President Trump will host a ceremony Wednesday to sign the bipartisan HALT Fentanyl Act, which toughens prison sentences for trafficking fentanyl and its copycat variants by classifying them as Schedule I drugs. The legislation aims to close legal loopholes and help law enforcement target traffickers. Critics warn it could impose harsh penalties on drug users, CNN has reported. Families who lost loved ones to fentanyl … Continue reading Trump to sign legislation cracking down on illicit fentanyl

House Speaker Mike Johnson joined calls for releasing Jeffrey Epstein-related files, despite Republican leaders blocking a Democratic push to force the issue. Johnson said he supports transparency and urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to clarify her past remarks about an alleged “client list.” Meanwhile, Trump has told his supporters to drop the matter, calling it unimportant, Axios has reported. The split has exposed tensions in … Continue reading Mike Johnson signals break with Trump on Epstein

Former President Trump criticized some of his Republican allies for pushing conspiracy theories about Jeffrey Epstein, saying he doesn’t want their support if they keep demanding more disclosures. Trump called GOP calls for further investigation “Democrat work” and accused them of falling for a smear campaign. Despite this, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans have joined Democrats in seeking more transparency about Epstein’s associates … Continue reading Trump wars with allies over Epstein

French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to significantly boost defense spending, warning that Europe faces its greatest threat since World War II. He proposed increasing France’s defense budget by €3.5 billion next year and another €3 billion in 2027, aiming to double the military budget to €64 billion by then—three years ahead of schedule. Macron condemned Russia’s “imperialist policies” amid its ongoing war in Ukraine … Continue reading Europe’s freedom faces greatest threat since WW2, Macron says

Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya announced he will run for an eighth term in the October 12 election, potentially extending his rule to nearly 100 years old. In power since 1982, Biya is the world’s oldest serving head of state and has faced ongoing health speculation. He abolished term limits in 2008, allowing indefinite re-election, and won the 2018 vote amid opposition claims of irregularities. … Continue reading Cameroon’s Paul Biya, 92, says he will seek eighth presidential term

At a private fundraiser, Barack Obama urged Democrats to “toughen up” and stop “navel-gazing” after their 2024 election losses. He criticized those who once stood firm but now seem intimidated by Trump’s agenda, calling on Democrats to actively defend their values and support strong candidates in upcoming races. Obama emphasized the need for courage, warning against sitting on the sidelines while democratic norms are under … Continue reading Obama wants ‘less whining’ from Democrats, tells them to ‘toughen up’

The Senate confirmed Donald Trump’s first judicial nominee of his second term, Whitney Hermandorfer, in a 46–42 party-line vote to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Her confirmation replaces an Obama-era judge and further shifts the court rightward. A former clerk for Justices Alito and Barrett, Hermandorfer has defended Tennessee’s abortion ban and gender-affirming care restrictions. Democrats opposed her nomination, citing her limited experience and … Continue reading Senate confirms first new judge of Trump’s second term

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) faces internal GOP resistance over a House-passed plan to cut $9.4 billion in previously approved funding, including $8.3 billion from global health programs and future funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Senior Republicans on the Senate Appropriations Committee, like Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), oppose cuts to bipartisan priorities, including the PEPFAR HIV/AIDS program and local public broadcasting. Senators Mike Rounds … Continue reading GOP leader faces showdown with Republicans on Trump-backed funding cuts 

House Republicans on Monday voted down a Democratic amendment to cryptocurrency legislation that would have required the Justice Department to release all Jeffrey Epstein-related files. The amendment, introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), was rejected 5–6 in the House Rules Committee, with Republicans arguing it was unrelated to the crypto and defense bills at hand. One Republican, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), voted with Democrats in … Continue reading House GOP blocks Dem maneuver to force release of Epstein files

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit Washington this week to meet President Trump and other top officials, as Trump pushes plans to sell advanced U.S. weapons to NATO allies for transfer to Ukraine. The talks come as Trump signals stronger support for Ukraine despite earlier skepticism about funding the war. Sen. Lindsey Graham says weapons will soon flow at record levels to Ukraine, while … Continue reading Trump to meet NATO secretary general as plan takes shape for Ukraine weapons sales

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) renewed his call for the Trump administration to release all Jeffrey Epstein-related files, citing Elon Musk’s claim that Trump appears in them. In an MSNBC interview, Raskin said the Justice Department should at least release any material Musk referenced, given Musk’s past role as a White House adviser. Raskin and other House Judiciary Democrats also sent a letter demanding Attorney General … Continue reading Top House Democrats demand release of Epstein files

President Donald Trump defended Attorney General Pam Bondi amid backlash from his supporters over a recent memo on the Jeffrey Epstein case. Critics, including prominent conservatives like Elon Musk and Laura Loomer, accused Bondi of withholding information, especially after the memo stated there was no incriminating client list or blackmail evidence. Trump urged supporters to “let Pam Bondi do her job” and not focus on … Continue reading Trump defends US Attorney General Pam Bondi over Epstein files

