Putin, Pezeshkian in India for BRICS summit clouded by Iran and Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in India for a BRICS summit focused on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine and global economic challenges. Putin met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called for conflicts to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy while discussing maritime security and trade. Modi also met Pezeshkian and emphasized protecting freedom of navigation, commercial … Continue reading Putin, Pezeshkian in India for BRICS summit clouded by Iran and Ukraine war

Sweden’s PM channels Trump saying he wants to ‘make Sweden great again’ ahead of election

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is seeking a second term in Sunday’s parliamentary election, using the slogan “make Sweden great again.” The latest polls show the race between the two main political blocs narrowing, potentially making it more difficult to form a government after the election. Kristersson’s campaign comes as Sweden faces key debates over the country’s future direction and domestic policies. The leaders of … Continue reading Sweden’s PM channels Trump saying he wants to ‘make Sweden great again’ ahead of election

Susan Collins says the White House has ‘underestimated’ impact of Canada tariffs

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine says the White House has underestimated how President Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada is hurting her state. Collins said she has raised her concerns directly with Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, but has not spoken with Trump himself. She warned that tariffs could significantly hurt Maine families, small manufacturers and agricultural businesses that … Continue reading Susan Collins says the White House has ‘underestimated’ impact of Canada tariffs

Trump gave $45,000 cash gifts to Natalie Harp and two other aides, public records show

President Donald Trump gave $45,000 holiday cash gifts to three White House aides, according to recently released financial disclosures. Natalie Harp, Margo Martin and Chamberlain Harris each received $45,000, while another aide, Walt Nauta, received $20,000. The gifts amounted to roughly one-third of the annual salaries of the three aides who received $45,000. The large payments have raised questions from government ethics experts about whether … Continue reading Trump gave $45,000 cash gifts to Natalie Harp and two other aides, public records show

German far right’s ‘remigration’ plans amount to ethnic cleansing, says Merz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) over its calls for “remigration,” a policy advocating the removal of migrants from Germany. Merz said the AfD’s proposals amount to a form of ethnic cleansing and warned that such ideas threaten Germany’s democratic values. The AfD has made tougher immigration controls and the deportation of migrants central parts of its political platform. … Continue reading German far right’s ‘remigration’ plans amount to ethnic cleansing, says Merz

Serbia’s Vucic calls snap parliamentary election for October

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has called a snap parliamentary election for October 25 following nearly two years of mass protests against his government. The protests began after a train station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people and sparking demands for accountability and an end to corruption. Vucic’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party faces a growing challenge from a student-backed political movement … Continue reading Serbia’s Vucic calls snap parliamentary election for October

Putin tells Trump that Russia doesn’t have aggressive intentions toward Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Donald Trump during a phone call that Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe, according to the Kremlin. Putin’s statement came as several European governments have accused Russia of carrying out sabotage and other hostile activities on European soil. The roughly hour-long conversation focused heavily on the war in Ukraine, with Putin discussing the battlefield situation and what he … Continue reading Putin tells Trump that Russia doesn’t have aggressive intentions toward Europe

Von der Leyen: Greenland is choosing Europe and Europe is choosing Greenland

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Greenland to strengthen its relationship with Europe as tensions continue over U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for greater control of the Arctic island. During her visit to Greenland, von der Leyen signed a joint declaration aimed at deepening cooperation between Greenland, Denmark, and the European Union. The EU also announced €200 million in additional funding over … Continue reading Von der Leyen: Greenland is choosing Europe and Europe is choosing Greenland

Harry and Meghan ‘surprised’ by King’s letter making clear they remain non-working royals

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were reportedly surprised by a letter from King Charles III reaffirming that they are no longer working members of the British royal family. The letter, sent to senior government and military officials, made clear that the couple should be treated as private citizens and will not resume official royal duties. Harry and Meghan’s spokesperson said they were informed only shortly … Continue reading Harry and Meghan ‘surprised’ by King’s letter making clear they remain non-working royals

Fetterman denies allegations from staffers in new report

Sen. John Fetterman is facing criticism after a Wall Street Journal investigation alleged that he has frequently avoided parts of his Senate responsibilities and meetings with constituents. The report, based on interviews with former staff members and other sources, describes Fetterman as increasingly disengaged from routine Senate work while devoting significant attention to media appearances and other priorities.  One example cited was Fetterman canceling a … Continue reading Fetterman denies allegations from staffers in new report

Witkoff and Kushner hold Ukraine talks after meeting Putin

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Moscow and Kyiv in an effort to restart stalled peace negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The two met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for more than three hours, where they discussed possible ideas for a settlement, although no breakthrough was announced.  The envoys then traveled to Kyiv and held what Ukrainian … Continue reading Witkoff and Kushner hold Ukraine talks after meeting Putin

New Mexico governor rips Trump’s ‘New America’ post, says name ‘isn’t up for debate’

President Donald Trump suggested renaming the state of New Mexico to “New America” in a Truth Social post on Sunday, September 6. Trump shared a map showing the word “Mexico” crossed out and replaced with “America,” and the White House later reposted the image.  The post came after Trump had already ordered the names of the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario changed to the Gulf of … Continue reading New Mexico governor rips Trump’s ‘New America’ post, says name ‘isn’t up for debate’

Jamaica takes its case for reparations for Britain’s role in slavery to King Charles III

Jamaica has formally taken its campaign for slavery reparations to King Charles III, asking him to refer legal questions about Britain’s responsibility for the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the Privy Council.  The petition seeks to have the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which serves as the highest court for several former British colonies, consider whether Britain bears legal responsibility for damages connected to slavery. … Continue reading Jamaica takes its case for reparations for Britain’s role in slavery to King Charles III

