Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is only willing to meet directly with Vladimir Putin to end the war, rejecting talks with any other Russian officials. He plans to travel to Turkey on Thursday for potential peace talks, encouraged by U.S. President Trump, though it’s unclear if Putin will attend. The U.S. will send top officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Trump may … Continue reading Zelensky insists he will only join Ukraine-Russia talks in Turkey this week if Putin is present

During a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, President Trump praised the kingdom as America’s strongest partner and announced a $142 billion arms deal, with broader investments possibly reaching $1 trillion. He pledged to lift all U.S. sanctions on Syria to support its reconstruction under a new transitional government. Joined by business leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, Trump pushed for economic partnerships and AI … Continue reading GOP moves to boot Democrats off committees over ICE scuffle

During a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, President Trump praised the kingdom as America’s strongest partner and announced a $142 billion arms deal, with broader investments possibly reaching $1 trillion. He pledged to lift all U.S. sanctions on Syria to support its reconstruction under a new transitional government. Joined by business leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, Trump pushed for economic partnerships and AI … Continue reading Trump pledges to lift Syria sanctions as he seals $142bn arms deal on Saudi visit

President Trump will appoint Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who defended him in his hush money trial, as acting Librarian of Congress. The move follows Trump’s removal of Carla Hayden, the first woman and Black American in the role, amid a broader purge of officials linked to diversity efforts. Blanche’s appointment is part of a pattern of Trump placing loyalists and former personal lawyers in … Continue reading Trump naming his former defense attorney as acting Librarian of Congress

A House Republican bill proposing major tax cuts and Medicaid spending reductions faces strong opposition in the Senate, where GOP lawmakers from rural states warn it could harm hospitals and strip millions of Americans of health coverage. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill could cause 8.6 million to lose insurance. Senators are also concerned about phasing out clean energy tax credits, which support thousands … Continue reading GOP senators raise red flags over House’s ambitious Trump legislative package

President Trump will begin his first international trip of his second term Monday with a visit to Saudi Arabia, the first stop on a four-day Middle East tour that includes Qatar and the UAE. The trip focuses on diplomacy and business, with Trump expected to attend a major U.S.-Saudi investment summit featuring top CEOs. The visit aims to strengthen ties, promote investment, and build on … Continue reading Trump departing today for Saudi Arabia, the first international trip of his new term

President Trump announced plans to possibly speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the week after U.S. and Chinese officials reached a key trade agreement over the weekend. The deal includes a 90-day, 115% reduction in tariffs—excluding items like cars, steel, and pharmaceuticals—while both sides work on broader structural issues. Talks in Geneva were described as friendly and swift, marking the second major trade … Continue reading Trump Expects He’ll Speak with Chinese President Xi at End of Week

House Republicans are pushing ahead with a major budget package that includes deep Medicaid cuts and a partial extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, despite sharp divisions within the GOP. Moderates and conservatives are clashing over proposals such as raising the SALT tax deduction cap and imposing stricter Medicaid work requirements. Key moderates from high-tax states oppose the current SALT cap proposal, while conservative hardliners … Continue reading GOP charges ahead despite deep divisions on Medicaid

Authorities in France and Germany have dismissed viral social media claims suggesting Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders used cocaine during a train trip to Kyiv as baseless disinformation. The trip, involving Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, was for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Social media users and Russian propagandists, including Maria Zakharova, spread what some have claimed … Continue reading Macron ‘Cocaine’ Claims Erupt After Kyiv Meeting

Two properties linked to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, including his north London home, were damaged in suspected arson attacks hours apart, raising concerns of a targeted campaign. Both incidents involved fire damage to front doors, and a third vehicle fire last week is being investigated for possible connection. Counter-terrorism police are involved, and the investigation remains active, The Mirror has reported. No injuries … Continue reading Police investigating blaze at UK Prime Minister’s home

Former President Donald Trump said he’s open to a small tax increase on the wealthy to help fund Republicans’ tax and spending cuts package, though the idea is divisive among GOP lawmakers. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he would accept a “TINY” tax hike but noted the political risk. He also discussed possibly letting tax cuts expire for top earners. While Trump has … Continue reading Trump floats raising taxes on the rich to pay for sweeping tax and spending cuts package

European Union foreign ministers have endorsed the creation of a special tribunal, called the “Lviv statement,” to hold Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, accountable for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Announced in Lviv, the tribunal aims to prosecute the crime of aggression, with EU officials stressing that no one should enjoy impunity. While Putin’s immunity as a sitting leader remains for now, prosecutors can … Continue reading EU ministers back Ukrainian tribunal to try Russian officials

Ukraine and Hungary have expelled two diplomats each amid mutual accusations of espionage. Ukraine’s security agency claims it uncovered a Hungarian spy network targeting the Zakarpattia region, detaining two former Ukrainian soldiers accused of treason. Hungary dismissed the allegations as “anti-Hungarian propaganda” and expelled two Ukrainian diplomats in response, Al-Jazeera has reported. The move marks a new low in already tense relations, with Hungary maintaining … Continue reading Ukraine and Hungary each expel diplomats in tit-for-tat espionage row

