Biden sending $5.9 billion in aid for Ukraine ahead of Trump inauguration

The Biden administration announced $5.9 billion in military and budget support for Ukraine, part of Biden’s pledge to boost aid before his presidency ends. The package includes $2.5 billion in security assistance, with $1.25 billion in military aid and $1.22 billion in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed $3.4 billion in direct budget support. Biden emphasized his commitment to rapidly … Continue reading Biden sending $5.9 billion in aid for Ukraine ahead of Trump inauguration

Republican support wavers for Mike Johnson’s re-election as House speaker

Senior Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy stated that House Speaker Mike Johnson does not yet have enough votes for re-election, ahead of a vote later this week. Despite Donald Trump’s endorsement of Johnson, Roy expressed concerns about his ability to advance the president’s agenda, citing failures from last year. With a slim GOP majority, Johnson can afford only one defection, and Democrats are unlikely to … Continue reading Republican support wavers for Mike Johnson’s re-election as House speaker

Germany’s Scholz takes veiled swipe at Musk in New Year’s address

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz subtly criticized billionaire Elon Musk’s influence on President-elect Trump, stating that Germany’s future would not be determined by “the owners of social media.” In his New Year’s Eve message, Scholz warned against extreme opinions gaining attention and stressed that Germany’s direction should be guided by the majority of reasonable people. His comments followed accusations that Musk had attempted to influence Germany’s … Continue reading Germany’s Scholz takes veiled swipe at Musk in New Year’s address

Xi says no one can stop China’s ‘reunification’ with Taiwan

In his New Year’s speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that no one can stop China’s “reunification” with Taiwan, sending a clear warning to pro-independence forces. Tensions have escalated as Beijing has increased military pressure near Taiwan, with frequent incursions by warships and planes. China considers Taiwan, a democratically governed island, part of its territory, while Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claims, asserting that only its people … Continue reading Xi says no one can stop China’s ‘reunification’ with Taiwan

Trump: ‘I Have Always Been in Favor’ of H-1B Visas

President-elect Donald Trump expressed strong support for the H-1B visa program, stating he has “always been in favor” of it and has used it extensively in his businesses. His comments follow ongoing debates over the program, which critics argue displaces American workers with lower-paid foreign labor, primarily from India. While Trump has previously criticized abuses of the program, in 2020, he implemented reforms to prevent … Continue reading Trump: ‘I Have Always Been in Favor’ of H-1B Visas

Netanyahu undergoes prostate removal operation, court testimony delayed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent prostate removal surgery due to a urinary tract infection caused by benign prostate enlargement. The two-hour operation, performed under full anesthesia at Hadassah Medical Center, was successful, and Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. Justice Minister Yariv Levin temporarily served as caretaker prime minister, while Defense Minister Israel Katz chaired the political-security cabinet during the procedure. … Continue reading Netanyahu undergoes prostate removal operation, court testimony delayed

Biden reportedly regrets ending re-election campaign and says he’d have defeated Trump

In his final weeks as president, Joe Biden reportedly regrets withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, believing he could have defeated Donald Trump despite poor polling. Biden also expressed regret over appointing Merrick Garland as attorney general, criticizing Garland’s slow prosecution of Trump for the January 6th insurrection while aggressively pursuing cases against Biden’s son, Hunter. According to a Washington Post profile, Biden feels pressure from fellow … Continue reading Biden reportedly regrets ending re-election campaign and says he’d have defeated Trump

Justice Department Lawyers Look for Protection before Trump takes office

Justice Department lawyers involved in cases against Donald Trump and his allies are facing uncertainty and potential retribution as Trump prepares to take office again. Concerns stem from investigations into Trump’s election interference, the January 6 Capitol riot prosecutions, and contempt cases against Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro. Many lawyers are considering leaving government roles, with law firms seeing a surge in résumés, though not … Continue reading Justice Department Lawyers Look for Protection before Trump takes office

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer turned global humanitarian, has died at 100, nearly two years after entering hospice care. Carter, who served one term from 1977 to 1981, is remembered for his dedication to peace, human rights, and public service long after leaving office. President Joe Biden honored Carter as an “extraordinary leader” and announced a state funeral and National Day of … Continue reading Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

US sanctions the founder of Georgia’s ruling political party

The Biden administration has sanctioned Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, accusing him of undermining the country’s democratic and pro-Western future in favor of Russia. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans, targeting Ivanishvili and his associates. The U.S. condemned the party’s actions under his leadership, including repressing protests and opposition figures. Georgian Dream has been criticized for becoming more authoritarian … Continue reading US sanctions the founder of Georgia’s ruling political party

Biden White House to send $1.25 billion in weapon aid to Ukraine before Trump transition

Ahead of the Trump administration, the Biden White House is set to announce an additional $1.25 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The package will include munitions for air defense systems like the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, Stinger missiles, and artillery rounds. This follows a $988 million aid announcement earlier in December. Biden’s administration has been committed to supporting Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration, despite … Continue reading Biden White House to send $1.25 billion in weapon aid to Ukraine before Trump transition

Canadian ministers head to Florida for talks with incoming Trump administration

Two Canadian ministers, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, traveled to Palm Beach, Florida, to meet with President-elect Trump’s border security chief, Tom Homan, ahead of Trump’s inauguration. They discussed securing the Canada-U.S. border, combating fentanyl trafficking, and addressing the impact of potential tariffs on Canadian goods. Trump has threatened tariffs unless Canada reduces illegal migration and fentanyl exports, Fox News Has … Continue reading Canadian ministers head to Florida for talks with incoming Trump administration