Donald Trump has accepted King Charles III’s invitation for a rare second state visit to the UK, scheduled for September 17–19, and will be hosted at Windsor Castle alongside First Lady Melania Trump. This visit is unusual as second-term presidents typically do not receive full state visits. The event will feature traditional ceremonies and a state banquet with senior Royals, including the Prince and Princess … Continue reading Trump will be hosted by King at Windsor during second state visit

French President Emmanuel Macron announced an additional €6.5 billion ($7.6 billion) in military spending over the next two years, citing unprecedented threats from Russia, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and cyberattacks. He aims to increase France’s annual defense budget to €64 billion ($74.8 billion) by 2027, doubling the level from when he took office in 2017. In a Bastille Day speech, Macron warned that freedom in Europe is under serious threat … Continue reading French President Macron announces 6.5 billion euros in extra military spending

Former US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods starting 1 August, along with broader tariff threats on other trade partners. The move comes as the US and Canada approach a deadline to finalize a new trade deal. Trump linked the tariff threat to trade imbalances and Canada’s alleged failure to stop fentanyl trafficking. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney … Continue reading Trump threatens 35% tariffs on Canadian goods

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held peace talks in the UAE on Thursday but announced no breakthrough. Despite agreeing to continue negotiations and border delimitation efforts, major issues remain unresolved, including Azerbaijan’s demand for constitutional changes in Armenia and a transport corridor to its Nakhchivan exclave. The talks follow decades of conflict, most recently Azerbaijan’s 2023 offensive to recapture Nagorno-Karabakh, … Continue reading Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders meet for peace talks in UAE, no breakthrough

A South Korean court approved the new arrest of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday over his brief imposition of martial law in December, citing risk of evidence destruction. Yoon, previously impeached and released from detention in March, now faces additional charges including abuse of power and falsifying documents. Prosecutors accuse him of attempting an illegal power grab to suppress opponents. His new detention … Continue reading South Korean court approves new arrest of former President Yoon Suk Yeol

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen survived a rare confidence vote in the European Parliament, with 175 in favor and 360 against. The motion, led by far-right MEPs, accused her of lacking transparency over Covid-19 vaccine negotiations. Despite criticism over her party’s occasional cooperation with the far right, von der Leyen retained support from centrist, socialist, liberal, Green, and left-wing groups, the BBC has … Continue reading EU chief von der Leyen survives rare confidence vote

On the final day of his UK state visit, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new plan to curb small boat crossings. The proposed “one in, one out” policy would return migrants arriving illegally in small boats to France in exchange for legal asylum seekers. Critics say the plan lacks deterrence and details remain unclear, the BBC has reported. … Continue reading ‘One in, one out’, as Starmer and Macron unveil new migrant deal

Talks between the European Union and the U.S. on a new trade deal remain unresolved after missing a July 9 target date originally tied to a pause on President Trump’s threatened “reciprocal” tariffs. While no deal was reached by the deadline, Trump suggested an agreement could still be finalized within days, noting improved negotiations with the EU. U.S. officials said Europe has made meaningful offers … Continue reading Trump says EU has been ‘very nice to us’ in trade talks and decision on tariffs is close

Joe Biden’s former doctor, Kevin O’Connor, refused to answer questions about giving Biden a clean bill of health before his cancer diagnosis during a closed-door Congressional hearing. Summoned by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee, O’Connor invoked patient-doctor confidentiality and the Fifth Amendment when asked if he was told to lie or believed Biden was unfit. Chairman James Comer accused him of a cover-up, citing claims … Continue reading Biden’s doctor refuses to testify to Congress about ex-president’s health

President Trump met with his Cabinet at the White House to discuss trade, foreign policy, and other issues. He addressed the recent deadly flooding in Texas and announced plans to visit the area Friday. Trump also spoke about new tariff letters sent to several countries and the August 1 deadline for trade deals aimed at correcting imbalances. The administration highlighted progress on a major agenda … Continue reading Trump’s Cabinet talks Texas flooding, tariffs, Iran attacks

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is capitalizing on growing criticism of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of a crucial European Parliament confidence vote. Orbán condemned von der Leyen over undisclosed communications with Pfizer’s CEO during the pandemic, calling the vote a test of Europe’s future amid corruption and competence concerns. This attack follows the EU urging Hungary to adopt stricter fiscal measures, … Continue reading ‘Time to go,’ Orbán tells von der Leyen on eve of confidence vote

President Trump met with leaders from five African nations—Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—at the White House to discuss business opportunities, economic development, security, and infrastructure. Trump praised Africa’s natural resources and highlighted recent peace efforts on the continent. While the five countries are unlikely to face US tariffs, concerns remain over US trade policies and visa restrictions, which African officials criticize as harmful. The … Continue reading White House hosts West African leaders to discuss trade and development

A new book, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, describes First Lady Jill Biden’s growing influence as President Joe Biden’s political fortunes declined. The authors say Jill Biden emerged as a powerful, protective figure who encouraged Biden to stay in the 2024 race even after a disastrous debate against Donald Trump raised concerns about his age and cognitive fitness. Her … Continue reading New book exposes Jill Biden’s power grab amid husband’s political demise