Judge reprimands Trump lawyer but holds off on gag order ruling

In Donald Trump’s criminal trial, the New York judge, Juan Merchan, postponed a decision on whether to fine Trump $10,000 for violating a gag order by attacking expected trial witnesses. Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, argued that Trump’s social media posts were political responses and thus permissible. However, Judge Merchan expressed strong skepticism, stating that Blanche was losing credibility with the court. Prosecutors sought contempt charges … Continue reading Judge reprimands Trump lawyer but holds off on gag order ruling

GOP senators urge Biden to mobilize National Guard to protect Jewish college students

Senators Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton have urged President Biden to deploy the National Guard to protect Jewish American college students amid rising tensions sparked by anti-Israel demonstrations on campuses. Hawley referenced President Eisenhower’s 1957 deployment of troops to ensure the safety of Black students in Little Rock and urged similar action to protect Jewish students, citing incidents of violence and intimidation at Columbia University. … Continue reading GOP senators urge Biden to mobilize National Guard to protect Jewish college students

Silent and brooding, Trump endures courtroom ordeal

In a New York courtroom, Donald Trump witnessed a historic moment as the first former US president facing criminal prosecution. Accustomed to swift outcomes, Trump now faces the slow pace of legal proceedings. Prosecutors accused him of falsifying business records to silence Stormy Daniels and colluding with a media boss to conceal damaging stories. Trump appeared uncomfortable as his own words were quoted, but his … Continue reading Silent and brooding, Trump endures courtroom ordeal

Ecuadorians head to polls for referendum as Noboa seeks backing for war on crime

Over 13 million Ecuadorians are anticipated to participate in a referendum on Sunday, focusing on security issues that could influence the political trajectory of President Daniel Noboa and his crime-fighting agenda. Noboa, who assumed office last November, pledged to tackle the escalating crime rates in Ecuador. He has since pursued an aggressive approach, declaring war on criminal gangs, imposing a state of emergency, and approving … Continue reading Ecuadorians head to polls for referendum as Noboa seeks backing for war on crime

Marjorie Taylor Greene calls on Johnson to resign after foreign aid bills pass

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed her dissatisfaction with House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday, accusing him of betraying Republican voters by supporting new aid to Ukraine. Greene called for Johnson’s resignation, threatening to initiate a vote to remove him from the speakership if he refuses to step down. Despite Johnson’s collaboration with Democrats to advance a $95 billion foreign aid package, Greene and at … Continue reading Marjorie Taylor Greene calls on Johnson to resign after foreign aid bills pass

Graham: Ukraine Aid ‘Would Not Have Passed Without Donald Trump’

Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized on “Fox News Sunday” that the aid package for Ukraine, spearheaded by Speaker Mike Johnson, wouldn’t have succeeded in the House without former President Donald Trump’s assistance. Graham highlighted the crucial role of U.S. support in bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities, noting the significant impact it has had on combating Russian forces. He underscored the importance of providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry … Continue reading Graham: Ukraine Aid ‘Would Not Have Passed Without Donald Trump’

Ro Khanna vows to ‘table any motion to vacate’ Speaker Mike Johnson

Despite their party differences, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna expressed support for Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s voting strategy over the weekend. Khanna commended Johnson for splitting a bill into four separate pieces, allowing for individual votes on important issues such as foreign aid and TikTok regulation. Khanna acknowledged his disagreements with Johnson on various matters but appreciated his decision to facilitate separate votes. … Continue reading Ro Khanna vows to ‘table any motion to vacate’ Speaker Mike Johnson

Hillary Clinton claims Trump wants to ‘kill his opposition’ like Putin and Kim Jong Un

Hillary Clinton expressed her concerns about the upcoming 2024 presidential race in an interview, suggesting that Donald Trump harbors authoritarian tendencies akin to leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. Clinton emphasized her support for Joe Biden, highlighting his commitment to maintaining democracy and contrasting him with Trump. She raised concerns about Trump’s alleged desire to silence opposition and undermine democratic norms. A Trump … Continue reading Hillary Clinton claims Trump wants to ‘kill his opposition’ like Putin and Kim Jong Un

