received President Donald Trump’s endorsement as she considers running for the South Carolina Senate seat previously held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Trump urged her to enter the race and offered his “complete and total endorsement,” though several Republican candidates remain interested despite his support. The special election has attracted other contenders, including members of Congress and South Carolina businessman Mark … Continue reading Lindsey Graham’s sister mulls Senate run

JD Vance and wife Usha welcome fourth child, reveal baby boy’s name

Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance announced the birth of their fourth child, a son named Alec Neel Vance. The couple said both Usha and the baby are healthy, and their three older children are excited to welcome their new brother. They thanked the medical staff at Walter Reed Medical Center and the White House Medical Unit for supporting their family. The … Continue reading JD Vance and wife Usha welcome fourth child, reveal baby boy’s name

Hungary’s president signs amendment ending his own term

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok announced he would end his term after signing a constitutional amendment approved by the ruling Tisza party. The amendment is part of efforts by Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s government to remove remaining influences of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s long-standing nationalist administration. Sulyok, an Orban ally, said he was fulfilling his constitutional duty but criticized the move as harmful to democracy … Continue reading Hungary’s president signs amendment ending his own term

Rubio vows to ‘dismantle’ International Criminal Court

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of unfairly targeting the United States and its allies. The Trump administration is urging other countries to reject the ICC’s authority and warning that nations refusing to cooperate could face increased scrutiny and possible penalties. The effort includes potential sanctions, travel restrictions, and diplomatic pressure aimed at … Continue reading Rubio vows to ‘dismantle’ International Criminal Court

Trump rings New York Stock Exchange bell to mark first trading day for ‘Trump accounts’

Donald Trump rang the New York Stock Exchange bell from the White House to mark the launch of “Trump accounts,” a federal program giving children $1,000 investment accounts. He hosted leaders from the NYSE and Nasdaq in the Oval Office for the first joint exchange opening, highlighting it as a historic event. The accounts, established by Congress, are designed to help children build long-term savings … Continue reading Trump rings New York Stock Exchange bell to mark first trading day for ‘Trump accounts’

Trump bets on former NATO troublemaker as Turkey’s strategic value surges

President Donald Trump said he is attending the NATO summit in Ankara mainly because of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, describing him as a friend and signaling closer U.S.-Turkey defense cooperation. The visit reflects a shift in relations between Washington and Ankara, which have been strained in recent years over issues like Turkey’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile system and its removal from the F-35 … Continue reading Trump bets on former NATO troublemaker as Turkey’s strategic value surges

Husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suspected in Napa County hit-and-run

Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is suspected of hitting a parked car and leaving the scene in Yountville, California, on Friday afternoon. Deputies said his vehicle struck a legally parked, unoccupied car, causing major damage before briefly stopping and then driving away. Police later located Pelosi’s damaged convertible nearby and said he admitted to hitting something but did not realize what … Continue reading Husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suspected in Napa County hit-and-run

Paramedics responded to a ‘cardiac arrest’ at Mitch McConnell’s home on day of hospitalization

Police scanner audio suggests paramedics performed CPR on an individual experiencing cardiac arrest at a known address for Mitch McConnell on the same day his office announced he had been hospitalized. McConnell’s office has not confirmed details of his condition or whether he remains in the hospital, but said he is recovering and still working with staff on Senate business. The senator, 84, has faced multiple health … Continue reading Paramedics responded to a ‘cardiac arrest’ at Mitch McConnell’s home on day of hospitalization

Frustration mounts as GOP infighting derails House

House Republicans are facing escalating internal conflict that has stalled work in the chamber and forced Speaker Mike Johnson to send lawmakers home early for a second straight week. The unrest is driven by disputes over voter ID legislation, border policy promises, and procedural votes tied to major defense and funding bills. A group of Republican hardliners has repeatedly blocked key measures, drawing sharp criticism … Continue reading Frustration mounts as GOP infighting derails House

Trump admin axes ‘Green New Scam’ appliance rules as Europe bakes in brutal heat

The Donald Trump administration is preparing a major rewrite of federal appliance efficiency regulations, which officials say will roll back what they call restrictive “Green New Scam” mandates. The proposed rule aims to preserve consumer choice by limiting future federal efforts to regulate appliances like gas stoves, HVAC systems, lightbulbs, and dryers. United States Department of Energy officials argue that past administrations imposed stricter efficiency standards that increased … Continue reading Trump admin axes ‘Green New Scam’ appliance rules as Europe bakes in brutal heat

Schumer, Warren locked in battle over future of Democratic Party

Elizabeth Warren and Chuck Schumer are in an escalating struggle over influence within the Senate Democratic caucus, particularly as they back competing candidates in recent primaries. Elizabeth Warren has been supporting progressive challengers, including candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, arguing voters want more aggressive change on issues like the economy and corporate influence. Chuck Schumer has focused on backing more centrist, … Continue reading Schumer, Warren locked in battle over future of Democratic Party

Left-Wing Insurgent Ousts 15-Term Congresswoman in Colorado

Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old democratic socialist, defeated 15-term incumbent Representative Diana DeGette in a Denver-area congressional primary, marking a major win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Melat Kiros, an immigrant and first-time candidate, ran on affordability issues, opposition to corporate donations, and criticism of U.S. support for Israel, overcoming a well-funded establishment campaign. Her victory, supported by groups aligned with Democratic Socialists … Continue reading Left-Wing Insurgent Ousts 15-Term Congresswoman in Colorado

