Pope Leo XIV delivered the first-ever papal address to Spanish lawmakers, calling for stronger protections for migrants’ rights and a renewed focus on human dignity in public life. He urged a “moral renewal” in politics and emphasized care for vulnerable groups, including migrants and the unborn. Spanish legislators responded with a standing ovation and chants of support, marking a rare moment of strong engagement between … Continue reading Pope’s historic speech to Spain’s parliament demands respect for migrants

Former U.S. Senator Bob Packwood has died at the age of 93, his family announced. He was a prominent Oregon Republican known for his work on tax reform and as an early GOP supporter of abortion rights and women’s issues. However, his political career collapsed in the 1990s after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual harassment and other misconduct. Following a Senate … Continue reading Sen. Bob Packwood of Oregon, who resigned after sexual harassment scandal, dies

President Donald Trump said he did not campaign on avoiding “endless wars,” as he addressed the ongoing conflict with Iran in a recent interview. He argued that the current fighting is not an “endless war,” noting it has lasted about three months and is partially under a ceasefire arrangement. Trump also said that supporting a strong military is not consistent with being entirely opposed to … Continue reading Trump denies campaign push to finish endless wars: ‘I didn’t promise anything’

Democratic congressman Ro Khanna offered a qualified defense of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, acknowledging his “misogynistic” past behavior while saying it was not surprising to many people in Maine. Platner, a former Marine and oyster farmer running against Republican Senator Susan Collins, has faced allegations including inappropriate messages and accusations of abusive behavior. Khanna said he continues to support Platner because he has taken … Continue reading Ro Khanna says he supports Graham Platner’s bid for Senate despite ‘shameful’ actions

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in North Korea on his first official visit since 2019, where he was warmly received by leader Kim Jong Un. The visit comes after Xi’s recent meetings with leaders including Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, and is seen as part of China’s effort to strengthen influence over its neighbor. Key topics expected for discussion include denuclearisation, US relations, and tensions … Continue reading Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to meet Kim Jong Un in rare visit

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan claimed a “historic victory” after his Civil Contract party won a decisive lead in Sunday’s parliamentary election. Early results showed his party far ahead of rival opposition blocs, signaling strong public backing for his pro-Western and reform-focused agenda. The vote also reflected Armenia’s shifting foreign policy direction and a gradual reduction of Russian influence in the country. Pashinyan said the … Continue reading Nikol Pashinyan hails ‘historic victory’ in decisive election in Armenia

Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct face-to-face negotiations, marking his first such open appeal since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed talks in a neutral country and said Ukraine was ready for a ceasefire and prisoner exchanges as a starting point for peace. The letter comes amid intensified drone and missile strikes from both sides, with Ukraine targeting deep inside Russia and Russia escalating aerial … Continue reading Zelenskyy calls for face-to-face Ukraine war negotiations in letter to Putin

The House rejected a war powers resolution that sought to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions in Lebanon, voting it down 324–92 after Democratic leaders opposed the measure. The proposal, introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, would have required the removal of U.S. forces from Lebanon within seven days of adoption, though Democrats argued a revised version was a better option. Tlaib criticized U.S. involvement in the region, while … Continue reading House blocks Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s war powers resolution on Lebanon

Renovation work on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, overseen by the administration of Donald Trump, has been completed and the basin is expected to be refilled with water by Sunday. The project included repainting the pool a deep shade described by Trump as “American flag blue,” and has drawn attention for its cost, with at least $14.8 million in contracts reported. The reflecting pool, a historic Washington … Continue reading Trump says Reflecting Pool work is done and it’s set to be filled with water

Donald Trump announced a $700 million initiative using wartime-era authority to support and expand coal-fired power plants across the United States. The plan, justified as promoting “clean, beautiful coal,” will fund existing plants, reopen facilities, and build new coal plants and an export terminal in multiple states. The administration argues the move will lower energy costs and strengthen energy security. Critics say coal is highly polluting … Continue reading Trump uses wartime powers to dole out $700m to ‘clean, beautiful’ coal

Three Republican senators — Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski — joined Democrats in supporting an amendment to block William Pulte from serving as acting director of national intelligence while also leading the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The measure failed in a 49–49 tie, but it highlighted bipartisan concerns about Pulte’s lack of intelligence or security background. The senators questioned whether he is qualified or even has the necessary clearance to … Continue reading GOP senators vote to bar Pulte from serving as temporary director of national intelligence

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Jewish Canadians are being severely targeted by antisemitic hate and warned that the country is failing to protect them. He stated that antisemitic incidents have risen sharply, with Jewish communities facing attacks on schools, synagogues, businesses, and campuses. Carney said the situation in Canada is particularly serious and requires a targeted national response, including stronger security measures for faith-based … Continue reading Canada’s Carney pledges action over rising antisemitism

