US Senate confirms Trump nominee Pam Bondi as attorney general

The US Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as Attorney General with a 54-46 vote, largely along party lines. Bondi, who takes charge during a tumultuous period for the Justice Department, faces the challenge of balancing Trump’s demands with legal and ethical constraints. She has pledged to maintain the department’s independence, but concerns persist about potential political influence. Bondi’s confirmation follows significant personnel changes, including the firing … Continue reading US Senate confirms Trump nominee Pam Bondi as attorney general

Philippine vice president impeached by House, faces Senate trial

The Philippine House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, accusing her of crimes including plotting to assassinate President Marcos, corruption, and failing to denounce China’s actions in the South China Sea. The impeachment complaint, signed by over 215 legislators, deepens political tensions between Duterte and Marcos, who have a strained relationship despite their alliance during the 2022 elections. The allegations include a death threat … Continue reading Philippine vice president impeached by House, faces Senate trial

Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

Brussels had high hopes for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset but has since lowered expectations. Six months of red lines and rejections have dimmed hopes that he will undo the extreme elements of the Tory Brexit deal. Officials and diplomats still see room for better relations, but no major breakthroughs. Early optimism faded after London dismissed proposals on visas for young people and student exchanges. Frustration … Continue reading Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

More than seven months after the June 2024 elections, a coalition government has been formed, led by nationalist Bart De Wever. De Wever has been sworn in as Belgium’s new prime minister after prolonged negotiations, shifting the government further to the right. He is the first nationalist from Dutch-speaking Flanders to lead the country. His five-party coalition includes the Flemish nationalist N-VA, centrist Christian Democrats, … Continue reading Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

European leaders met Monday to discuss defense against Russia, but the focus shifted to the U.S. Donald Trump is dominating headlines with trade wars and threats, including against China, Mexico, Canada, and the EU. Trump has also refused to rule out military action to seize Greenland, part of Denmark. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU would respond firmly if Trump … Continue reading EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

Rubio says El Salvador will house deportees from U.S., including Americans

Marco Rubio announced that El Salvador’s president has agreed to accept deportees from the U.S., including violent American criminals. Rubio called the agreement unprecedented and said President Nayib Bukele is willing to take in foreign nationals and U.S. citizens convicted of crimes. A U.S. official clarified that there are no current plans to deport American citizens, as such actions would face legal challenges. Rubio’s visit … Continue reading Rubio says El Salvador will house deportees from U.S., including Americans

Joe Biden Is Ready to Make Some Hollywood Deals, Signs With CAA

Joe Biden has signed with Creative Artists Agency for representation in his post-presidential era. CAA co-chair Richard Lovett praised Biden’s lifelong commitment to public service and unity. The agency previously represented Biden after his vice presidency, during which he published a book and went on a nationwide speaking tour. CAA also represents Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and other Democratic figures. Biden recently … Continue reading Joe Biden Is Ready to Make Some Hollywood Deals, Signs With CAA

EU leaders vow to hit back if ‘attacked’ by Donald Trump tariffs

EU leaders have pledged to retaliate against potential trade tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump, warning of the negative impacts of a trade war. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Europe following similar measures against China, Canada, and Mexico. French President Macron emphasized Europe’s need for independence and stronger domestic trade policies. The EU is preparing possible countermeasures, while leaders like German Chancellor Scholz … Continue reading EU leaders vow to hit back if ‘attacked’ by Donald Trump tariffs

Rubio says Panama must reduce Chinese influence around the canal or face possible US action

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panamanian leader José Raúl Mulino to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area or face potential U.S. retaliation. During Rubio’s visit to Panama, he conveyed President Trump’s concerns that China’s presence in the canal could violate a treaty ensuring its neutrality. While Mulino rejected threats to the canal’s sovereignty, he agreed not to renew Panama’s involvement in … Continue reading Rubio says Panama must reduce Chinese influence around the canal or face possible US action

Trump pushes Europe to be more independent, Macron says

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies are driving Europe to take more responsibility for its own security. Speaking ahead of an EU summit, Macron highlighted the need for Europe to strengthen its defense industry and reduce reliance on external powers. While Macron emphasized European “strategic autonomy,” some leaders, like Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, stressed … Continue reading Trump pushes Europe to be more independent, Macron says

USAID closes HQ to staffers Monday as Musk says Trump supports shutting agency down

Over 600 USAID workers were locked out of their computer systems, and those still connected received notices stating that the headquarters would be closed to personnel on February 3. Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stated that former President Trump agreed with shutting down USAID. Musk called the agency “beyond repair,” describing it as “a bowl of worms” and accused it of … Continue reading USAID closes HQ to staffers Monday as Musk says Trump supports shutting agency down

Zelensky Claims Ukraine Received Less Than Half of U.S. Aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine has received around $76 billion in aid from the U.S., despite the U.S. authorizing approximately $175 billion for the country. Zelensky expressed uncertainty about where the remaining funds have gone, suggesting they may have been allocated to humanitarian programs. He noted that most of the aid received was in the form of weapons, amounting to about $70 billion, … Continue reading Zelensky Claims Ukraine Received Less Than Half of U.S. Aid

Panama’s president says there will be no negotiation about ownership of canal

Panama President José Raúl Mulino stated there will be no negotiations with the U.S. over ownership of the Panama Canal, emphasizing that it belongs to Panama. He downplayed tensions regarding U.S. President Trump’s past remarks about retaking the canal, clarifying that while China manages some canal ports, Panama controls the waterway. Mulino expressed hope that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit would focus on … Continue reading Panama’s president says there will be no negotiation about ownership of canal

