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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, to reassure allies about a new U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending regional hostilities. The deal, negotiated after recent diplomatic talks, proposes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing sanctions, and continuing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Gulf states remain concerned that the agreement does not fully address Iran’s missile program and … Continue reading Rubio arrives in UAE with aim to head off Gulf Arab unease over tentative Iran deal

The European Union is considering separating Moldova and Ukraine in their joint accession process after initially pairing their membership bids following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both countries recently opened the first negotiation cluster, but Moldova’s faster progress and reforms have prompted calls in Brussels to allow it to advance independently. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, said future progress should be … Continue reading EU sets stage for decoupling Moldova’s accession bid from Ukraine’s

Senior Labour MPs are considering leadership bids to prevent Andy Burnham from becoming prime minister without a full contest, following Keir Starmer’s resignation. Former defence minister Al Carns and Sir Keir’s Chief Secretary Darren Jones have both been floated as potential challengers, though neither has confirmed a run. Burnham is widely seen as the frontrunner after his by-election win and has already declared his intention … Continue reading Labour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham ‘coronation’

Keir Starmer Sir Keir Starmer announced he will step down as leader of the Labour Party, triggering a leadership contest to choose his successor while he remains prime minister until the process is complete. He said he no longer believed he was best placed to lead the party into the next general election and has asked for a timetable for replacing him. Senior figures including … Continue reading Starmer quits as Labour leader and paves way for contest for new prime minister

The Senate passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in an 85–5 bipartisan vote, marking a major effort to address rising housing costs ahead of the midterm elections. The bill aims to increase housing supply, reduce regulatory barriers, and limit institutional investors from buying certain single-family homes. It reflects months of negotiation between House and Senate lawmakers and is described as one of the … Continue reading Senate passes landmark housing affordability bill after bipartisan breakthrough

Senate Republicans’ draft farm bill rejects Democratic calls to delay a planned shift that would require some states to help pay for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, putting bipartisan support for the bill at risk. Democrats say they will oppose the measure unless the cost-sharing requirement is postponed, while some Republicans from affected states have also expressed concerns. Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman previewed … Continue reading Senate Republicans exclude Democrats’ food aid demand from farm bill

Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been ordered to stand trial on corruption-related charges, according to a Madrid court ruling. She is accused of using her position to influence business contracts and faces charges including corruption, embezzlement, and influence peddling, all of which she denies. A judge has imposed strict conditions, including surrendering her passport, prohibiting travel abroad, and requiring regular … Continue reading Spain: PM’s wife must face corruption trial, judge rules

Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has won another parliamentary majority, ensuring Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will remain in power after the latest elections. The party, which has dominated since its formation in 2019, campaigned on economic growth and food security and has previously secured overwhelming victories in parliament. Abiy, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was once praised for political reforms and the peace deal with Eritrea, but his government now … Continue reading Zelenskyy and top Ukrainian officials return Polish awards in WWII dispute

Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has won another parliamentary majority, ensuring Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will remain in power after the latest elections. The party, which has dominated since its formation in 2019, campaigned on economic growth and food security and has previously secured overwhelming victories in parliament. Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was once praised for political reforms and the peace deal with Eritrea, but … Continue reading Ethiopian prime minister’s party easily wins parliamentary election

President Donald Trump warned of further strikes on Iran, saying the U.S. would respond “harder” if Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon continue attacks. His comments came as Vice President JD Vance attended ongoing negotiations with Iranian and regional officials in Switzerland. The talks, involving mediators from Pakistan and Qatar as well as international agencies, are focused on Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s nuclear program. Despite conflicting reports and … Continue reading Trump threatens to ‘hit Iran very hard again’ while Vance is in Switzerland for talks

Reports suggest U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to outline a timetable for his resignation, potentially ending his leadership after mounting political pressure. His possible departure follows poor election results, weak polling, and growing dissatisfaction within the Labour Party. Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seen as the leading contender to succeed him after a recent by-election victory strengthened his position. Several senior ministers, including members of Labour Party’s … Continue reading UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer set to outline exit plan as pressure to quit builds

Lawmakers have reached a bipartisan agreement on an affordable housing bill aimed at increasing housing supply and limiting large investors’ influence in the market. The measure would cap major investors at purchasing no more than 350 single-family homes, though it drops a previously proposed requirement that they sell newly built homes within seven years. Senate leaders expect the bill to advance quickly, with a possible … Continue reading Bill limiting investors from buying homes set to speed through Congress

U.S. President Donald Trump defended a newly signed U.S.–Iran agreement, claiming it reflects “unconditional surrender” by Iran and asserting he has essentially unlimited power in foreign policy decisions. The deal, reached after months of conflict that disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and global energy markets, includes a 60-day negotiating window for a final agreement and steps to reopen maritime traffic. Trump said the agreement was … Continue reading Trump claims Iran deal is ‘unconditional surrender’

Cuba’s Communist Party has approved sweeping free-market reforms, marking one of the most significant economic shifts in decades. The emergency package, expected to pass the National Assembly, would expand private enterprise, attract foreign investment, and allow private banks and real estate development. President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged that Cuba’s economic crisis is driven by both external pressures, including U.S. sanctions, and internal issues like bureaucracy and … Continue reading Cuba’s Communist Party approves opening economy in unprecedented move

Sen. Elissa Slotkin and several Democratic senators plan to introduce the “Protect Our Polls Act,” which would ban presidents from sending armed military or federal agents to polling places during elections. They argue the measure is needed to prevent voter intimidation and reinforce existing legal protections that already largely restrict such deployments except in cases of armed threats. The bill follows President Trump’s suggestion of … Continue reading Slotkin to introduce bill to bar presidents from sending troops or armed federal officers to polling places