Rubio spearheads massive State Dept reorganization set to eliminate, merge more than 300 offices

The State Department plans to restructure its domestic offices, cutting or consolidating over 300 offices to streamline operations, cut red tape, and focus more on its core diplomatic mission. Secretary of State Marco Rubio aims to eliminate bureaucratic overgrowth, reducing the department’s domestic headcount by up to 3,400. This overhaul—the biggest since the Cold War—will also add new offices for emerging threats, democracy, and immigration … Continue reading Rubio spearheads massive State Dept reorganization set to eliminate, merge more than 300 offices

Reform UK to accept donations via bitcoin, Nigel Farage says

Nigel Farage announced that Reform UK will now accept political donations in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, making it the first British political party to do so. Speaking at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, Farage revealed that Reform plans to introduce a cryptoassets and digital finance bill to cut capital gains tax on crypto from 24% to 10%, create a bitcoin reserve in the Bank … Continue reading Reform UK to accept donations via bitcoin, Nigel Farage says

Obama world loses its shine in a changing, hurting Democratic Party

After Kamala Harris launched her presidential campaign, she sought help from Obama campaign veteran Jim Messina, who ultimately declined, citing potential political risks. Harris’ eventual loss to Trump highlighted broader challenges for Democratic strategists linked to Obama, including David Plouffe, who had a key role in her campaign. This setback has sparked growing criticism of Obama-era political figures and a shift away from their longstanding … Continue reading Obama world loses its shine in a changing, hurting Democratic Party

Germany’s chancellor ends weapons range limits for Ukraine despite Russian nuclear threats

Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany and its allies have removed all range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, allowing Ukraine to strike military targets inside Russia. Merz emphasized continued Western support for Ukraine while urging efforts toward a ceasefire. He described this capability as “long-range fire” and highlighted the need to defend democracy amid ongoing conflict. The move follows heavy missile and … Continue reading Germany’s chancellor ends weapons range limits for Ukraine despite Russian nuclear threats

White House stunned as Hegseth inquiry brings up illegal wiretap claims

The White House has lost confidence in a Pentagon leak investigation led by Pete Hegseth, which was used to justify firing three top aides last month. The investigation involved claims that the aides were exposed through an illegal, warrantless NSA wiretap—a claim later found to be false. This misinformation, reportedly spread by Hegseth’s lawyer overseeing the probe, caused distrust between the Pentagon and the White … Continue reading White House stunned as Hegseth inquiry brings up illegal wiretap claims

NPR sues Trump administration over executive order cutting federal funding

NPR and three public radio stations sued President Trump over his order to halt federal funding for NPR, claiming it violates First Amendment rights and Congress’s authority. The lawsuit argues the move aims to punish NPR for “biased” news coverage and threatens public radio’s survival. NPR, which relies mostly on corporate sponsors and member station fees for funding, says the order would jeopardize vital news … Continue reading NPR sues Trump administration over executive order cutting federal funding

Trump warns ‘really bad things’ will happen to Putin as invasion ramps up

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Vladimir Putin that he’s “playing with fire,” in a Truth Social post, escalating verbal attacks between the two leaders. Trump claimed Putin’s recent missile strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets are evidence of him having “gone absolutely CRAZY.” In response, Russian state media and Kremlin-aligned bots mocked Trump, labeling him a “clown” and suggesting he suffers from “dementia” or “bipolar … Continue reading Trump warns ‘really bad things’ will happen to Putin as invasion ramps up

RNC chair pressures Senate GOP ‘to deliver’ on Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

RNC chairman Michael Whatley urged Senate Republicans to support the House-approved spending bill, calling it a “big, beautiful bill” during a radio interview. He stressed its importance for Republican prospects in the 2026 midterms, despite concerns from Senate Republicans about Medicaid cuts and debt ceiling increases. Whatley emphasized unity and a strong economy as keys to expanding the House majority and maintaining Senate seats, The … Continue reading RNC chair pressures Senate GOP ‘to deliver’ on Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

