US offers $50m reward for arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro

The U.S. has doubled its reward to $50 million for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of major involvement in global drug trafficking. Attorney General Pam Bondi linked Maduro to groups like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, claiming the DEA seized 30 tons of cocaine tied to him and his associates. Venezuela dismissed the move as political … Continue reading US offers $50m reward for arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro

Trump orders work on new census, says people in US illegally will not be counted

President Trump announced Thursday that he has ordered the Commerce Department to begin work on a new census, stating that illegal immigrants will not be included in the count. In a Truth Social post, he emphasized the need for a “highly accurate” census using data from the 2024 election. The move could impact congressional representation and electoral votes, as census data is used for apportionment, … Continue reading Trump orders work on new census, says people in US illegally will not be counted

Haiti inaugurates new leadership as gangs threaten to overthrow the government

Wealthy businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr was sworn in Thursday as head of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, tasked with restoring order amid deep crisis. His appointment marks the first time private sector figures lead both the presidency and prime minister roles. The move comes as powerful gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier threatened to overthrow the government, urging Haitians to support his armed group, NPR has reported. The … Continue reading Haiti inaugurates new leadership as gangs threaten to overthrow the government

Trump to oversee Armenia-Azerbaijan peace accord on Friday

President Trump will host a signing ceremony at the White House tomorrow for a U.S.-brokered peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, aiming to end decades of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The deal includes a major economic component: Armenia will allow the creation of a 43.5-km transit corridor, named the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,” connecting Azerbaijan to Turkey through its territory. The … Continue reading Trump to oversee Armenia-Azerbaijan peace accord on Friday

Trump says he will meet Putin despite Kremlin’s refusal to talk to Kyiv

Donald Trump has said he’s willing to meet with Vladimir Putin even if the Russian president refuses to meet with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, contradicting earlier reports that a U.S.-Russia summit would require such a meeting first. The potential Trump-Putin summit, reportedly being prepared by both sides, has raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe, where leaders insist Ukraine must be part of any talks affecting … Continue reading Trump says he will meet Putin despite Kremlin’s refusal to talk to Kyiv

Trump threatens federal control of D.C. following attack on administration staffer

Former President Donald Trump has threatened a federal takeover of Washington, D.C., following an attempted carjacking involving Edward Coristine, a Department of Government Efficiency staffer, and his partner. Two 15-year-olds were arrested in the attack, and police say more suspects are being sought. Trump cited rising crime and called for tougher penalties for minors, despite data showing violent crime in D.C. is down 26% from … Continue reading Trump threatens federal control of D.C. following attack on administration staffer

Trump and Johnson face escalating GOP revolt on redistricting

A growing number of House Republicans from blue states are speaking out against their party’s mid-decade redistricting efforts, fearing they could lose their own seats. Their opposition marks a break with Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Trump, who support GOP-led map redraws in states like Texas to gain more House seats. Reps. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) have criticized … Continue reading Trump and Johnson face escalating GOP revolt on redistricting

Clintons subpoenaed to testify in congressional Epstein investigation

Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton are among several high-profile figures subpoenaed by a U.S. congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein. Led by Republican James Comer, the House Oversight Committee is seeking testimony and documents related to Epstein’s sex trafficking case and the federal government’s handling of it. Other subpoenaed individuals include former U.S. Attorneys General and FBI directors. Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify … Continue reading Clintons subpoenaed to testify in congressional Epstein investigation

Conor McGregor launches campaign to become Ireland’s president

Conor McGregor has officially announced his bid to become the next president of Ireland, just days after losing an appeal in a civil rape case. In a social media post, the former UFC champion criticized Ireland’s election rules as barriers to democratic participation and launched a petition to change the nomination process so he can appear on the ballot. McGregor, who has no political experience, … Continue reading Conor McGregor launches campaign to become Ireland’s president

Democrats go nuclear in redistricting arms race

Top Democrats are escalating their response to a Trump-backed push to redraw Texas’ congressional map, which could give Republicans up to five new House seats and potentially secure a GOP majority in 2026. Over 50 Texas Democrats fled the state to block the vote, while GOP leaders threaten fines and legal action. In response, Democratic governors in California, New York, and Illinois are launching aggressive … Continue reading Democrats go nuclear in redistricting arms race

Abbott orders arrest of lawmakers who fled state

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered the arrest of Democratic state lawmakers who fled the state to block a controversial GOP redistricting plan aimed at boosting Republican seats in Congress. Abbott accused the Democrats of abandoning their duties and obstructing other key legislation. He also directed the Texas Rangers to investigate possible bribery tied to donations helping lawmakers avoid $500 daily fines. Republican leaders largely … Continue reading Abbott orders arrest of lawmakers who fled state

Marjorie Taylor Greene presses Trump to pardon George Santos

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling on President Trump to pardon former Rep. George Santos, who is serving a seven-year sentence for wire fraud and identity theft. Greene argued Santos’ punishment is excessive and praised his dedication to constituents. Santos, a vocal Trump supporter, was expelled from Congress in 2023 after being exposed for fabricating much of his background and misusing campaign funds. Trump has … Continue reading Marjorie Taylor Greene presses Trump to pardon George Santos

Nancy Mace jumps into South Carolina governor’s race

Rep. Nancy Mace has officially launched her campaign for governor of South Carolina, entering a crowded GOP primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster. Mace, now in her third term in Congress, has positioned herself as a defender of women’s rights and privacy, while also backing restrictions on transgender access to women’s restrooms in the Capitol. Her campaign video includes praise from Donald Trump, despite … Continue reading Nancy Mace jumps into South Carolina governor’s race

