Senate Democrats unanimously voted to block the Republican-led “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act,” which sought to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports at federally funded schools. The bill, introduced by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, failed to meet the 60 votes needed to advance, with a 51-45 vote. While Republicans framed it as a fairness issue, Democrats dismissed it as a political … Continue reading Senate Democrats block GOP-led bill to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports

King Charles, aware of his global diplomatic role, met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Sandringham on Monday, following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A royal source emphasized the king’s commitment to his responsibilities as a global statesman, engaging in sensitive diplomatic efforts amid rising tensions in Europe. While remaining politically neutral, Charles offers symbolic gestures and advice to leaders. Discussions with Trudeau … Continue reading King Charles ‘determined to play part’ in diplomacy as he welcomes Trudeau

Austria’s first three-party government since World War II took office on Monday, ending the country’s longest wait for a ruling coalition. The new government, formed by the conservative People’s Party (OVP), Social Democrats (SPO), and liberals Neos, excludes the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), which won the September election but failed to form a coalition. Chancellor Christian Stocker’s government faces challenges, including recession recovery, spending cuts, … Continue reading Austria’s three-party government takes office, shutting out far right

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposed a peace plan for Ukraine and Russia on Sunday, alongside French President Macron and other European leaders, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The plan calls for European countries to take on more responsibility for Ukraine’s security in exchange for a peace agreement, with the U.K. ready to deploy troops and air force assets. However, Starmer acknowledged the … Continue reading Starmer lays out Ukraine peace deal framework as Zelenskyy responds to resignation calls

President Trump has paused military aid to Ukraine following a clash with President Zelenskiy, citing a need to ensure the aid supports peace efforts. Trump criticized Zelenskiy for lacking gratitude and reacted strongly to comments suggesting the war’s end is far off. Despite tensions, Trump indicated a potential deal for U.S. investment in Ukraine’s minerals is still on the table. Since Russia’s invasion, the U.S. … Continue reading Trump halts all U.S. military aid to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met King Charles III at Sandringham after attending a European summit on Ukraine’s war. Zelensky, warmly received, discussed UK support over tea in a brief meeting. He praised the Royal Family’s backing, while Charles reiterated his solidarity with Ukraine. The visit came ahead of Trump’s upcoming UK trip, following his tense Oval Office exchange with Zelensky, the BBC has reported. Meanwhile, … Continue reading Warm reception for Zelensky as he meets King Charles

Speaker Mike Johnson downplayed concerns after Trump’s tense meeting with Zelensky, calling it “absurd” to suggest Republicans support Putin. Johnson defended Trump and VP Vance, criticizing Zelensky’s stance in the meeting. He argued that Trump was optimistic about a mineral deal benefiting both nations and blamed Zelensky for the failed talks, The Hill has reported. While acknowledging Putin as a U.S. adversary, Johnson emphasized the … Continue reading Johnson dismisses concerns, calls idea that GOP supports Putin ‘absurd’

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with King Charles III to discuss U.S. President Trump’s threats to make Canada the 51st state. Trudeau emphasized the importance of defending Canada’s sovereignty and independence. The king has faced criticism in Canada for not commenting on Trump’s threats, sparking debate about his role as the head of state. While the antiroyal movement is small, some Canadians are … Continue reading Trudeau to bring up Trump’s threat to annex Canada in meeting with King Charles

France and Britain are proposing a one-month truce in Ukraine, focusing on air and sea, with European troops potentially deployed later in the peace process. French President Macron emphasized no European soldiers would be sent to Ukraine soon, and any peace deal would take weeks of negotiations. He also advocated for European defense spending to rise to 3-3.5% of GDP in response to Trump’s requests. … Continue reading Macron: France and Britain propose one-month truce in Ukraine

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reinforced his commitment to supporting Ukraine, including a willingness to deploy troops, as part of a four-point plan. The plan focuses on maintaining military aid, ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty in peace talks, deterring future Russian invasions, and forming a coalition to defend Ukraine. Starmer also announced £1.6bn in UK export finance for air defense missiles, which will be produced in Belfast, … Continue reading Starmer doubles down on ‘boots on the ground, planes in the air’ plan

Doug Ford secured a rare third term as Ontario’s premier, with his Progressive Conservatives winning 43% of the vote. Ford called the election early to strengthen his mandate against Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs, which could heavily impact Ontario’s manufacturing sector. Voter turnout was 42.6%, despite winter storms. Ontario faces major healthcare challenges, with 2.5 million residents lacking primary care. Ford’s campaign included trips to Washington … Continue reading Doug Ford wins Ontario election on back of tariff rallying cry

India and the EU have agreed to finalize a long-pending free trade deal by the end of 2024, aiming to strengthen ties in trade, technology, and defense. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized their shared democratic values and strategic partnership. The deal, which would be the largest of its kind, gains urgency amid potential U.S. tariffs on EU … Continue reading India and EU agree to conclude a long-pending free trade agreement 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has asked Attorney General Pam Bondi for clarification on whether the DOJ is being weaponized against her after repeated attacks from Trump’s immigration adviser, Tom Homan. Homan accused her of potentially violating federal law by hosting a “Know Your Rights” webinar for immigrants, suggesting she was helping them evade law enforcement. Ocasio-Cortez defended the event as protected free speech and accused … Continue reading Ocasio-Cortez asks DOJ: Am I under investigation?