At an American Bar Association event, Justice Sonia Sotomayor urged lawyers to be resilient and committed, emphasizing the profession’s duty to fight for the voiceless amid growing political pressure. Her remarks, though general, came amid tensions with the Trump administration, which has targeted law firms and criticized diversity efforts. Sotomayor defended diversity as essential to justice and called for solidarity, the New York Times has … Continue reading Justice Sotomayor Says Lawyers Must ‘Stand Up’ and ‘Fight This Fight’

White House policy adviser Stephen Miller said the Trump administration is “actively looking at” suspending the writ of habeas corpus to address illegal immigration, citing the Constitution’s allowance during times of “invasion.” Miller criticized judges blocking deportations and suggested the courts are undermining both the executive and legislative branches. The writ, a constitutional right to challenge unlawful detention, has only been suspended four times in … Continue reading Trump administration ‘looking at’ suspending habeas corpus, Stephen Miller says

President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order reviving his “most favored nation” plan to lower drug prices by tying Medicare payments to the cheaper rates paid in other countries, according to sources. The move would bypass Congress and reignite a battle with the pharmaceutical industry, which previously blocked similar efforts. The order is expected next week and could face legal challenges, as … Continue reading Trump to pitch sweeping Medicare drug price plan

Six people in rural Frio County, Texas—including two City Council members, a school board trustee, and the county judge—have been indicted on felony charges in a voter fraud investigation led by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Most face allegations of illegal vote harvesting, including using Cash App for payments. The charges follow raids targeting Latino campaign volunteers, sparking criticism from civil rights groups who call … Continue reading 6 people are charged in a Texas elections investigation involving ‘vote harvesting’

French President Emmanuel Macron urged the U.S. and the European Union to lift sanctions on Syria following a visit from Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who recently toppled dictator Bashar Assad. Macron emphasized that lifting sanctions would benefit all parties, including the U.S., and suggested maintaining troops in Syria to assess the situation later. Al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda member, has pledged to protect minority groups … Continue reading Macron calls on US, Europe to lift sanctions on Syria

President Donald Trump stated he will decide how the U.S. refers to the “Persian Gulf” during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The name of the waterway has sparked tensions between Iran and Arab nations, with Iran insisting on “Persian Gulf” due to historical evidence, while Arab states prefer “Arabian Gulf.” Trump indicated that he would be briefed on the matter … Continue reading Trump says he’ll decide on name of ‘Persian Gulf’ on Middle East visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow for a four-day state visit ahead of Russia’s May 9 “Victory Day” parade, marking 80 years since World War II’s Allied victory. Xi’s visit underscores the strong ties between Russia and China, with both leaders aiming to counter US influence and advocate for a more multipolar global order. Xi’s attendance highlights the growing cooperation between the two nations, … Continue reading Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow as Putin’s ‘guest of honor’ ahead of Victory Day military parade

Sen. John Fetterman dismissed claims that he’s unfit for office as a “hit piece,” pushing back against a New York Magazine report alleging erratic behavior and mental health concerns. In a CNN interview, Fetterman defended his treatment for depression, denied being off medication, and criticized former staffers, including ex-chief of staff Adam Jentleson, for spreading false claims. Fetterman insisted he’s following doctors’ advice, plans to … Continue reading Fetterman vows to stay in Senate, dismissing questions over fitness to serve

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., announced he won’t support Ed Martin, Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., likely blocking the confirmation. Martin has faced backlash over his actions during his interim term, including firing prosecutors handling Capitol riot cases. Tillis cited concerns about Martin’s involvement with Jan. 6 figures, saying he could support him in another district, but not D.C, NBC News has … Continue reading Key GOP senator won’t support Trump loyalist Ed Martin to be D.C.’s top prosecutor

After their first post-election meeting, Donald Trump told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney he “just wants to be friends” with Canada, despite months of hostile rhetoric, trade threats, and talk of annexation. Carney firmly rejected Trump’s repeated suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state, stating, “It’s not for sale.” The meeting was cordial, with both leaders praising each other, though tensions resurfaced over trade … Continue reading Trump says ‘we just want to be friends’ as Canada PM torpedoes 51st state idea

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that a referendum on the province’s separation from Canada could be held next year if a citizen-led petition gathers enough signatures. While Smith does not personally support separation, she emphasized that Albertans should decide if the federal government continues to impose policies that harm the province, particularly in oil production. She introduced legislation to lower the threshold for triggering a … Continue reading Alberta’s premier proposes referendum on separation from Canada

Friedrich Merz was elected Germany’s new chancellor on Tuesday, hours after a historic defeat in the first ballot. The leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) initially fell short by six votes, securing 310 of the 316 needed for a majority. However, he won 325 votes in the second ballot. Merz, who led the CDU to a federal election victory in February, had promised to … Continue reading Friedrich Merz becomes Germany’s chancellor after historic defeat in first round vote