Brazil Supreme Court orders house arrest of ex-president Bolsonaro

Brazil’s Supreme Court has placed former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest for allegedly violating court orders while awaiting trial over an alleged coup plot to overturn his 2022 election loss. Justice Alexandre de Moraes cited Bolsonaro’s continued political messaging, including a rally phone call shared online by his son, as defiance of restrictions. Bolsonaro denies the charges, and the move has drawn backlash from … Continue reading Brazil Supreme Court orders house arrest of ex-president Bolsonaro

Trump threatens to ‘substantially’ raise tariffs on Indian goods

President Donald Trump announced plans to “substantially” raise tariffs on India over its continued purchase and resale of Russian oil. India, which currently faces a 10% minimum tariff, could see that rate rise to at least 25%. India pushed back, calling the move unfair and citing global market pressures that redirected oil supplies after the war in Ukraine began. The Indian government defended its imports … Continue reading Trump threatens to ‘substantially’ raise tariffs on Indian goods

DOJ to launch grand jury probe over Russia allegations against Obama officials

Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered a grand jury investigation into how Obama-era officials handled intelligence on Russian interference in the 2016 election. The move follows claims by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who declassified documents she says show a “treasonous conspiracy” by Obama officials to undermine Donald Trump. Critics, including former DNI James Clapper, have rejected the allegations as baseless, The Hill has … Continue reading DOJ to launch grand jury probe over Russia allegations against Obama officials

Kamala Harris back in national spotlight as James Comer floats subpoena in Biden ‘cover-up’ probe

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is back in the spotlight with an upcoming book about her brief 2024 campaign and growing speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run. While Harris embarks on a national listening tour, House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) has indicated she may be subpoenaed as part of his probe into whether Biden administration officials covered up signs of President Biden’s mental … Continue reading Kamala Harris back in national spotlight as James Comer floats subpoena in Biden ‘cover-up’ probe

Democratic senators negotiated for release of billions in funds in exchange for confirmation deals

In a tense three-day negotiation, Senate Democrats sought billions in previously approved government funding in exchange for confirming a batch of President Trump’s nominees before the August recess. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer requested funds for health, global aid, and UN programs, while also opposing any late-year funding clawbacks. A deal to confirm about 20 nominees appeared close until Trump abruptly rejected it, leaving over … Continue reading Democratic senators negotiated for release of billions in funds in exchange for confirmation deals

Senate confirms Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

Senators have 12 votes left after Pirro’s confirmation, prompting Senator Thune to urge them to stay in the chamber to speed up the remaining votes, with no objections. Former President Trump praised Republican senators and Thune for advancing his appointees, blaming Democrats for delaying confirmations. Trump nominated Pirro as U.S. Attorney for D.C. after his original nominee, Edward Martin who failed to gain Senate support, … Continue reading Senate confirms Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

Texas Democrats flee state to prevent vote on redrawing congressional map

Texas Democrats plan to flee to Illinois to block a Monday vote on a new congressional map that would add five Republican-leaning seats, denying Republicans the quorum needed to pass it. They accuse Texas Republicans and Governor Greg Abbott of pushing a partisan redistricting plan tied to Donald Trump’s agenda and withholding flood relief aid to force the vote. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is supporting … Continue reading Texas Democrats flee state to prevent vote on redrawing congressional map

Office of Special Counsel says it’s opened Hatch Act probe of Jack Smith

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has opened an investigation into former Special Counsel Jack Smith to determine if he violated the Hatch Act during his criminal probes of President Donald Trump. The probe follows a referral by Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, who accused Smith of politically motivated actions before the 2024 election. Smith and former Attorney General Merrick Garland have denied any political … Continue reading Office of Special Counsel says it’s opened Hatch Act probe of Jack Smith

Putin not swayed by Trump’s Ukraine war ultimatum

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to further peace talks with Ukraine but emphasized that Russian forces are advancing along the entire front. His comments followed a deadly missile strike on Kyiv and came amid U.S. threats of new sanctions if a ceasefire isn’t reached soon. Putin reiterated demands Ukraine sees as surrender—neutrality and recognition of occupied territories. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he’s ready … Continue reading Putin not swayed by Trump’s Ukraine war ultimatum

Senate unlocks ‘minibus’ deal, prepares to advance three spending bills

The Senate reached an agreement Friday to advance three fiscal 2026 spending bills, ending a days-long stalemate. The deal combines the Military Construction-VA and Agriculture-FDA bills into a package, while a third bill funding Congress will be voted on separately at the request of Sen. John Kennedy. Votes are expected to begin Friday afternoon. Although the full set of 12 annual appropriations bills won’t be … Continue reading Senate unlocks ‘minibus’ deal, prepares to advance three spending bills

South Korea’s jailed ex-leader Yoon resists questioning by taking off his clothes and lying on the floor

South Korea’s jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol refused questioning by investigators on Friday by removing his prison uniform and lying on the floor of his cell. Yoon, ousted in April for declaring martial law, is on trial for rebellion and faces further investigations into election-related misconduct involving him and his wife. Despite a court-issued warrant, investigators did not forcibly remove him due to safety … Continue reading South Korea’s jailed ex-leader Yoon resists questioning by taking off his clothes and lying on the floor

Meloni fumes as EU top court makes it harder to reject asylum-seekers

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned a ruling by the EU’s top court that tightens rules on how member states can designate countries as “safe” for rejecting asylum seekers. The Court of Justice of the EU said such designations must be justified with public data and apply to all regions and populations of a country. The ruling challenges Italy’s practice of repatriating migrants to countries … Continue reading Meloni fumes as EU top court makes it harder to reject asylum-seekers