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for scrutiny after bodycam footage showed police response during the fatal stabbing of Henry Nowak in Southampton. The footage, which has sparked public outrage and protests, shows officers handcuffing the injured teenager after he was attacked by Vickrum Digwa, who has since been jailed for at least 21 years for murder. The case has triggered debate over policing practices, … Continue reading Henry Nowak arrest footage raises ‘serious questions for police’, Starmer says

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has advanced to a runoff election after failing to secure the 51% needed to win reelection outright. Her campaign has faced criticism from both conservative and progressive opponents, including concerns over homelessness, affordability, and city management. Despite the attacks, Bass argues her administration has made progress on housing, public safety hiring, and reducing homelessness. She has also received support from … Continue reading Incumbent L.A. mayor survives heated criticisms, advances to reelection runoff

Florida lawmakers have advanced Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to significantly increase the state’s homestead property tax exemption, with phased increases from $50,000 to $150,000 next year and $250,000 by 2028. The plan includes new protections for school funding taxes after concerns were raised about major revenue losses for local governments and public services. Critics argue the measure could create a large budget shortfall, with some … Continue reading Florida lawmakers revise DeSantis property tax plan before advancing to floor votes

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected a Russian demand to hold an immediate referendum on leaving the Eurasian Economic Union in favor of closer ties with the European Union. The request, made amid rising tensions with Moscow, comes as Russia increases political and economic pressure on Armenia ahead of upcoming elections. Pashinyan said any such referendum would be premature, stressing that Armenia will remain … Continue reading Armenian PM rejects Russia’s demand for EU referendum as relations nosedive

Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors are investigating changes to the protected status of the Vjosa-Narta coastal wetland amid plans for a large luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners. The area, home to sensitive wildlife, has faced growing environmental opposition as authorities consider development plans reportedly including thousands of hotel rooms and villas. Prime Minister Edi Rama has confirmed ongoing talks with Kushner, saying … Continue reading Jared Kushner’s overseas luxury resort project faces anti-corruption investigation

Denmark’s Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen has agreed to form a new centre-left minority coalition government, securing a third term as prime minister after months of negotiations. The deal follows a fragmented March election in which 12 parties entered parliament and her party lost its majority but remained the largest. The new coalition includes the Social Liberals, Left Greens, and Moderates, and relies on outside … Continue reading Denmark’s Frederiksen secures third term as prime minister

Colombia’s presidential election has advanced to a runoff between hard-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist senator Iván Cepeda after a close first round. De la Espriella led with about 43.7% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Cepeda’s roughly 40.9%, defying pre-election polls that favored Cepeda. Both candidates represent sharply different visions, with De la Espriella campaigning on tough “law and order” policies and … Continue reading Celebration, shock and scepticism follow Colombia’s presidential election

US President Donald Trump said that peace talks between Washington and Tehran are continuing at a “rapid pace,” even as tensions remain high. He made the statement on Truth Social after earlier remarks suggesting the negotiations were dragging on and becoming “very boring.” The two sides are working on a framework agreement to extend a ceasefire that has been in place since April 8 and … Continue reading Trump says talks with Iran continue ‘at a rapid pace’

Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced plans to amend the constitution to remove President Tamás Sulyok after he refused to resign. Magyar, who won a landslide election and now holds a two-thirds parliamentary majority, accuses Sulyok of serving the interests of former leader Viktor Orbán. Sulyok, appointed in 2024 and backed by Orbán’s party, insists he will serve his full term and says … Continue reading Hungarian PM threatens to oust Orbán-era president

Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, say they will force repeated votes this week to challenge a Trump-backed “weaponization” legal relief fund. The fund, created through a settlement involving a dropped lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, is intended to compensate people the administration describes as victims of political “lawfare,” but critics call it a potential “slush fund.” Democrats argue it could include payouts to controversial figures, … Continue reading Schumer says Democrats will force Senate votes to block Trump’s DOJ ‘lawfare’ fund

United States Congress returns from recess this week to address unfinished legislative business, including a stalled GOP funding package for immigration enforcement agencies. Republicans previously scrapped the plan after internal divisions erupted over a controversial $1.776 billion Justice Department “anti-weaponization” fund tied to claims of legal system abuse. The proposal has split Republicans, drawn strong Democratic opposition, and sparked concerns about who could receive payouts, including … Continue reading Congress returns with GOP agenda stalled over DOJ’s “anti-weaponization” fund

The UK government is set to publish a second major batch of documents on Monday related to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US. The release follows a parliamentary order requiring disclosure, though some material may be withheld or redacted on national security or legal grounds. Mandelson was dismissed last year after further revelations about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, prompting … Continue reading Second batch of Mandelson files to be published on Monday

Former Vice President Mike Pence said there is “clearly” an effort to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, pointing to recent White House statements and actions he believes shift blame away from rioters. He criticized a White House timeline that he said wrongly blamed Capitol Police and Democrats for the attack, as well as online messaging praising President Donald Trump’s handling … Continue reading Pence: There’s ‘clearly’ been an effort to ‘rewrite’ Jan. 6 history