Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the first phase of the UN-backed Gaza ceasefire is nearly complete, emphasizing that the next phase must include Hamas disarmament. He plans to discuss the second phase later this month with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose proposals form the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2803. During the first phase, Hamas released the last Israeli hostages in exchange … Continue reading First phase of Gaza ceasefire plan nearly complete, says Netanyahu

President Donald Trump released a national security blueprint that asserts U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere and introduces a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine. The strategy argues that keeping the region “reasonably stable” and free from foreign influence is essential to U.S. security. It seeks to “enlist and expand” partnerships—working with established allies to combat migration, drug trafficking and security threats, while building new … Continue reading Trump pledges to reassert Monroe Doctrine to restore American power

The top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Adam Smith, said surveillance video of a U.S. military strike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel contradicts claims made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other Republicans. Smith, who viewed the footage, said the surviving individuals were unarmed, stranded, and unable to fight, disputing assertions that they were attempting to recover drugs or reengage. He … Continue reading Top Armed Services Dem says Sept. 2 strike video would show Republicans’ description ‘completely false’

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, amid stalled U.S. efforts to end the conflict. His 30-hour visit comes as U.S.-India relations face tension, with Washington imposing tariffs and threatening sanctions over India’s continued strong ties to Russia and increased purchases of Russian crude. The visit underscores India’s ongoing challenge of … Continue reading Putin visits India amid Ukraine peace push

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed he spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump last month amid rising tensions and a U.S. military buildup in the region. Maduro described the call as “cordial” and emphasized diplomatic prudence, saying he prefers handling sensitive matters quietly rather than through public statements. He expressed hope that the conversation could be a step toward “respectful dialogue” and reiterated Venezuela’s … Continue reading Venezuela’s Maduro confirms ‘cordial’ call with Trump amid tensions with US

House Oversight Committee Democrats released over 150 images and more than a dozen short videos of Jeffrey Epstein’s Virgin Islands estate, capturing rooms, the coastline, a helipad, and other property features, though no people appear in the material. The release coincided with Ghislaine Maxwell’s attorneys arguing against unsealing grand jury materials in her criminal case, citing potential prejudice to a fair retrial despite her exhausted … Continue reading Democrats release Epstein Island photos as Maxwell argues against release of grand jury transcripts

Former President Barack Obama criticized what he alleged was the politicization of the Justice Department and the U.S. military during a lecture in Arkansas. He claimed that political influence has increased under President Donald Trump, but said it has not fully taken over largely because of resistance within the military. Obama contrasted this with his time in office, saying he earned military leaders’ respect by … Continue reading Obama lauds those who are resisting Trump

The Jim Jordan-led House Judiciary Committee has issued a subpoena to former Special Counsel Jack Smith, ordering him to give a closed-door deposition on December 17 and turn over documents by December 12. The subpoena is part of the committee’s ongoing review of Smith’s prosecutions of Donald Trump — including election-interference and classified-documents cases — which were dropped after Trump returned to office. Smith previously … Continue reading Jack Smith subpoenaed for deposition with House Judiciary Committee

The Justice Department has sued six more states—Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington—for failing to provide statewide voter registration lists, bringing the total to at least 14 states. The department claims the lawsuits aim to ensure election security, while Democratic officials express concern over privacy and the federal overreach into state-run elections. The requests include detailed voter information, including personally identifiable data, … Continue reading Justice Department expands legal action against states that have refused its demands for voter data

Republican Matt Van Epps won a hotly contested special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, holding the seat for the GOP against Democratic challenger Aftyn Behn. Although Trump carried the district by 22 points in 2024, Democrats narrowed the margin this year, with Van Epps winning by about nine points, highlighting stronger Democratic turnout compared to early voting. Both parties spent heavily on ads, with … Continue reading Republican Matt Van Epps holds deep-red House district in Tennessee special election

President Emmanuel Macron denied plans for a “ministry of truth” in France after criticism from right-wing politicians and media that his anti-disinformation efforts could threaten press freedom. He has called for legislation to quickly block false information online and for professional certification of media outlets to distinguish reliable sources. Critics, including far-right leaders and media outlets owned by Vincent Bolloré, accused Macron of authoritarianism and … Continue reading Macron Denies ‘Ministry Of Truth’ Plan In Standoff With Far Right

Talks between Russia and the U.S. on ending the war in Ukraine were described as constructive by a senior Putin aide, though no agreement has been reached, particularly on territorial issues. Putin met U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in the Kremlin, while parallel talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials took place in Florida. Trump’s peace plan, which has raised concerns over concessions to … Continue reading US-Russia talks on Ukraine were ‘constructive’ but work remains, Putin adviser says

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Colombia over drug trafficking, warning that those selling cocaine into the US could be attacked. His comments come amid heightened tensions with Venezuela, where the Trump administration has doubled the reward for information leading to President Nicolás Maduro’s capture. Trump reportedly urged Maduro to step down during a phone call, but Maduro refused. The President held … Continue reading Trump threatens attack on Colombia amid Venezuela war fears