Third House Republican backs Johnson ouster

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) announced his support on Friday for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s (R-Ga.) resolution to remove Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) from his position, becoming the third House Republican to endorse the ouster effort. Gosar, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, cited his backing for Greene’s resolution shortly after the House advanced a foreign aid package without border security provisions, emphasizing the … Continue reading Third House Republican backs Johnson ouster

Trump campaign, RNC pledge to deploy 100,000 attorneys and volunteers to monitor the vote

Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and the Republican National Committee (RNC) have unveiled plans for an extensive “election integrity” initiative, aiming to mobilize 100,000 volunteers and attorneys across battleground states ahead of the November elections. The operation, detailed in a press release, aims to monitor various stages of the electoral process, including early voting, ballot tabulation, and post-election procedures like audits and recounts. Despite skepticism about … Continue reading Trump campaign, RNC pledge to deploy 100,000 attorneys and volunteers to monitor the vote

Biden set to block millions of acres in Alaska from oil, gas drilling in Earth Day action

The Biden administration is poised to enact regulations blocking oil and gas drilling across vast stretches of the Alaskan National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A), a reserve designated for resource development by Congress. These regulations, expected to be finalized just before Earth Day, would effectively restrict access to over 13 million acres of public land within the NPR-A. Under the proposed rules, new leasing would be prohibited … Continue reading Biden set to block millions of acres in Alaska from oil, gas drilling in Earth Day action

Speaker Johnson’s Ukraine Package Clears Key Hurdle With Dem Help

Despite significant Republican opposition, the House successfully cleared a crucial procedural hurdle on Friday to advance foreign aid packages for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. With Democrats aiding Speaker Mike Johnson, the bills moved forward, paving the way for final passage on Saturday. The aid measures, totaling $95 billion, include allocations for Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region. Pressure mounted for aid passage following Iran’s attacks … Continue reading Speaker Johnson’s Ukraine Package Clears Key Hurdle With Dem Help

Jury selection in Trump’s hush money trial completed during tense day in court

Amidst the completion of jury selection for former President Donald Trump’s historic criminal trial, a man set himself on fire outside a New York City courthouse. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. ET in an area designated for demonstrators. The man, critically injured, was found with pamphlets suggesting a cryptocurrency-related conspiracy. Inside the courtroom, the selection process concluded with the addition of six alternates to … Continue reading Jury selection in Trump’s hush money trial completed during tense day in court

‘Death to Israel’ in Turkish parliament during Erdogan speech

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a speech in the Parliament in Ankara, where attendees cheered with calls of “Death to Israel.” Erdogan accused Israel of trying to destabilize the Turkish government and announced plans to host Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’s political bureau, emphasizing him as a leader of the Palestinian struggle. Erdogan declared Turkey’s support for Hamas, likening them to Turkish guerrilla fighter … Continue reading ‘Death to Israel’ in Turkish parliament during Erdogan speech

Mayorkas impeachment trial: Senate dismisses as ‘unconstitutional’

The Senate swiftly dismissed both impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, branding them as “unconstitutional.” The trial, centered on Republican criticism of Mayorkas’ immigration policies, concluded in just three hours with a party-line vote of 51-49 to reject the charges and adjourn. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell criticized the decision, calling it a dangerous precedent, while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer defended it … Continue reading Mayorkas impeachment trial: Senate dismisses as ‘unconstitutional’

Arizona Republicans again block repeal of 1864 abortion ban

In the ongoing debate over Arizona’s pre-Roe abortion ban, the Senate made progress towards repealing it, while House Republicans maintained opposition, leaving the fate of the 1864 law uncertain. The narrow margins in both chambers reflect the renewed tensions following the Arizona Supreme Court’s recent reinstatement of the ban. Three Republicans in competitive districts joined Democrats in supporting repeal, highlighting the divided opinions within the … Continue reading Arizona Republicans again block repeal of 1864 abortion ban

