Scholz hardens rhetoric on migrants after fatal knife attack

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz adopted a tougher stance on migration following a fatal knife attack in southern Germany allegedly committed by a 28-year-old Afghan asylum seeker. The attack killed two people, including a two-year-old boy, and heightened migration as a key issue ahead of the February 23 election. Scholz criticized “misguided tolerance” and called for an investigation into why the suspect, who had applied for … Continue reading Scholz hardens rhetoric on migrants after fatal knife attack

EU leaders urge more defense spending amid Trump push

EU foreign affairs official Kaja Kallas urged member states to increase defense spending, warning that Europe’s military weakness could embolden aggressors like Russia. Speaking at the European Defense Agency conference, Kallas echoed U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of low NATO contributions, advocating for greater investment in security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for EU nations to spend 5% of GDP on defense, matching Trump’s … Continue reading EU leaders urge more defense spending amid Trump push

Biden pardons his siblings and their spouses on his way out of the White House

As President Joe Biden’s term ended, he pardoned his family members, including his siblings and their spouses, citing “unrelenting attacks and threats” against them driven by partisan politics. The pardons, which included his brother James, sister Valerie, and others, were issued just before Biden’s inauguration. In addition to family members, Biden also pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and allies targeted by former … Continue reading Biden pardons his siblings and their spouses on his way out of the White House

Trump revokes security clearances of 51 intel officials who signed discredited Hunter Biden laptop letter

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump revoked the security clearances of 51 former national security officials who had claimed Hunter Biden’s laptop resembled a “Russian information operation” despite lacking evidence of Russian involvement. The officials, including James Clapper, John Brennan, and John Bolton, signed a 2020 letter after the New York Post reported emails linking Hunter Biden to Ukrainian energy firm Burisma. … Continue reading Trump revokes security clearances of 51 intel officials who signed discredited Hunter Biden laptop letter

Trump terminates John Bolton’s security detail within hours of taking office

Shortly after taking office, former President Donald Trump terminated Secret Service protection for ex-national security adviser John Bolton, Bolton confirmed. Bolton, a target of Iranian threats following Qasem Soleimani’s assassination, had his protection reinstated by President Joe Biden in 2021 due to ongoing risks. Bolton criticized Trump’s decision, emphasizing the continued danger and contrasting Biden’s actions. Known for his hardline stance against Iran, Bolton had … Continue reading Trump terminates John Bolton’s security detail within hours of taking office

Senators receive affidavit containing new allegations against Hegseth

An affidavit from Danielle Hegseth, the former sister-in-law of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, alleges volatile and threatening behavior by Hegseth that caused his second wife, Samantha, to fear for her safety. Submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee, the affidavit raises concerns about Hegseth’s fitness for the role, citing past allegations of abuse and misconduct. While Samantha denies claims of physical abuse, Danielle insists … Continue reading Senators receive affidavit containing new allegations against Hegseth

Trump grants sweeping pardon of Jan. 6 defendants

On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of all 1,500+ people charged in the January 6 Capitol riot, including those convicted of assaulting police officers. This sweeping clemency undoes years of Justice Department efforts to prosecute participants in the attack, which left over 100 officers injured. Trump called the move a step toward “national reconciliation,” while critics, … Continue reading Trump grants sweeping pardon of Jan. 6 defendants

Biden pardons Fauci, Milley, Cheney, Jan. 6 lawmakers

In his final hours in office, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the Jan. 6 committee, citing the need to protect them from potential “revenge” by the incoming Trump administration. Biden’s decision follows Trump’s threats of retaliation against those who held him accountable for the 2021 Capitol attack and his election loss. Biden emphasized … Continue reading Biden pardons Fauci, Milley, Cheney, Jan. 6 lawmakers