In Honduras’ presidential election, former Tegucigalpa Mayor Nasry Asfura and conservative candidate Salvador Nasralla were nearly tied in preliminary results, with Asfura initially holding a slight lead. Voter support for Asfura was influenced by nostalgia for better economic times under the previous National Party government and U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Trump’s comments and his promise to pardon former President Juan Orlando Hernández may have … Continue reading Trump’s impact is debated in Honduras, where conservatives lead the presidential vote

Sen. Mark Kelly said Monday he will not be silenced by President Trump or Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after the Department of Defense announced a review of him over alleged misconduct. The comments follow a video in which Kelly and other Democrats told U.S. service members they could refuse illegal orders. Kelly criticized Hegseth for allegedly authorizing a second strike on a Caribbean boat … Continue reading Sen. Kelly slams Trump, calls for investigation into Caribbean strikes and for Hegseth to testify

The White House said Monday that President Trump underwent advanced abdominal and cardiovascular imaging in October as part of a preventative health evaluation. This came after Trump told reporters he had “no idea” what his MRI covered, only that it was not of his brain and that the results were “perfect.” A letter from his physician, Sean Barbabella, stated the imaging was routine for men … Continue reading White House releases details of Trump’s MRI scan

President Donald Trump met with top national security advisers to discuss increasing pressure on Venezuela, according to a senior U.S. official. The meeting occurred as Washington intensified accusations that Venezuela is involved in drug trafficking. Trump escalated tensions by declaring Venezuelan airspace “closed in its entirety,” causing confusion in Caracas. He also confirmed speaking with President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. considers illegitimate, though he … Continue reading White House holds high-level talks as Trump ramps up Venezuela campaign

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek threatened to investigate and prosecute federal immigration agents operating in the state, accusing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of using “violent actions” and “stoking fear” under the guise of enforcement. In an Instagram video, she said Oregon would monitor all ICE operations, investigate misconduct, and hold officers accountable if they violate state law. Kotek criticized the use of “excessive force” … Continue reading Oregon Gov. Threatens to Investigate, Prosecute Federal Immigration Agents

Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposed 50% tax on inheritances of 50 million francs ($62 million) or more, with 78% voting against it. The measure, put forward by the leftist Social Democrats’ youth wing, aimed to fund climate change initiatives. Critics and the Swiss government argued the tax could drive wealthy residents abroad and reduce tax revenue. The vote was seen as a test of … Continue reading Swiss voters reject proposed tax on super rich

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon amid his ongoing corruption trial, weeks after Donald Trump urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant clemency. Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, including accepting gifts from wealthy individuals in exchange for favors, which could result in up to 10 years in prison for bribery and additional terms for other charges. … Continue reading Netanyahu seeks pardon in corruption trial from Israel’s president

Lawmakers from both parties said they support investigations into U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels after reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth verbally ordered all survivors of a Sept. 2 strike to be killed. Members of Congress stressed they do not yet know whether the allegation is true, but warned that such an order would be illegal and potentially a war crime. The bipartisan … Continue reading Lawmakers voice support for congressional reviews of Trump’s military strikes on boats

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reappeared publicly on Sunday after days of speculation that he had fled amid rising tensions with the U.S. He attended a specialty-coffee awards event in Caracas, handing out medals and praising Venezuela’s resilience without directly addressing the crisis. His return coincided with Donald Trump confirming he had recently spoken with Maduro by phone, though neither government has commented on the call’s … Continue reading Maduro resurfaces in Caracas, as Trump says he has spoken to Venezuelan president

Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem claimed the suspect in the Washington DC national guard shooting was radicalized in the U.S. and blamed the Biden administration’s vetting, even though the suspect’s asylum was approved under Donald Trump. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had worked with CIA-backed Afghan units and entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome before receiving asylum in 2025. Trump used the shooting … Continue reading Kristi Noem claims suspect in national guard shooting was ‘radicalized’ in US

U.S. and Ukrainian officials reported progress in Miami talks on President Trump’s revised peace plan, though key issues remain unresolved. The meeting followed a turbulent week in Kyiv, where lead negotiator Andriy Yermak resigned amid a major corruption probe. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraine’s Rustem Umerov called the five-hour session “productive,” while noting that further negotiations with Russia are still required. U.S. envoy … Continue reading U.S. and Ukraine “made additional progress” on Trump’s peace plan, Rubio says

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will remain in detention at the International Criminal Court after appeals judges rejected his request for release on health grounds. He faces charges of crimes against humanity for alleged killings linked to his war on drugs, spanning his time as mayor of Davao and as president. Judges ruled that his lawyers failed to show that earlier decisions keeping him in … Continue reading ICC judges reject request to release former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte