UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the use of the national flag as a symbol of violence and division following “Unite the Kingdom” march in central London attended by over 150,000 people, alongside a 5,000-strong counter-protest. Starmer emphasized that the flag represents the country’s diversity and pledged that intimidation or assaults based on background or skin color would not be tolerated. Police reported 26 … Continue reading We will never surrender our flag, Sir Keir Starmer says

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism over the abduction of nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children during its invasion. The bill aims to punish Moscow economically and pressure it to return the children. Senators Lindsey Graham, Richard Blumenthal, Katie Britt, and Amy Klobuchar criticized Russia’s actions as crimes against humanity and emphasized that returning the children … Continue reading Senate bill would designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced his new cabinet will include an AI “minister” named Diella, tasked with managing public funding projects and ensuring corruption-free public tenders. Diella, a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, was launched earlier this year and appears in traditional Albanian dress. Rama’s Socialist Party, which won a fourth consecutive term, aims to achieve EU membership by 2027, though opposition parties … Continue reading Albania’s leader says his new Cabinet includes an AI ‘minister’ to fight corruption

South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity over a March militia attack that killed 250 soldiers and a general. Seven of his allies, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Army Deputy Chief Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam, have also been charged and suspended. Machar’s spokesperson called the charges a “political witch-hunt,” while tanks block roads … Continue reading South Sudan vice-president charged with murder and treason

Belarus has pardoned 52 prisoners and released them into Lithuania, with both Belarus and Lithuania thanking US President Donald Trump for his role. The release is part of a broader warming of relations between Belarus and Washington, prompting the US to ease some sanctions on Belarus’ state airline, Belavia. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda celebrated the release on social media, emphasizing that “No man left behind!” … Continue reading Belarus pardons scores of prisoners ‘at the request’ of Trump, Lukashenko says

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for plotting a coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 election. The Supreme Court ruling, issued by a five-justice panel, made Bolsonaro the first former president in Brazil’s history convicted of attacking democracy, drawing disapproval from the Trump administration. Justice Carmen Lucia highlighted that Bolsonaro acted “with the … Continue reading Brazil’s Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years after landmark coup plot conviction

House Judiciary Committee Democrats announced an investigation into the FBI, questioning whether Director Kash Patel is intentionally withholding information related to Jeffrey Epstein. The lawmakers, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), accused Patel of protecting individuals implicated in the Epstein files, citing his 2023 comments on a podcast where he suggested the FBI was shielding people on Epstein’s client list. Democrats highlighted that Patel previously … Continue reading House Democrats open probe into FBI’s handling of Epstein documents

A moment of silence for conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the House floor turned into a shouting match between Republicans and Democrats on Wednesday. The conflict began when Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) requested a prayer for Kirk following the moment of silence, prompting Democrats to shout in reference to a school shooting in Colorado that occurred the same afternoon. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) then … Continue reading Chaos erupts on House floor over Charlie Kirk shooting

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have granted limited legal rights to same-sex couples who had registered their relationships or marriages overseas. The bill aimed to provide basic rights, such as hospital visitation, following a September 2023 ruling by the city’s highest court requiring the government to establish a legal framework for same-sex couples within two years. Despite the court’s … Continue reading Hong Kong lawmakers veto bill on same-sex partnerships

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe faces multiple threats, including Russia, global trade challenges, and hostility from other major world powers, calling for the EU to assert its independence. In her State of the Union speech, von der Leyen announced new support measures for Ukraine, advocated for sanctions and trade restrictions on Israel over the war in Gaza, and defended a … Continue reading EU chief says it’s time for Europe’s ‘independence moment’

President Trump demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commit not to strike Qatar again following a recent Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Doha. The strike, carried out without consulting Trump or his advisers, angered the White House and alarmed regional and global leaders, with Qatar’s prime minister calling it a “betrayal” and reconsidering the country’s security partnership with the U.S. Netanyahu, however, remained … Continue reading Trump demanded Netanyahu commit not to strike Qatar again

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is set to deploy a parliamentary maneuver later this week to expedite confirmation of roughly 40 lower-level nominees. The strategy draws on precedents set by Harry Reid in 2013 and Mitch McConnell in 2017, which altered the filibuster rules for executive and Supreme Court nominations, respectively. Thune’s approach involves a procedural gambit where a failed vote to break a … Continue reading Senate GOP leader moves to lower filibuster threshold for Trump nominees through nuclear option

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, ruled that the Trump administration can withhold $4 billion in foreign aid while the court considers an ongoing legal challenge. The temporary order responds to an emergency filing against a federal judge’s ruling that the administration must release funds approved by Congress. The case was brought by organizations including the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and the … Continue reading Supreme Court lets Trump freeze $4 billion in foreign aid