Biden visits his Pennsylvania hometown to call for more taxes on rich

President Joe Biden embarked on a nostalgic journey to his childhood home in Scranton, Pennsylvania, as part of a three-day campaign across the state. Amidst discussing policies, Biden took moments to reminisce, lingering at his former residence and engaging with neighbors and children. In his bid to gain ground in a crucial battleground, Biden aimed to reframe economic discussions, advocating for higher taxes on the … Continue reading Biden visits his Pennsylvania hometown to call for more taxes on rich

Michigan Dems win special elections, regain full control of state govt

Democrats regained control of the Michigan House and secured full party dominance in state government following victories in two special elections. Mai Xiong and Peter Herzberg emerged victorious in the 13th and 25th Districts respectively, both being favored candidates in heavily Democratic areas. The win ends a deadlock in the House, allowing Democrats to regain control until the year’s end, with all seats up for … Continue reading Michigan Dems win special elections, regain full control of state govt

Mike Johnson’s Ukraine-Israel Aid Plan Implodes as Republicans Rebel

Speaker Mike Johnson’s efforts to push forward funding for Ukraine, Israel, and other international allies faced a serious setback as some conservatives demanded border provisions in exchange for their support. Democrats prepared a backup plan to ensure aid passage. Johnson, facing challenges within his own party, saw his political influence wane, with some Republicans even seeking to remove him from the speaker position. Despite Johnson’s … Continue reading Mike Johnson’s Ukraine-Israel Aid Plan Implodes as Republicans Rebel

Second Lawmaker Joins Push to Oust Speaker Johnson

Another House Republican has joined efforts to remove Speaker Mike Johnson, heightening the potential for a leadership shakeup just six months into Johnson’s tenure. Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky announced his support for the motion to vacate resolution initiated by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Massie urged Johnson to pre-announce his resignation, citing historical precedents. Johnson, however, remains resolute in his refusal to step … Continue reading Second Lawmaker Joins Push to Oust Speaker Johnson

More potential jurors dismissed as Trump’s hush money trial enters second day

Lawyers in Donald Trump’s hush money case continued to sift through potential jurors in New York on Tuesday, aiming to select a panel to decide if the former president will face criminal conviction. After extensive questioning about their views on Trump and related matters, eight individuals were dismissed, either due to impartiality concerns or scheduling conflicts. While some expressed confidence in their ability to judge … Continue reading More potential jurors dismissed as Trump’s hush money trial enters second day

Dozens of potential jurors at Trump hush money trial dismissed for bias

In the trial concerning hush money payments involving former President Donald Trump, Justice Juan Merchan dismissed numerous potential jurors who couldn’t assure impartial judgment. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with falsifying records to conceal a payment to Stormy Daniels. Trump denies the allegations. The trial, involving jury selection and potential testimony from key figures like Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, is underway, Reuters … Continue reading Dozens of potential jurors at Trump hush money trial dismissed for bias

Major media outlets ask Biden, Trump to debate one another

Twelve major media outlets issued a joint statement urging President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the presumed nominees, to engage in debates before the November general election. Signatories include ABC News, The Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, C-SPAN, FOX News Media, NBCUniversal News Group, NewsNation, Noticias Univision (Univision Network News), NPR, PBS NewsHour, and USA TODAY. They emphasized the importance of debates in … Continue reading Major media outlets ask Biden, Trump to debate one another

House Speaker Mike Johnson Will Push Aid for Israel, Ukraine this Week

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced plans to push for aid to Israel and Ukraine as part of a national security package he has been developing for months. The package includes support for U.S. allies, humanitarian aid for civilians in Ukraine and Gaza, and funding to replenish U.S. weapons provided to Taiwan. Following Iran’s massive drone strike against Northern Israel, Johnson emphasized the importance of … Continue reading House Speaker Mike Johnson Will Push Aid for Israel, Ukraine this Week

Greene threat to oust Speaker Johnson has Senate Republicans anxious

Senate Republicans are expressing concern over the possibility of House conservatives attempting to oust Speaker Mike Johnson for a second time in six months. They fear a repeat of the chaos that paralyzed Washington for weeks when former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was removed. Some Republicans are experiencing a sense of déjà vu from the previous episode, which disrupted planned legislative work, including government funding. Johnson’s … Continue reading Greene threat to oust Speaker Johnson has Senate Republicans anxious