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

El Salvador approves indefinite presidential reelection and extends terms to 6 years

El Salvador’s legislature, dominated by President Nayib Bukele’s New Ideas party, approved constitutional changes on Thursday allowing indefinite presidential reelection and extending presidential terms from five to six years. The reform also eliminates the second round of voting in presidential elections. Bukele, already reelected despite a prior constitutional ban, has faced growing criticism over his consolidation of power since 2021, when his party removed top … Continue reading El Salvador approves indefinite presidential reelection and extends terms to 6 years

Lithuania Prime Minister steps down after investigations and protests

Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned Thursday amid investigations into his business dealings that sparked protests in the capital. Paluckas, leader of the Social Democrats, faced media scrutiny and probes over alleged past misconduct, including an unpaid fine related to a 2012 corruption case. His entire cabinet is expected to step down, leaving the government in limbo just weeks before joint Russian-Belarus military exercises, NBC … Continue reading Lithuania Prime Minister steps down after investigations and protests

Newly declassified documents reveal Clinton’s alleged plan to smear Trump in 2016

A newly declassified annex to the 2023 Durham report reveals memos suggesting Hillary Clinton approved a plan to “smear Donald Trump” by exaggerating the Russia scandal during the 2016 election. The annex also suggests the plan aimed to distract from Clinton’s email controversy. The report criticized the FBI’s handling of the Russia investigation, calling it “seriously flawed,” KEPR TV has reported. White House Press Secretary … Continue reading Newly declassified documents reveal Clinton’s alleged plan to smear Trump in 2016

Trump backs stock trading ban so lawmakers like Pelosi can’t continue ‘ripping off’ constituents, WH claims

The White House criticized former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday, blaming her for renewed efforts to ban lawmakers from trading stocks. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed to Pelosi’s wealth and her husband’s successful investments, claiming it raises concerns about insider trading. The remarks followed President Trump’s accusation that Pelosi enriched herself through inside information. Pelosi denied wrongdoing, saying she supports a trading ban to … Continue reading Trump backs stock trading ban so lawmakers like Pelosi can’t continue ‘ripping off’ constituents, WH claims

Trump says he asked 17 drugmakers to take steps to cut U.S. prices within 60 days

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has urged 17 major pharmaceutical companies to cut U.S. drug prices within 60 days, threatening aggressive action if they fail to comply. In letters to companies like Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson, Trump demanded they offer Americans the same low prices they provide in other developed countries, particularly for Medicaid and Medicare patients. He also called for … Continue reading Trump says he asked 17 drugmakers to take steps to cut U.S. prices within 60 days