Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned a ruling by the EU’s top court that tightens rules on how member states can designate countries as “safe” for rejecting asylum seekers. The Court of Justice of the EU said such designations must be justified with public data and apply to all regions and populations of a country. The ruling challenges Italy’s practice of repatriating migrants to countries … Continue reading Meloni fumes as EU top court makes it harder to reject asylum-seekers

El Salvador’s legislature, dominated by President Nayib Bukele’s New Ideas party, approved constitutional changes on Thursday allowing indefinite presidential reelection and extending presidential terms from five to six years. The reform also eliminates the second round of voting in presidential elections. Bukele, already reelected despite a prior constitutional ban, has faced growing criticism over his consolidation of power since 2021, when his party removed top … Continue reading El Salvador approves indefinite presidential reelection and extends terms to 6 years

Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned Thursday amid investigations into his business dealings that sparked protests in the capital. Paluckas, leader of the Social Democrats, faced media scrutiny and probes over alleged past misconduct, including an unpaid fine related to a 2012 corruption case. His entire cabinet is expected to step down, leaving the government in limbo just weeks before joint Russian-Belarus military exercises, NBC … Continue reading Lithuania Prime Minister steps down after investigations and protests

A newly declassified annex to the 2023 Durham report reveals memos suggesting Hillary Clinton approved a plan to “smear Donald Trump” by exaggerating the Russia scandal during the 2016 election. The annex also suggests the plan aimed to distract from Clinton’s email controversy. The report criticized the FBI’s handling of the Russia investigation, calling it “seriously flawed,” KEPR TV has reported. White House Press Secretary … Continue reading Newly declassified documents reveal Clinton’s alleged plan to smear Trump in 2016

The White House criticized former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday, blaming her for renewed efforts to ban lawmakers from trading stocks. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed to Pelosi’s wealth and her husband’s successful investments, claiming it raises concerns about insider trading. The remarks followed President Trump’s accusation that Pelosi enriched herself through inside information. Pelosi denied wrongdoing, saying she supports a trading ban to … Continue reading Trump backs stock trading ban so lawmakers like Pelosi can’t continue ‘ripping off’ constituents, WH claims

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has urged 17 major pharmaceutical companies to cut U.S. drug prices within 60 days, threatening aggressive action if they fail to comply. In letters to companies like Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson, Trump demanded they offer Americans the same low prices they provide in other developed countries, particularly for Medicaid and Medicare patients. He also called for … Continue reading Trump says he asked 17 drugmakers to take steps to cut U.S. prices within 60 days

The White House announced Thursday that construction will begin in September on a new $200 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom, set to be completed before President Donald Trump’s term ends in early 2029. It will be the first structural addition to the Executive Mansion since the Truman Balcony in 1948. The ballroom, which will seat up to 650 guests, will be built near the East Wing without … Continue reading White House announces new $200M ballroom

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will formally recognize a Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly, aligning with similar moves by France and the UK. Carney said the decision supports a two-state solution and follows commitments from the Palestinian Authority to reform, hold elections in 2026 excluding Hamas, and avoid militarization. The announcement comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in … Continue reading Canada intends to recognize Palestinian state in September, Prime Minister Carney says

French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the EU for failing to use its economic power to secure a stronger trade deal with the U.S., saying the bloc “wasn’t feared enough.” The agreement, which imposes 15% tariffs on most EU exports to the U.S., drew backlash in France, with officials urging tougher tactics, including use of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument. While Macron acknowledged the deal brought short-term … Continue reading Macron: EU wasn’t ‘feared enough’ by Trump to get good trade deal 

President Donald Trump announced a new U.S.–South Korea trade deal that sets a 15% blanket tariff on Korean exports to the U.S., down from a previously threatened 25%. The deal includes South Korea committing $350 billion in U.S.-controlled investments, though Seoul says the funds will support Korean companies entering key U.S. industries like shipbuilding and semiconductors. Trump also said Seoul will buy $100 billion in … Continue reading Trump announces trade deal with South Korea, setting tariffs at 15%

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Senate Democrats are invoking the rarely used “Rule of Five” to formally request the Justice Department release all documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The law allows five members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee to demand information from federal agencies. Schumer emphasized the request is a serious use of congressional power, not a political stunt, and … Continue reading Democrats invoke rare Senate rule to force release of Epstein documents

Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri joined Senate Democrats to advance a bill banning members of Congress and their spouses from owning or trading individual stocks. Passed out of committee by an 8–7 vote, the legislation—now called the Honest Act—would give lawmakers 180 days to divest and require annual ethics certifications and biannual audits. Though Hawley introduced the bill, most Republicans on the committee opposed it, … Continue reading GOP Sen. Josh Hawley and Democrats vote to advance congressional stock trading ban

GOP senators, frustrated with Democratic delays, are considering major moves to fast-track President Trump’s nominees, including changing Senate rules and using recess appointments. During a closed-door meeting, options like cutting debate times, removing cloture votes, and expanding en-bloc confirmations were discussed. Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned Democrats that their obstruction could backfire, while senators like Eric Schmitt suggested all options are on the table, … Continue reading Senate GOP ready to bulldoze Dems on Trump nominees

