Trump signals shift to economic pressure as Iran hardens stance over Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump says he is prepared to rely on economic pressure against Iran rather than launch additional military strikes. Trump said he is willing to wait as Iran struggles with inflation and a sharply weakened currency, signaling a more cautious approach to negotiations. Iran, however, says it will only reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the United States meets several conditions, including lifting a … Continue reading Trump signals shift to economic pressure as Iran hardens stance over Strait of Hormuz

Netanyahu rejects US-led 15-point Gaza peace plan in rare public break with Trump

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a U.S.-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza, saying Israel will not withdraw its forces until Hamas is fully disarmed. The plan calls for Hamas to disarm in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal and an eventual transfer of power to an independent Palestinian committee. Netanyahu’s public rejection represents a rare and increasingly direct clash with President Donald Trump, … Continue reading Netanyahu rejects US-led 15-point Gaza peace plan in rare public break with Trump

34,000 texts found on Fauci’s COVID-era phone, Sen. Johnson says

A copy of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s pandemic-era cellphone has been turned over to a Senate investigative subcommittee seeking records about his handling of COVID-19 and the virus’s origins. Sen. Ron Johnson said the phone contains more than 34,000 text messages and over 500 voicemail messages dating back to 2014. Investigators are reviewing the records for potentially deleted files and private communications that could conflict with … Continue reading 34,000 texts found on Fauci’s COVID-era phone, Sen. Johnson says

Hunter Biden says Joe Biden’s cancer has spread

Hunter Biden said Friday that his father, former President Joe Biden, is experiencing worsening cancer that has spread to his bones. He described the condition as very painful and debilitating but said his father remains active despite his illness. Former first lady Jill Biden previously said that Joe Biden’s metastatic prostate cancer would likely be something he lives with for the rest of his life. … Continue reading Hunter Biden says Joe Biden’s cancer has spread

Senate passes funding bill to avert October shutdown

The Senate passed a bipartisan $90-6 bill Saturday to fund the federal government through Dec. 11, putting pressure on the House to act before a potential shutdown on Oct. 1. The House and Senate have now passed different funding bills, with the House measure extending funding only through Dec. 4. The Senate bill temporarily blocks the Trump administration from putting political appointees in charge of … Continue reading Senate passes funding bill to avert October shutdown

Zelenskyy visits Moscow-friendly Serbia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s latest deadly attacks on Kyiv while visiting Serbia on Saturday. Four people, including a child, were killed in overnight strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding region, while Ukrainian forces targeted Russian oil facilities. Zelenskyy met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic during his first official visit to Serbia in eight years. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation, as … Continue reading Zelenskyy visits Moscow-friendly Serbia

Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general after weeks of uncertainty

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general in a 50-49 vote early Saturday, with nearly all Republicans supporting him and all Democrats opposing him. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted against his confirmation. Blanche, a former personal attorney for President Donald Trump, faced concerns over his independence and his involvement in a controversial anti-weaponization fund. Several Republican holdouts ultimately supported … Continue reading Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general after weeks of uncertainty

North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong warns of new military options over Japan’s strike capabilities

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, warned that Pyongyang will consider “additional military options” in response to Japan’s growing military capabilities. She criticized Japan’s testing of U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles and accused Tokyo of moving toward offensive military operations. Kim blamed the United States for supporting Japan’s military expansion through weapons sales and joint defense cooperation. Analysts said North Korea is … Continue reading North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong warns of new military options over Japan’s strike capabilities

Brazil cuts diplomatic presence in Argentina after Milei insults Lula

Brazil announced it is reducing its diplomatic presence in Argentina after repeated attacks by Argentine President Javier Milei against Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The dispute escalated after Milei called Lula a “thief” and criticized Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina in July, and officials said he will not return while Milei continues making hostile remarks … Continue reading Brazil cuts diplomatic presence in Argentina after Milei insults Lula

Trump says deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz possible

President Donald Trump said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within days as Iran and Oman negotiate an agreement over the critical waterway. The U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28, citing goals including ending Tehran’s nuclear program and weakening its government. The conflict has shifted toward control of the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian threats … Continue reading Trump says deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz possible

Mike Johnson breaks his silence on Max Miller, calls for ‘process to play out’

House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed allegations of domestic abuse against Rep. Max Miller, calling the claims serious but saying the House Ethics Committee should complete its investigation before any action is taken. Miller denies the accusations, including claims involving threats and violence against his former wife and daughter, and says they are politically motivated. Pressure on Miller to leave office has increased after his former … Continue reading Mike Johnson breaks his silence on Max Miller, calls for ‘process to play out’

Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens in a close race that highlighted the growing influence of progressive candidates. El-Sayed overcame nearly $65 million in outside spending supporting Stevens and gained backing from figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the United Auto Workers. Stevens conceded and pledged to support El-Sayed as Democrats work to unite ahead of the … Continue reading Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary

Michigan votes in key Senate primary as Democrats battle over party’s future

Michigan voters are holding a key Democratic Senate primary that could shape the party’s direction ahead of the 2026 elections. Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who supports policies like universal healthcare, is competing against establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens in a closely watched race. More than $40 million in outside spending has entered the contest, including efforts supporting Stevens and opposing El-Sayed. The winner will face Republican … Continue reading Michigan votes in key Senate primary as Democrats battle over party’s future