Democratic Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw won the special election for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, defeating Republican Stewart Whitson. The Associated Press called the race at 7:36 p.m. Eastern time, confirming Walkinshaw’s decisive victory. The seat was previously held by Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, who passed away in May after representing the district for over 15 years. Before his death, Connolly endorsed Walkinshaw and his … Continue reading Democrats add 1 more vote in Congress after Virginia special election

The Missouri House voted 90-65 to approve a new congressional map that would likely eliminate a Democratic-controlled US House seat. The proposed map aims to give Republicans control of seven out of eight House seats in the state, with the Missouri Senate expected to vote on it by the end of the week. Missouri joins several other Republican-led states, including Ohio, Florida, Indiana, and South … Continue reading Missouri House approves new US House maps that seek to erase a Democratic seat

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu as the new prime minister, replacing François Bayrou just a day after a vote of confidence led to Bayrou’s ousting. Lecornu, 39, previously served as armed forces minister, where he focused on France’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and is now tasked with consulting political parties to adopt the nation’s next budget. Bayrou’s government fell after … Continue reading Macron names ally Sébastien Lecornu as new French PM

At a BRICS summit on Monday, India urged fellow members to address growing trade imbalances, noting its largest deficits are with BRICS partners themselves. Representing India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted record trade gaps with China and Russia, stressing the need for solutions to boost Indian exports. The call came as BRICS leaders united against U.S. President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs, which Brazil labeled … Continue reading India urges BRICS to tackle deficits as bloc rallies against U.S. tariffs

Norway’s Labour Party has retained power but will rely on a complex “tutti-frutti” coalition that includes the Greens, Red Party, Socialist Left, and Centre Party to secure a parliamentary majority. The surge of the populist Progress Party, which doubled its vote share and became a formidable opposition force, reflects growing polarization in Norwegian politics. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will now need to navigate this … Continue reading Norway’s Labour Clings to Power via “Tutti-Frutti” Coalition Amid Populist Surge

Thailand’s Supreme Court ruled that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve one year in prison, rejecting his six-month hospitalization as time served because it was deemed unlawful. The court found that Thaksin was not seriously ill and likely prolonged his hospital stay to avoid incarceration. Thaksin accepted the decision, stating that he still retains the freedom of thought to benefit the country. This is … Continue reading Thailand’s Supreme Court Rejects Hospital Stay as Time Served, Jails Thaksin

French President Emmanuel Macron must now appoint his fifth prime minister in less than two years following the collapse of François Bayrou’s government. Bayrou was toppled after losing a confidence vote 364–194 amid backlash over stringent deficit-reduction measures. Macron faces the challenge of choosing a successor capable of bridging parliamentary divides and securing approval for the 2026 budget. Potential replacements include Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu … Continue reading Macron Scrambles for Fifth Prime Minister as France’s Government Collapses

President Trump announced that the Department of Education will soon issue new guidance to protect the right to prayer in public schools. He spoke at the Museum of the Bible, emphasizing threats to religious liberty in education. He criticized anti-religious sentiment and said some students feel punished for expressing their faith. He did not provide specifics on the measures but reaffirmed a commitment to “bring … Continue reading Trump Orders DOE to Reinforce Right to Prayer in Public Schools

Norway is voting in a tight election that could keep Labour Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in power or return the centre right, led by Erna Solberg’s Conservatives and Sylvi Listhaug’s populist Progress Party. While foreign policy issues like Gaza, Ukraine, and trade disputes have shaped the campaign, debate has shifted toward domestic concerns such as rising living costs, infrastructure, and taxes. A key flashpoint … Continue reading Tight vote in Norway to decide whether to stick with Labour or turn right

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has launched a sweeping ministerial reshuffle targeting his top team in an effort to strengthen governance and address internal challenges. Key figures—including Yvette Cooper, Dame Angela Eagle, and Dame Diana Johnson—were reassigned or removed from the Home Office, signaling a shift in leadership priorities. Sarah Jones and Alex Norris moved into roles within the Home Office under newly appointed Home … Continue reading Home Office clear out as UK’s Starmer reshuffles top team

Prime Minister Ishiba of Japan announced his resignation following a resounding defeat in recent elections—deemed a significant blow to his leadership. The results marked a pivotal setback for his party’s position and public confidence. In his statement, Ishiba took personal responsibility for the losses and urged his party to regroup and reorganize ahead of upcoming legislative challenges. His resignation sets the stage for a leadership … Continue reading Japan PM Ishiba resigns after bruising election losses

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledged that Israel is facing international backlash—“paying the price”—for its military campaign in Gaza. He spoke amid mounting global criticism over civilian casualties and escalating tensions in the region. Despite cabinet disagreements over media strategy and messaging, Netanyahu remained steadfast that strategic choices, though costly diplomatically, are necessary for national security. Critics argue that the government’s delay in establishing a … Continue reading Netanyahu says Israel ‘paying the price’ on world stage for war in Gaza