Germany braces for elections as parliament dissolved

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced the dissolution of the Bundestag and set an early general election for February 23, following Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s loss of a confidence vote on December 16. Opinion polls show the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leading by 10 points over Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) also gaining support, though unlikely to form a … Continue reading Germany braces for elections as parliament dissolved

South Korea votes to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo

South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol two weeks earlier. A total of 192 lawmakers supported the impeachment, surpassing the 151 votes needed. Han, who took over after Yoon’s impeachment due to his failed martial law attempt, faced opposition for blocking judicial appointments related to Yoon’s case. The ruling People Power Party protested the … Continue reading South Korea votes to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo

Former President Bill Clinton discharged from hospital after being treated for flu

Former President Bill Clinton has been discharged from the hospital after being treated for the flu, according to his spokesperson. Clinton, 78, was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital on Monday with a fever and was in “good spirits” during his care. He expressed gratitude for the care he received and sent warm holiday wishes. Clinton has a history of health issues, including heart surgeries … Continue reading Former President Bill Clinton discharged from hospital after being treated for flu

House conservatives raised concerns about Johnson to Trump before spending fiasco

Some conservative House Republicans raised concerns about Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to President-elect Trump ahead of the recent government funding crisis, criticizing his leadership and decision-making. These complaints, which had been ongoing for weeks, included frustrations over Johnson’s handling of key issues and his management of the House GOP. As the funding deadline approached, Johnson’s failure to secure Trump’s demands, such as including a debt … Continue reading House conservatives raised concerns about Johnson to Trump before spending fiasco

Trump trolls Trudeau by promising Canucks he’ll lower taxes if Canada becomes ‘51st state’

President-elect Donald Trump mocked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday, suggesting that Canada should become the “51st state” of the U.S. and promising a 60% tax cut for Canadians if they join. Trump also jokingly proposed that hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, whom he recently met, run for Prime Minister of Canada, joking that he would win easily without campaigning. Despite Gretzky’s lack of interest … Continue reading Trump trolls Trudeau by promising Canucks he’ll lower taxes if Canada becomes ‘51st state’

Biden faces backlash upon commuting sentences of death row inmates

President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates to life without parole has sparked intense debate over the morality of the death penalty and justice for victims’ families. Critics, including President-elect Donald Trump’s spokesman and some Democrats, argued Biden was overstepping his authority, while some anti-death penalty activists felt he didn’t go far enough. Biden, citing … Continue reading Biden faces backlash upon commuting sentences of death row inmates

Biden signs 50 bills into law, makes bald eagle country’s official bird

President Joe Biden signed 50 bills into law on Tuesday, including one making the bald eagle the official bird and another stopping convicted members of Congress from collecting pensions. He also established the first federal anti-hazing standard for higher education and signed a bill supported by Paris Hilton to hold youth treatment centers accountable. Biden recently vetoed a bill to add new judges, commuted sentences … Continue reading Biden signs 50 bills into law, makes bald eagle country’s official bird

Matt Gaetz ethics report says his drug use and sex with a minor violated state laws

A House Ethics Committee report found former Rep. Matt Gaetz violated state laws involving sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and misuse of congressional resources. The investigation revealed Gaetz paid women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex, attended drug-fueled parties, and made over $90,000 in payments to 12 women from 2017-2020. Witnesses described his use of drugs like ecstasy and marijuana, some purchased through a fake … Continue reading Matt Gaetz ethics report says his drug use and sex with a minor violated state laws

Former US President Bill Clinton, 78, rushed to hospital and undergoing testing

Former President Bill Clinton, 78, has been admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for testing and observation after developing a fever. While the situation is not considered an emergency, Clinton remains in good spirits and appreciates the care he’s receiving. Known for previous health issues, including bypass surgery, stent implants, and a urological infection in 2021, Clinton’s current condition follows public concern … Continue reading Former US President Bill Clinton, 78, rushed to hospital and undergoing testing

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, 68, was hospitalized after being thrown from a horse while riding with family on Sunday. He was initially taken to Columbus Community Hospital before being transferred to Omaha’s University of Nebraska Medical Center as a precaution. While his injuries weren’t detailed, he’s expected to remain hospitalized for several days, CBS News has reported. Pillen, elected governor in 2022, remains alert and … Continue reading Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse

Trump says Putin wants a meeting as soon as possible about the war with Ukraine

President-elect Donald Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to meet with him soon to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking at Turning Point’s America Fest, Trump reiterated his claim that he could end the conflict “in 24 hours” and criticized President Biden’s policy allowing Ukraine to strike Russian territory with U.S. weapons. Trump also hinted at reducing U.S. military aid to Ukraine … Continue reading Trump says Putin wants a meeting as soon as possible about the war with Ukraine

Russia’s Putin holds talks with Slovakian PM Fico

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare visit by an EU leader to the Kremlin since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Their talks focused on international issues and natural gas supplies, as Slovakia faces potential disruptions when the current transit deal through Ukraine expires this year. Fico, known for his pro-Russia stance, has ended Slovakia’s military aid to … Continue reading Russia’s Putin holds talks with Slovakian PM Fico

UK opens door to banning Musk political donations with new law

The UK government is considering reforms that could block Elon Musk from donating millions to Reform UK. Labour’s Lucy Powell suggested future electoral reforms might address political donations, though no immediate plans exist. Nigel Farage recently revealed Musk is considering a significant donation, speculated to be around $100 million (£78.8 million), The Telegraph has reported. While foreign donations are already banned, UK-based companies can legally … Continue reading UK opens door to banning Musk political donations with new law