House Democrats are quietly preparing for the possibility that Nancy Pelosi, 84, will step down at the end of her term, with the party’s campaign arm reportedly gathering information on potential successors. While Pelosi has not announced her plans, concerns over her health and leadership strategy have grown. Rumored candidates include her daughter Christine Pelosi, state Sen. Scott Wiener, and former AOC staffer Saikat Chakrabarti. … Continue reading Dems start work on Pelosi succession plan

Donald Trump clashed with Volodymyr Zelensky in a heated Oval Office meeting, accusing him of being ungrateful for U.S. military aid and demanding he negotiate peace with Russia. The shouting match, which also involved Vice President JD Vance, led Trump to cancel a planned minerals deal and expel Zelensky from the White House. Trump later stated Zelensky could return “when he is ready for peace.” … Continue reading Trump and Zelensky’s meeting descends into screaming match

Donald Trump announced a new “$5M gold card” visa offering wealthy buyers permanent U.S. residency and a path to citizenship, replacing the EB-5 investor visa. He claimed it would boost job creation and help pay off U.S. debt. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called it an improvement over the EB-5 program, though details on eligibility and limits remain unclear, the BBC has reported. Written by B.C. … Continue reading Trump says $5m ‘gold card’ immigration visas will ‘sell like crazy’

Donald Trump announced plans for a 25% tariff on EU goods, claiming the bloc was created to “screw the United States.” The EU vowed to respond firmly. Trump also suggested possible delays on tariffs for Mexico and Canada, set for March 4, though an official insisted the deadline remains, the BBC has reported. His trade policies have sparked uncertainty, with markets reacting negatively. Written by … Continue reading Trump says 25% tariffs on EU will be announced soon

Romanian populist leader Călin Georgescu was detained and charged just days after U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned of threats to democracy in Romania. Georgescu, who won the first round of last year’s annulled presidential election, was accused of promoting extremist ideologies and inciting actions against the constitutional order. Authorities claim Russian interference influenced the election, but critics call the evidence weak. His arrest sparked … Continue reading Frontrunner of Romania’s Annulled Election Georgescu Indicted

Germany’s outgoing parliament may approve a new €200bn defense fund before dissolving in March, as conservative leader Friedrich Merz pushes for greater military spending amid rising geopolitical tensions. Merz argues Europe must reduce dependence on the U.S., while Germany struggles to meet NATO and U.S. defense spending targets. A proposed constitutional reform to ease borrowing limits remains controversial, with opposition from far-left and far-right factions, … Continue reading German parliament in race against time to sign off on new defense fund

Bosnia’s court has sentenced pro-Russia Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik to one year in prison and banned him from politics for six years over his separatist actions. The conviction follows charges of defying the international peace envoy overseeing Bosnia’s stability. Dodik, absent during sentencing, has vowed to disobey the ruling and has threatened secession of Republika Srpska from Bosnia. The US has imposed sanctions on … Continue reading Bosnian Serb president Dodik sentenced for separatist actions

The House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at advancing President Trump’s priorities, including border security, defense, energy, and taxes, with a 217-215 vote. All Democrats opposed it, along with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, concerned about its deficit impact. The resolution now moves to House committees for further development and will be negotiated with the Senate. The bill proposes a $300 billion increase in border … Continue reading Trump budget bill with $4.5 trillion in tax cuts survives House vote

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has proposed increasing the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, funded by cuts to the international aid budget. While opposition parties support the move, charities have condemned the aid reductions, calling it a “betrayal.” The UK’s aid budget would decrease from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP by 2027 to fund the £13.4bn yearly boost in defence. The … Continue reading Starmer cuts aid to fund hike in defence spending

Speaker Mike Johnson is moving forward with a House vote on a multitrillion-dollar budget plan, crucial for President Trump’s legislative agenda. However, conservative Republicans, including Reps. Victoria Spartz, Tim Burchett, Warren Davidson, and Thomas Massie, are threatening to oppose it due to concerns about insufficient spending cuts. With a narrow GOP majority, their votes could block the plan. The budget includes $4.5 trillion in tax … Continue reading Conservatives threaten to tank House budget vote needed to advance Trump agenda

U.S. President Donald Trump is asserting dominance in talks to end the Ukraine war, but the EU holds a €200 billion asset in Russian sovereign funds frozen in Brussels-based Euroclear, which could be used as leverage in negotiations. Some European nations, particularly in the Baltic and Nordic regions, advocate for unfreezing the funds to aid Ukraine, while others, like France, Germany, and Italy, worry it … Continue reading EU eyes €200B secret weapon as Trump dominates Ukraine peace talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to collaborate with the U.S. on mining rare earth minerals in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, emphasizing the economic value of these resources. He also proposed energy deals and aluminum exports to the U.S. if sanctions are lifted. Putin’s comments coincide with the Trump administration’s efforts to secure access to Ukraine’s minerals in exchange for financial support in the war, … Continue reading Putin says Russia is open to economic cooperation with US on rare earth minerals