Trump meme coin doubles again, stake worth $58 billion or more

President-elect Donald Trump launched his own cryptocurrency, $TRUMP, on Friday, which quickly surged in value, reaching a market cap of over $72 billion by Sunday morning. The coin, billed as the “only official Trump meme,” saw its value skyrocket by more than 600% in the first 24 hours. Trump’s wife, Melania, also introduced her own coin, $MELANIA, which gained over $5 billion within hours. The … Continue reading Trump meme coin doubles again, stake worth $58 billion or more

Oregon governor to stand by sanctuary law despite Trump-allied group’s warning of ‘serious consequences’

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced on Friday that her administration will continue to uphold the state’s sanctuary law, despite a letter from the America First Legal Foundation, a group aligned with President-elect Donald Trump, warning of potential federal prosecution and lawsuits. The nonprofit claims Oregon’s sanctuary policy violates federal law and puts officials at risk of liability. Kotek reaffirmed her commitment to protecting civil liberties … Continue reading Oregon governor to stand by sanctuary law despite Trump-allied group’s warning of ‘serious consequences’

Vice President-elect JD Vance meets with Chinese counterpart

Vice President-elect JD Vance met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Sunday to discuss issues such as fentanyl, trade, and regional stability. Han is in Washington, D.C., for Donald Trump’s inauguration, along with other foreign leaders. Trump had invited Chinese President Xi to attend, signaling an open dialogue with both allies and adversaries. Meanwhile, ByteDance temporarily restricted access to TikTok in the U.S. over … Continue reading Vice President-elect JD Vance meets with Chinese counterpart

Trump promises ‘historic’ day one with barrage of executive orders

Donald Trump, in a victory rally before his inauguration, promised to act swiftly and decisively on his first day back in office, targeting issues like illegal immigration, transgender rights, and Biden administration policies. He vowed to repeal Biden’s executive orders and implement aggressive border security measures, including a large-scale deportation effort. Trump also discussed pardoning individuals involved in the January 6th attack, and promised to … Continue reading Trump promises ‘historic’ day one with barrage of executive orders

Trump’s DOGE co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy reportedly announcing campaign for Ohio governor

Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech billionaire and former Republican presidential candidate, is expected to announce his campaign for Ohio governor, aiming to replace term-limited Governor Mike DeWine. Ramaswamy, who had considered running for Ohio’s U.S. Senate seat, is also working with Elon Musk and Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency on a plan for major federal spending cuts. Ramaswamy will face competition for the GOP nomination from … Continue reading Trump’s DOGE co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy reportedly announcing campaign for Ohio governor

Biden pardons Marcus Garvey, Don Scott and 3 others in final full day action

On his final day in office, President Biden granted pardons and commuted sentences for several individuals, emphasizing second chances as a core American value. Biden set a record for clemency, having commuted nearly 2,500 sentences earlier in the week. Among those pardoned were Marcus Garvey, posthumously, and advocates Ravi Ragbir and Kemba Smith Pradia. Don Scott, the first Black Speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates, … Continue reading Biden pardons Marcus Garvey, Don Scott and 3 others in final full day action

Democrats urge Garland to drop case against 2 former Trump co-defendants, release rest of special counsel report

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to drop federal charges against Donald Trump’s former co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, in the classified documents case. They believe this would allow the Justice Department to release the full report from Special Counsel Jack Smith about Trump’s alleged crimes. Nauta and de Oliveira are accused of obstructing the investigation into … Continue reading Democrats urge Garland to drop case against 2 former Trump co-defendants, release rest of special counsel report

Trump’s Homeland Security pick pressed on domestic terrorism in hearing

Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota, is being considered to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under President Trump, focusing on immigration, border security, and deportations. She emphasized her alignment with Trump’s priorities, particularly securing the U.S. southern border and addressing domestic terrorism. While she voiced support for policies like the “Remain in Mexico” program, she primarily focused on immigration issues during her Senate … Continue reading Trump’s Homeland Security pick pressed on domestic terrorism in hearing