Trump to debut Qatari-gifted jet as Air Force One

President Donald Trump is set to fly on a nearly $400 million luxury Boeing 747 gifted by the government of Qatar, using it as a new Air Force One during upcoming travel and Fourth of July celebrations. The aircraft, recently arrived at Joint Base Andrews, is being fast-tracked into service as a temporary “bridge” plane until new purpose-built presidential aircraft are completed in 2028. The … Continue reading Trump to debut Qatari-gifted jet as Air Force One

Andy Burnham vows to decentralise power in Scotland

Andy Burnham has proposed a major overhaul of UK governance that would further decentralise power, including in Scotland, as part of a plan to “power up” regions across the country. He said the changes would shift authority away from central and devolved governments and place more decision-making power in local communities and grassroots organisations. Burnham also described plans to create a “Number 10 North” in … Continue reading Andy Burnham vows to decentralise power in Scotland

Australia and Vanuatu sign deal to block foreign military bases

Australia and Vanuatu have signed the Nakamal Agreement, a new economic and security pact that includes a ban on foreign military bases in Vanuatu. The deal, signed by Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Jotham Napat in Canberra, also expands Australian economic support and requires consultation with Australia on critical infrastructure investments. Albanese said the agreement strengthens regional security and ensures no foreign military presence in the Pacific island nation. Vanuatu … Continue reading Australia and Vanuatu sign deal to block foreign military bases

Trump asks Congress for $87bn, mostly for ‘urgent’ Iran war costs

The White House has requested $87.6 billion from Congress to fund military and related needs tied largely to the ongoing war in Iran, even as lawmakers recently passed a resolution rebuking the conflict and calling for limits on presidential war powers. Most of the funding would go to the Pentagon for munitions, operations, classified programs, and rebuilding military stockpiles, along with smaller amounts for embassy … Continue reading Trump asks Congress for $87bn, mostly for ‘urgent’ Iran war costs

Trump cancels plans to sign housing bill, in latest sign of tension with his party

President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a planned bipartisan housing bill signing ceremony on Capitol Hill after posting that he would not sign the legislation unless Congress first passed his voter ID proposal, the SAVE America Act. The decision came just as Republican leaders were preparing to promote the housing measure as a key affordability win, leaving them to scramble after the reversal. A subsequent lunch … Continue reading Trump cancels plans to sign housing bill, in latest sign of tension with his party

Trump kicks off the Great American State Fair after musical acts pulled out

President Donald Trump used the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall as a celebration of both America’s upcoming 250th birthday and his own leadership, declaring that “America is back” and praising his administration’s accomplishments. The event, part of a 16-day exposition tied to the Freedom 250 initiative, featured military displays, performances, and patriotic spectacle, though it faced criticism after some … Continue reading Trump kicks off the Great American State Fair after musical acts pulled out

Trump has testy meeting with GOP senators, telling Cassidy at one point to sit down

President Donald Trump’s meeting with Republican senators turned tense after disagreements over a War Powers Resolution and related legislation on Iran, with sources saying he raised his voice and clashed with Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. The discussion focused heavily on U.S. military authority, Iran policy, and a recent Senate resolution aimed at limiting presidential war powers, which some Republicans supported alongside Democrats. Trump criticized … Continue reading Trump has testy meeting with GOP senators, telling Cassidy at one point to sit down

Top European leaders vow ‘strong’ support for Ukraine ahead of NATO summit

European leaders, including Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Poland, say they want to send a strong message of support for Ukraine at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. Friedrich Merz said the goal is to signal to Russia that Ukraine remains strong, with continued military, economic, and energy-sector support pledged. The leaders agreed to maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions and to strengthen European … Continue reading Top European leaders vow ‘strong’ support for Ukraine ahead of NATO summit

Trump signs executive orders to ‘supercharge’ quantum computing

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at advancing U.S. leadership in quantum computing and strengthening related cybersecurity systems. One order launches a national effort to build a powerful quantum computer within the next five years, while the other directs federal agencies to adopt quantum-resistant cryptography by 2031. The administration says the initiative will boost domestic supply chains, expand workforce training, and accelerate research … Continue reading Trump signs executive orders to ‘supercharge’ quantum computing

Clean sweep for Mamdani-backed candidates in New York’s Democratic primary

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani scored a major political victory as all three of his endorsed congressional candidates advanced to the general election, unseating two incumbent Democrats. The wins came in competitive New York House primaries, highlighting growing influence from the mayor’s progressive wing of the party. In other races, Republican businessman Anthony Constantino secured the GOP nomination for New York’s 21st District with backing … Continue reading Clean sweep for Mamdani-backed candidates in New York’s Democratic primary

Pulte’s first days in office set off alarms with lawmakers

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has begun a controversial shake-up of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, including layoffs that critics say are being carried out without proper review. Appointed by President Trump with no prior intelligence experience, Pulte has reportedly focused cuts on staff at the National Counterterrorism Center, raising concerns from lawmakers and former intelligence officials. Democrats and some … Continue reading Pulte’s first days in office set off alarms with lawmakers

Merz backs plans to raise Germany’s retirement age to 70 in pension changes

Germany plans to gradually raise its retirement age to about 70 by the early 2090s under reforms backed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz to stabilize the country’s pension system. An expert commission recommended linking retirement age to life expectancy, expanding pension contributions, and investing part of the system in stock markets. The proposals aim to address pressures from Germany’s rapidly aging population, which is increasing the … Continue reading Merz backs plans to raise Germany’s retirement age to 70 in pension changes