After months without an official leader amid staffing cuts and disease outbreaks, the Senate confirmed Susan Monarez as the new director of the CDC in a 51-47 party-line vote. Monarez, a health scientist and longtime civil servant, is the first Senate-confirmed CDC director under a 2023 law and the first non-medical degree holder in the role in over 70 years. She takes charge of an … Continue reading In a first, the Senate confirms a new CDC director

The Republican-led Senate narrowly confirmed Emil Bove, President Trump’s former personal lawyer, to a lifetime judgeship on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a 50-49 vote, with only Republicans supporting him. Despite allegations from three whistleblowers accusing Bove of disregarding laws and misleading senators, GOP leaders dismissed the complaints as politically motivated. Two Republicans, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, joined Democrats in opposing … Continue reading Republicans confirm former Trump lawyer Emil Bove to appeals court

During a visit to open his new Scottish golf course, President Trump highlighted his foreign policy achievements, claiming credit for multiple global ceasefires and diplomatic breakthroughs. Speaking at Trump International Golf Links near Aberdeen, he emphasized efforts to prevent wars and strengthen international relations, including a recent U.S. strike on Iran he says ended the Israel-Iran conflict. The trip, blending diplomacy with personal business promotion, … Continue reading Trump boasts he ‘stopped about five wars’ while opening new Scotland golf course

In a rare public clash on the Senate floor, Democrats sparred over how to confront President Trump, revealing internal divisions. While the Senate was considering bipartisan police grant legislation, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) used the moment to criticize his party for not doing enough to oppose Trump. His surprise amendment sparked frustration from Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Catherine Cortez Masto, who accused him of derailing … Continue reading Senate floor erupts as Booker accuses Dems of being “complicit” with Trump

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissed South Korea’s recent diplomatic efforts, stating North Korea has no interest in talks regardless of proposals. Despite acknowledging South Korea’s “sincere efforts,” she criticized its continued alliance with the U.S. and upcoming joint military drills. North Korea remains focused on its growing ties with Russia amid the Ukraine war and is unlikely to … Continue reading Powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim rejects outreach by South’s new president

President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new U.S.-EU trade deal, agreeing to a 15% tariff on automobiles and expanded market access. As part of the agreement, Europe will purchase $150 billion in U.S. energy and invest $600 billion in the U.S. economy, Fox News has reported. Both leaders emphasized the need to “rebalance” the trade relationship, which von der … Continue reading Trump announces trade deal with European Union

Amid renewed focus on Jeffrey Epstein during Trump’s second term, Republicans are divided over how to handle the case. Some, like Rep. Thomas Massie, are joining Democrats in pushing for transparency, calling for the release of Epstein-related files with victim protections. Others, including Speaker Mike Johnson, argue current efforts lack safeguards. Tensions are rising as Trump allies defend the administration while blaming past leaders, and … Continue reading Some Republicans aren’t backing down from Epstein transparency push

A new Wall Street Journal poll shows the Democratic Party’s image has sunk to its lowest point in over 30 years, with 63% of voters viewing it unfavorably. Voters now trust Republicans more on nearly all major issues, including the economy, inflation, and immigration. Despite disapproval of some of Donald Trump’s policies, Republicans still hold an advantage on those topics.  The only areas where Democrats … Continue reading Dems Get Lowest Rating From Voters in 35 Years, Poll Finds

President Donald Trump has demanded criminal prosecutions of Kamala Harris, Beyonce, Oprah, and Rev. Al Sharpton over alleged campaign finance violations. On Truth Social, Trump accused them of improperly receiving millions from Harris’s campaign, though records show payments were for appearances and events and may be consistent with campaign finance rules. This marks the first time Trump has called for criminal charges, repeating previous claims … Continue reading Trump Calls for the Prosecutions of Kamala Harris, Beyonce and Oprah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reversed controversial changes that placed anti-corruption agencies under the control of the prosecutor general, following public protests and international backlash. The original law, signed Tuesday, was criticized for undermining the agencies’ independence. On Thursday, Zelenskyy introduced a new bill to undo the move, though it still needs parliamentary approval, which may face delays from his own MPs. The reversal came after … Continue reading Zelenskyy U-turns on anti-corruption agencies power grab after public outcry

Taiwan is set to vote Saturday on a major recall campaign targeting 24 opposition Nationalist Party (KMT) lawmakers, driven by frustration over legislative gridlock and concerns about China’s influence. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which supports Taiwan independence, backs the effort in hopes of gaining a legislative majority after winning the presidency but falling short in parliament. The KMT and allies, who currently hold … Continue reading Taiwanese rally for and against the recall of opposition lawmakers seen as close to China

A House Oversight subcommittee voted to subpoena Bill and Hillary Clinton, along with several former Justice Department officials, over alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The motion, introduced by Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), aims to expand the investigation into Maxwell. Formal subpoenas have not yet been issued but are expected. The subcommittee also moved to obtain DOJ communications involving Biden administration officials related … Continue reading House panel votes to subpoena Bill and Hillary Clinton over possible links to Ghislaine Maxwell