Canadians gearing up for King Charles III’s visit

King Charles III will open the Canadian Parliament next week, marking the first time a British monarch has done so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. His visit, from May 26-27, comes amid tensions sparked by Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state. Charles’s visit, arranged by the U.K. and reflecting his dual role as British and Canadian king, coincides with … Continue reading Canadians gearing up for King Charles III’s visit

Syria’s al-Sharaa meets Erdogan in as sanctions lifted

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and top officials in Istanbul after Western sanctions on Syria were lifted. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and Syria’s reconstruction. Erdogan voiced opposition to Israel’s occupation of Syrian territory. The talks involved key Turkish officials and Syrian ministers. Al-Sharaa had met Erdogan earlier in Ankara and Saudi leaders in Riyadh, Al-Jazeera has reported. … Continue reading Syria’s al-Sharaa meets Erdogan in as sanctions lifted

Poles rally behind competing candidates and visions as presidential runoff nears

Poles gathered in Warsaw for dueling patriotic marches ahead of the June 1 presidential runoff, a tight race between liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki. Trzaskowski, supported by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-European Civic Coalition, backs abortion rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion, while Nawrocki, endorsed by the nationalist Law and Justice party and recently pictured with Donald Trump, champions conservative and patriotic … Continue reading Poles rally behind competing candidates and visions as presidential runoff nears

Trump praises West Point graduates, touts ‘golden age’ of US military in commencement speech

President Trump addressed West Point graduates in a commencement speech amid his administration’s crackdown on diversity initiatives and military leadership shake-ups. Wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, he praised the graduates as “winners” and highlighted his focus on national security, border protection, and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. He criticized past leaders, including Joe Biden, for involving the military in unnecessary conflicts … Continue reading Trump praises West Point graduates, touts ‘golden age’ of US military in commencement speech

Foreign diplomats come under Israeli fire on official West Bank visit

Israeli soldiers fired warning shots at a delegation of over 20 European and Arab diplomats near the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, drawing widespread international condemnation. The diplomats were on an official visit to assess the humanitarian situation when the shots were fired, despite the visit being coordinated in advance. The Israeli military claimed the group deviated from the approved route, but the … Continue reading Foreign diplomats come under Israeli fire on official West Bank visit

Starmer announces U-turn on winter fuel payment cuts

Sir Keir Starmer has announced a reversal on winter fuel payment cuts, pledging to ease eligibility rules after widespread criticism. Over 10 million pensioners lost the payments—worth up to £300—last year when the benefit became means-tested. Starmer said more pensioners would qualify under changes to be detailed in the autumn Budget, though specifics remain unclear. The original cuts, made to save £1.4bn, drew backlash from … Continue reading Starmer announces U-turn on winter fuel payment cuts

U.S. Ambassador Huckabee is ‘outraged’ at European leaders for condemning Israel

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized the leaders of the U.K., France, and Canada for condemning Israel’s renewed military offensive in Gaza, calling their stance “outrageous” and “hypocritical.” Israel resumed heavy airstrikes and mass evacuations in Gaza, where over 53,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since October 2023. While international leaders denounced Israel’s actions as “disproportionate,” Huckabee defended them, likening the response to Allied … Continue reading U.S. Ambassador Huckabee is ‘outraged’ at European leaders for condemning Israel

Trump confronts South African president with video on treatment of White farmers

At the White House, President Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with a video showing alleged violence against White South African farmers, claiming they are being killed and forced off their land. Trump described scenes of white crosses symbolizing slain farmers and said many are fleeing to the U.S. Ramaphosa questioned the video’s authenticity and denied any genocide, urging Trump to listen to South … Continue reading Trump confronts South African president with video on treatment of White farmers

Sparks fly between Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Dem Rep. Watson Coleman