Germany’s Merz shocked by AfD state election triumph

The far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, won a major victory in Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt state election, receiving 43.8% of the vote and winning 39 of the legislature’s 83 seats.  The party fell three seats short of an outright majority, meaning it cannot govern alone and must find support from other lawmakers to form a government. The result was a major setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s … Continue reading Germany’s Merz shocked by AfD state election triumph

Trump promises to campaign for Republicans and says they have a winning midterm message

President Donald Trump is urging vulnerable Republican lawmakers to campaign on his administration’s record as they prepare for the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking at a White House dinner, Trump said Republicans have a strong message for voters, pointing to economic investment, lower drug prices and reduced border crossings. He acknowledged that Republicans face difficult races and pledged to personally campaign in about 35 key House … Continue reading Trump promises to campaign for Republicans and says they have a winning midterm message

US House passes bill penalizing universities that participate in boycott of Israel

The U.S. House has passed a Republican-backed bill that would penalize universities that participate in boycotts of Israel or restrict academic exchanges with Israeli students and institutions. The Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act passed 237-169, with 33 Democrats joining Republicans in support. The legislation would require universities receiving federal student aid or certain international education funding to certify that they do not participate in … Continue reading US House passes bill penalizing universities that participate in boycott of Israel

House Democrats block constitutional amendment to lock Supreme Court at 9 justices

House Democrats blocked a Republican-backed constitutional amendment that would have permanently limited the U.S. Supreme Court to nine justices. The measure failed in a 212-206 vote, falling well short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. Republicans argued the amendment was necessary to prevent Democrats from expanding the court if they regain control of Congress and the White House. Democrats opposed the proposal … Continue reading House Democrats block constitutional amendment to lock Supreme Court at 9 justices

‘I wouldn’t call it a war,’ Vance says after Iran hostilities flare

Vice President JD Vance refused to describe the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict as a “war,” despite renewed military strikes and tensions in the region. Vance argued that major combat operations ended weeks ago and characterized the recent violence as isolated flare-ups rather than an active war. He declined to provide a timeline for when the conflict will end, saying its conclusion depends largely on Iran stopping … Continue reading ‘I wouldn’t call it a war,’ Vance says after Iran hostilities flare

Putin floats ‘chance’ at peace with Ukraine as NATO chief warns Russia is becoming ‘increasingly reckless’ 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia remains open to peace negotiations with Ukraine but warned that Moscow is prepared to continue fighting if a settlement cannot be reached. Putin argued that Russia’s security concerns, particularly regarding NATO and Ukraine’s potential military alignment with the alliance, must be addressed in any agreement. He also criticized increased European defense spending and efforts by NATO members to strengthen … Continue reading Putin floats ‘chance’ at peace with Ukraine as NATO chief warns Russia is becoming ‘increasingly reckless’ 

Brussels Eyes Private Savings as Public Money Runs Out

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to encourage Europeans to invest more of the roughly €10 trillion they currently keep in bank deposits. The EU says it needs hundreds of billions of euros in additional investment each year for defense, infrastructure, energy, technology and economic competitiveness. Brussels plans to use tax incentives, new financial products and regulatory changes to direct more private savings … Continue reading Brussels Eyes Private Savings as Public Money Runs Out

Trump calls for leaders of ‘failed nation’ Iran to be tried for ‘war crimes against humanity’

President Donald Trump called for Iran’s leaders to face trial for “war crimes against humanity,” accusing the government of killing more than 100,000 protesters. Trump described Iran as a “failed nation” and claimed its military, economy and leadership are in disarray. His comments came after renewed U.S. strikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with missile attacks … Continue reading Trump calls for leaders of ‘failed nation’ Iran to be tried for ‘war crimes against humanity’

Norway’s new King Haakon VIII takes oath in parliament

Norway’s new King Haakon VIII formally swore an oath to uphold the country’s constitution and laws during a ceremony before Parliament in Oslo. The ceremony marked the first major institutional step of his reign after his father, King Harald V, died at age 89. Haakon automatically became king following his father’s death, as Norway does not hold traditional coronation ceremonies. His wife, Queen Mette-Marit, was … Continue reading Norway’s new King Haakon VIII takes oath in parliament

China’s Xi arrives in Egypt amid US sanctions threat over Iran links

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Egypt for a two-day visit as both countries face possible U.S. sanctions over financial ties to Iran. The visit comes as China seeks to expand its influence in the Middle East while the region remains affected by the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Xi is expected to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi to discuss Iran, Gaza, Red Sea and Strait … Continue reading China’s Xi arrives in Egypt amid US sanctions threat over Iran links

Burnham blames Brexit and Thatcher for ‘wrong turns’ in first Commons speech as PM

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his first speech in the House of Commons to promise optimism and “substantial change” for the country. He blamed decades of political and economic decisions, including Margaret Thatcher’s policies and Brexit, for contributing to low growth, inequality and declining living standards. Burnham said his government would focus on lowering everyday costs, revitalizing struggling communities and giving local areas more … Continue reading Burnham blames Brexit and Thatcher for ‘wrong turns’ in first Commons speech as PM

House Democrats fume about GOP’s anti-socialism bill

House Democrats are criticizing a Republican-led resolution condemning socialism that also includes support for the GOP’s SAVE America Act, a voter ID proposal. The resolution is scheduled for a House vote and condemns socialist organizations and policies while arguing that socialism should not be adopted in the United States. Several moderate Democrats tried to remove the SAVE Act language so they could support the anti-socialism … Continue reading House Democrats fume about GOP’s anti-socialism bill