Paul sets Fauci committee vote for Thursday

Sen. Rand Paul is moving forward with a committee vote on whether to hold former COVID adviser Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. Fauci recently refused to answer questions from Paul’s Senate committee, citing his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. If the resolution passes, Paul could seek a full Senate vote, refer the matter to the Justice Department, or pursue other legal options. Legal experts … Continue reading Paul sets Fauci committee vote for Thursday

Senate leaders reach funding deal to avoid shutdown during campaign season

Senate leaders introduced a short-term spending bill Sunday to keep the federal government funded through Dec. 11 and avoid a shutdown during election season. The measure maintains funding at current levels and is expected to receive a Senate vote before lawmakers leave for their August recess. Democrats said they blocked several White House requests, including funding for “Trump-class” battleships and allowing broader transfers of funds … Continue reading Senate leaders reach funding deal to avoid shutdown during campaign season

Former Texas Rep. Kay Granger dies at 83

Former Republican Rep. Kay Granger of Texas has died at age 83, lawmakers announced Sunday. Granger served 28 years in Congress and became the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other lawmakers praised her historic career, leadership, and dedication to public service. Granger, who retired after announcing she would not seek re-election, had been living in assisted … Continue reading Former Texas Rep. Kay Granger dies at 83

Brazil’s Lula launches fourth-term bid, focuses on national sovereignty

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially launched his campaign for a fourth term at a Workers’ Party event in São Paulo. The 80-year-old leader, who previously served two terms from 2003 to 2010, said another victory in the October election would be his final term. Instead of focusing on his domestic record, Lula emphasized Brazil’s role in global affairs and the need for … Continue reading Brazil’s Lula launches fourth-term bid, focuses on national sovereignty

Trump warns Iran fighting isn’t over as he vows US will ‘win’ as talks fade

President Donald Trump warned that fighting with Iran could continue for an extended period, saying Tehran’s military capabilities would gradually weaken under continued U.S. strikes. Trump said Iran still has some ability to retaliate despite major losses to its military forces and admitted he is less confident about reaching a diplomatic agreement. The comments came after renewed U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets following attacks … Continue reading Trump warns Iran fighting isn’t over as he vows US will ‘win’ as talks fade

Virginia governor restores voting rights for thousands of formerly incarcerated people

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has restored voting rights for more than 66,000 residents who completed their criminal sentences. The move allows former criminal Virginians to participate in upcoming elections. Spanberger’s administration also introduced a streamlined online process for others seeking restoration of their voting rights. The changes reverse additional requirements added under the previous administration, MS NOW has reported. The decision highlights the ongoing national … Continue reading Virginia governor restores voting rights for thousands of formerly incarcerated people

Trump backtracks from promise to let Ukraine build Patriot missiles

President Donald Trump backed away from a proposal to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, saying sharing the technology would be too risky. Trump said the U.S. is still discussing the idea but wants to protect advanced weapons technology that could potentially be used against American interests in the future. The decision could disappoint Kyiv, which has sought greater access to air defense systems … Continue reading Trump backtracks from promise to let Ukraine build Patriot missiles

Prince Harry cost Canadian taxpayers $539M for security: Report

Canadian taxpayers spent at least $539,575 on RCMP security for Prince Harry during his visits to Canada between 2014 and 2020, according to newly released documents. The costs covered trips related to the Invictus Games and visits to see Meghan Markle before and after their relationship became public. The amount was higher than previous estimates and exceeded security expenses for other internationally protected visitors during … Continue reading Prince Harry cost Canadian taxpayers $539M for security: Report

Peru’s ex-president leaves jail after 15-year jail term for corruption overturned

Peru’s constitutional court has overturned former President Ollanta Humala’s 15-year prison sentence for corruption, declaring the criminal proceedings against him invalid. Humala had been convicted of receiving illegal campaign funds from Odebrecht and former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez, allegations he denied as political persecution. He was released from prison in Lima after the court ruling, while his wife Nadine Heredia, who was also convicted, remains … Continue reading Peru’s ex-president leaves jail after 15-year jail term for corruption overturned

Trump promotes Freedom Haulers Initiative to fast-track military veterans into trucking jobs

President Donald Trump launched the “Freedom Haulers Initiative,” a program aimed at helping military veterans transition into trucking jobs while removing commercial drivers who are in the country illegally or do not meet federal requirements. The initiative allows qualified veterans with military driving experience to bypass parts of the commercial driver’s license process and provides faster training for others. Trump and administration officials said the … Continue reading Trump promotes Freedom Haulers Initiative to fast-track military veterans into trucking jobs

Birx says ‘persistent anger’ over COVID response evident after Fauci hearing

Former White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator Deborah Birx said public frustration over the government’s COVID-19 response remains high after Dr. Anthony Fauci’s Senate hearing. Birx said Americans still want answers about whether pandemic policies properly balanced protecting lives with preserving livelihoods. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times during the hearing, refusing to answer questions from lawmakers about his pandemic guidance. Republicans criticized Fauci’s … Continue reading Birx says ‘persistent anger’ over COVID response evident after Fauci hearing

Trump threatens to pull Todd Blanche’s AG nomination until after GOP holdouts leave office

President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination after Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis raised concerns about the nomination. The senators objected to parts of a Justice Department settlement involving Trump’s tax records and an “anti-weaponization” fund, saying they wanted stronger written assurances. Trump suggested he would renominate Blanche after Cornyn and Tillis leave office in January, but both senators … Continue reading Trump threatens to pull Todd Blanche’s AG nomination until after GOP holdouts leave office