Jon Husted, Ohio’s lieutenant governor, tapped to replace JD Vance in Senate

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday that Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted will replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the U.S. Senate. Husted, 57, will serve until a special election in November 2026, when a winner will complete the remainder of Vance’s term. DeWine praised Husted’s knowledge of Ohio and his record on economic development, including Intel’s $20 billion investment in the state. Husted, accepting the … Continue reading Jon Husted, Ohio’s lieutenant governor, tapped to replace JD Vance in Senate

Biden Tries to Change Constitution on Way Out

President Biden declared the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, asserting it was ratified by the necessary three-fourths of states. Legal experts, including Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Turley, criticized this move as “cynical and irrelevant,” arguing that Biden lacks constitutional authority in the amendment process and that the ERA missed its ratification deadline set by Congress. The ERA, aimed … Continue reading Biden Tries to Change Constitution on Way Out

Trump’s inauguration to be moved indoors

President-elect Donald Trump announced that his inauguration on Monday will be held indoors due to freezing temperatures expected in Washington, D.C. The swearing-in ceremony and address will take place inside the Capitol Rotunda, and the public viewing will occur at Capital One Arena. Due to this change, most ticketed guests will not be able to attend in person, although those with tickets for the Presidential … Continue reading Trump’s inauguration to be moved indoors

Brazilian court denies Bolsonaro’s request to travel to Trump’s inauguration

Brazil’s Supreme Court has denied former President Jair Bolsonaro’s request to temporarily restore his passport to attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled that Bolsonaro did not adequately prove he was invited and currently holds no position to represent Brazil. Bolsonaro’s passport was seized in February due to ongoing investigations into his attempts to stay in office after his … Continue reading Brazilian court denies Bolsonaro’s request to travel to Trump’s inauguration

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will fill Marco Rubio’s Senate seat

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has been appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to fill Marco Rubio’s U.S. Senate seat, making her only the second woman to represent Florida in the Senate. Moody, a former federal prosecutor and judge, has supported DeSantis’ conservative agenda, defending policies on immigration, vaccine mandates, and student loans. She is also known for her involvement in legal actions defending Donald Trump. … Continue reading Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will fill Marco Rubio’s Senate seat

Mike Johnson picks Arkansas Republican to lead House Intelligence Committee

Speaker Mike Johnson appointed Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) as the new chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, replacing Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), who was removed from the position. Crawford, a retired Army sergeant and former chairman of the Intelligence subcommittee, has been in Congress since 2011. Johnson praised Crawford’s leadership and experience. The decision to oust Turner, a strong supporter of NATO and U.S. aid … Continue reading Mike Johnson picks Arkansas Republican to lead House Intelligence Committee

Biden won’t enforce TikTok ban, official says, leaving fate of app to Trump

President Joe Biden will not enforce a TikTok ban set for January 19, leaving the decision to President-elect Donald Trump. A law signed by Biden last year requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest by the deadline, but Trump’s team is expected to address the matter. While some Democrats, like Senate Leader Chuck Schumer, pushed for an extension, Republican Senator Tom Cotton opposed it, labeling … Continue reading Biden won’t enforce TikTok ban, official says, leaving fate of app to Trump

Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney enters race to be Canada’s next prime minister

Mark Carney, former head of Canada’s central bank and the Bank of England, announced his candidacy for prime minister following Justin Trudeau’s resignation. Carney, 59, is praised for his economic expertise, particularly during the 2008 crisis, and his role in managing Brexit. He criticized Trudeau for losing focus on the economy and vowed to focus on it if elected. Carney faces competition from ex-Finance Minister … Continue reading Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney enters race to be Canada’s next prime minister

Biden, in farewell address, warns about dangers of unchecked power in wealthy

In his farewell address, President Joe Biden reflected on his political career and achievements, including leading the country out of the pandemic and advancing infrastructure and climate change initiatives. He expressed pride in his administration’s accomplishments but warned of the growing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, which he said threatens democracy. Biden also highlighted his role in securing a … Continue reading Biden, in farewell address, warns about dangers of unchecked power in wealthy