Trump Admin Moves To Toss Out Biden’s Fuel Economy Rules

Newly-confirmed Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is moving to reverse the Biden administration’s fuel economy standards. Duffy signed a memorandum to reset the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which were strengthened by the Biden administration in June 2024 to increase fuel economy by 2% annually for passenger vehicles and light trucks. Duffy criticized the standards, claiming they harmed America’s auto industry and led … Continue reading Trump Admin Moves To Toss Out Biden’s Fuel Economy Rules

Rubio on buying Greenland: ‘This is not a joke’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed President Trump’s serious interest in acquiring Greenland, emphasizing national security concerns due to China’s growing interest in the Arctic. Rubio explained that the U.S. would benefit from controlling Greenland, especially given China’s potential to build facilities there for military purposes. While Trump has expressed interest in purchasing the island, Greenlandic leaders reject the idea, wanting to remain independent. Despite … Continue reading Rubio on buying Greenland: ‘This is not a joke’

Norway eurosceptics collapse coalition government over green energy row

Norway’s government collapsed on Thursday after the eurosceptic Centre party withdrew from the ruling coalition over disagreements about EU green energy laws. Centre party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum opposed three EU directives on renewable energy, citing concerns over Norway’s electricity policy and sovereignty. With the Centre party’s exit, the centre-left Labour party will govern alone for the first time in 25 years. While Prime Minister … Continue reading Norway eurosceptics collapse coalition government over green energy row

Senior FBI leaders ordered to retire, resign or be fired by Monday

Several top FBI executives promoted by former Director Christopher Wray were told to resign or retire, with threats of demotion or reassignment if they don’t leave. The purge includes senior officials overseeing criminal, national security, and cyber investigations. The FBI has declined to comment on the moves, which come amid a broader wave of terminations in the Trump administration, NBC News has reported. Trump has … Continue reading Senior FBI leaders ordered to retire, resign or be fired by Monday

Trump signs sweeping executive order to expand school choice

President Trump signed an executive order prioritizing school choice by directing federal funding to expand related programs. The order mandates the Education Department to issue guidance on using federal funds for K-12 school choice, including faith-based and private institutions. It also instructs the Department of Health and Human Services and Defense Secretary to create plans for supporting school choice through block grants and military funds. … Continue reading Trump signs sweeping executive order to expand school choice

Trump Urges Musk and SpaceX to Rescue NASA Astronauts Stranded on ISS

President Trump urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to rescue two NASA astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for several months. The astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, were part of a Boeing mission that was supposed to last less than two weeks but was extended due to issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized the Biden administration … Continue reading Trump Urges Musk and SpaceX to Rescue NASA Astronauts Stranded on ISS

Vance lauds Trump’s second term approach: ‘All gas, no brakes’

Vice President Vance praised President Trump’s energetic approach to his second term, noting his constant engagement and stamina. In a Fox News interview, Vance highlighted Trump’s ability to tackle policy and personal matters at all hours, emphasizing the president’s high energy, which he believes is essential given the size and inefficiency of the federal government. Vance claimed that the Trump administration has achieved more in … Continue reading Vance lauds Trump’s second term approach: ‘All gas, no brakes’

Senate confirms Zeldin to lead Environmental Protection Agency

The Senate confirmed Lee Zeldin as the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency with a 56-42 vote, including support from three Democrats. Zeldin, a former Republican congressman from New York and ally of President Trump, is tasked with helping roll back environmental regulations, particularly those aimed at climate change and electric vehicles. He vowed to support EPA staff but declined to commit to specific … Continue reading Senate confirms Zeldin to lead Environmental Protection Agency

Ex-Sen. Menendez sentenced 11 years in prison on corruption charges

Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted of corruption for accepting bribes, including gold bars, cash, and a luxury car, in exchange for using his political power. Judge Sidney Stein condemned Menendez for betraying public trust, noting the severity of the corruption. Menendez, who was found guilty on all 16 counts, maintained his innocence, calling the case … Continue reading Ex-Sen. Menendez sentenced 11 years in prison on corruption charges

Senate confirms Trump pick Sean Duffy for Transportation secretary

The Senate confirmed former Rep. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin as President Trump’s pick to lead the Transportation Department with a bipartisan vote of 77-22. During his confirmation hearing, Duffy outlined priorities such as improving aviation and highway safety, addressing the air traffic controller shortage, restoring trust in Boeing, and rebuilding Interstate 40. He also pledged to continue the investigation into Tesla’s self-driving software, Fox News … Continue reading Senate confirms Trump pick Sean Duffy for Transportation secretary

No ‘traitors’ in Canada’s parliament, says foreign meddling inquiry

A Canadian public inquiry has found no evidence of “traitors” in parliament colluding with foreign governments to interfere in elections. The final report acknowledged attempts by foreign states, particularly China and India, to meddle in recent elections, but stated their impact was minimal. The inquiry warned that disinformation posed a significant threat to democracy. It also criticized the government’s slow response to interference and lack … Continue reading No ‘traitors’ in Canada’s parliament, says foreign meddling inquiry

Serbian PM quits after months of mass protests

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned following widespread protests over the deadly collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people in November. Protesters have been demanding accountability and opposing corruption. In response, President Aleksandar Vucic is considering whether to hold elections or form a new government. Vucevic’s resignation may not lead to significant change, as real power in Serbia lies … Continue reading Serbian PM quits after months of mass protests