At a heated House Appropriations hearing, Education Secretary Linda McMahon clashed with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman over the Trump administration’s plans to cut $12 billion from the Education Department and reduce its size. Watson Coleman accused the administration of racial bias and gutting civil rights enforcement, while McMahon defended the cuts as efforts to return control to states and improve literacy. McMahon also highlighted school … Continue reading Sparks fly between Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Dem Rep. Watson Coleman

Senate will try to block California vehicle standards that would phase out gas-powered cars

The U.S. Senate is set to vote on blocking California’s tougher vehicle emissions standards, including its plan to phase out new gas-powered car sales by 2035. Senate Republicans, led by John Thune, are using the Congressional Review Act to reverse these rules, arguing they overreach federal authority and could create a de facto nationwide EV mandate. Democrats strongly oppose the move, with Sen. Alex Padilla … Continue reading Senate will try to block California vehicle standards that would phase out gas-powered cars

Rubio fires back after Dem senator says he regrets voting for him, sparking tense exchange

During a tense Senate hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who said he regretted supporting Rubio’s nomination. Van Hollen criticized the State Department’s policy of revoking student visas for those accused of violence or campus disruptions, calling it repressive. Rubio defended the policy, stating that visas are a privilege, not a right, and vowed to continue revoking them, Fox … Continue reading Rubio fires back after Dem senator says he regrets voting for him, sparking tense exchange

Trump to unveil plans for ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense shield

Former President Donald Trump is set to unveil plans for a massive U.S. missile defense system, dubbed the “Golden Dome,” inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome. Aimed at countering threats from North Korea and beyond, the project could cost between $161 billion and $542 billion over 20 years. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Michael Guetlein will help lead the effort. Critics question the need and … Continue reading Trump to unveil plans for ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense shield

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announces Georgia governor bid

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced her bid for Georgia governor on Tuesday, sharply criticizing Donald Trump and pledging to prioritize Medicaid expansion and tax relief for teachers. She called Trump a “disaster” for the country, while the Republican Governors Association attacked her mayoral record, blaming her for rising crime in Atlanta. Bottoms previously served as a senior advisor in the Biden administration, Fox … Continue reading Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announces Georgia governor bid

Trump visits Capitol to urge House Republicans to pass ‘big, beautiful bill’

Donald Trump visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday to urge House Republicans to unite behind his sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which includes major tax cuts, immigration measures, and safety net reductions. The bill faces opposition from moderates and blue-state Republicans over Medicaid cuts and the lack of a restored SALT tax deduction. Despite Trump’s push, some lawmakers remain opposed ahead of a key procedural … Continue reading Trump visits Capitol to urge House Republicans to pass ‘big, beautiful bill’

Mike Pence criticizes Trump on tariffs and key foreign policy issues as he watches from afar

Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and some foreign policy decisions in a recent NBC interview. While praising Trump’s border security and military actions, Pence called the early April tariffs the largest peacetime tax hike on Americans, expressing relief when many were paused. He warned that ongoing tariffs could raise consumer prices and harm jobs, contrasting the current approach with … Continue reading Mike Pence criticizes Trump on tariffs and key foreign policy issues as he watches from afar

Britain poised to reset trade and defence ties with EU

Britain is set to agree on a major reset of its relationship with the EU, focusing on closer cooperation in trade and defense to boost the economy and security. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former Remain supporter, aims to deliver clear benefits to Britons despite criticism from Brexit hardliners. Key talks include a defense pact allowing UK firms to join a €150 billion European rearmament … Continue reading Britain poised to reset trade and defence ties with EU

Centrist wins Romania’s tense presidential race over right-wing nationalist

Pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan won Romania’s presidential runoff against hard-right nationalist George Simion, with about 54% of the vote after a high 64% turnout. The election was seen as a choice between East and West amid recent political turmoil following a canceled election. Dan, the incumbent Bucharest mayor, surged from a first-round loss to defeat Simion, who led initially but lost support due to his … Continue reading Centrist wins Romania’s tense presidential race over right-wing nationalist