Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified for the first time in his corruption trial, claiming he is targeted for his hardline security policies. As Israel’s first sitting prime minister charged with a crime, Netanyahu faces accusations of accepting gifts and trading regulatory favors for favorable media coverage, which he denies. His testimony coincides with Israel’s war in Gaza, forcing him to balance courtroom appearances with … Continue reading Netanyahu assails media as he testifies in his corruption trial

Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) was appointed to the U.S. Senate on Sunday following the resignation of interim Sen. George Helmy. Governor Phil Murphy announced the appointment to ensure a smooth transition for Kim, who will be New Jersey’s first Asian American senator. Kim, who has served in the House since 2019, expressed his honor in representing the state that gave his family a chance at … Continue reading Andy Kim takes office as NJ’s new senator 3 weeks early

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance expressed concerns about the Syrian rebels’ takeover of Damascus, emphasizing President-elect Trump’s stance of non-intervention. Vance criticized those praising the rebels, some of whom are linked to Al Qaeda and ISIS, noting the past atrocities and refugee crises associated with such groups. He reiterated Trump’s position of staying out of Syria’s conflict. The takeover occurred as Assad fled to Moscow, with … Continue reading Vance concerned about new Syrian leadership: ‘Literal offshoot of ISIS’

The Biden administration announced a $988 million aid package for Ukraine to support its defense against Russian aggression. The package, through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, includes munitions for rocket systems, unmanned aerial systems, and maintenance support for Ukraine’s forces. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized bipartisan support for Ukraine, stating that President Reagan would have backed Ukraine’s fight. The aid comes as President-elect Trump criticized … Continue reading Biden administration announces $988M in aid to Ukraine on same day Trump meets with Zelenskyy in Paris

South Korean police are considering a travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol as part of their investigation into the legality of his Dec. 3 martial law declaration. Senior officer Woo Jong-soo stated that no individuals are exempt from questioning, and the investigation is expanding, with about 150 officers now involved. The team has conducted searches of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun’s office and home … Continue reading South Korean police consider travel ban for President Yoon amid martial law inquiry

President Joe Biden addressed the nation after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, calling it a “historic opportunity” for Syria’s people. While acknowledging the uncertainty ahead, Biden emphasized U.S. support for Syria’s neighbors and the safety of Americans in Syria, including journalist Austin Tice. The U.S. is working with allies to urge de-escalation and protect personnel. The regime’s collapse ends a 24-year rule … Continue reading Biden says fall of Assad regime in Syria is a ‘historic opportunity’

Republicans blocked two measures that would have forced the release of the House Ethics Committee’s report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who faced allegations of sex trafficking and sex with a minor, which he denies. The committee’s investigation ended after Gaetz resigned his seat last month following his nomination by President Trump for attorney general, a nomination he later withdrew. Some Republicans, like Rep. Don … Continue reading Republicans support releasing ethics report if Trump nominates Gaetz for another post

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Belarus on Friday to sign a security pact with President Alexander Lukashenko, offering security guarantees, including the potential use of Russian nuclear weapons in defense of Belarus. The agreement follows a revised Russian nuclear doctrine placing Belarus under Russia’s nuclear umbrella. Putin and Lukashenko discussed deploying advanced weapons, including the Oreshnik missile, to Belarus. While Putin emphasized Russia’s control over … Continue reading Putin signs agreement offering Russia’s security guarantees to ally Belarus

Romania’s constitutional court has annulled the first round of the 2024 presidential election, which was narrowly won by far-right candidate Calin Georgescu amid concerns of Russian interference. The court cited the need for a fair electoral process and ordered the government to restart the election. This follows allegations of foreign influence, including cyber-attacks and social media manipulation in Georgescu’s favor. The annulment means a second-round … Continue reading Romania’s top court annuls presidential election result

South Korean authorities have launched insurrection probes against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his failed martial law attempt, which sparked public outrage. Yoon’s defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, resigned, taking full responsibility for the debacle, and has been replaced by retired general Choi Byung-hyuk. The martial law, South Korea’s first since 1980, banned political activity and censored media but was quickly overturned by lawmakers. Massive protests … Continue reading South Korean president fights impeachment as he’s investigated for insurrection

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are meeting with lawmakers to rally support for a $500 billion annual federal spending cut initiative. Hosted by House Speaker Mike Johnson, the pair discussed plans to reduce bureaucracy, cut waste, and restructure agencies in brainstorming sessions with congressional leaders and the newly formed DOGE caucuses in … Continue reading Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy meet with lawmakers on DOGE plans

Admiral Tony Radakin, head of Britain’s armed forces, warned that the world is on the brink of a “third nuclear age” marked by complex challenges and weakened safeguards. In a speech, he highlighted growing threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, alongside increasing cyber-attacks and disinformation. Radakin emphasized the need for Britain to adapt its military strategies, including maintaining its nuclear deterrent, to address … Continue reading Senior UK commander warns of ‘Third nuclear age’

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed hopes of reaching a deal with President-elect Donald Trump to limit the number of third-country deportees Mexico could receive from the U.S., a similar agreement already in place with the Biden administration. Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico’s main focus is to assist Mexican nationals but is preparing for potential mass deportations. She mentioned coordinating with governors of Mexican border states to … Continue reading Mexico wants a deal with Trump to avoid receiving non-Mexican deportees

In a major speech, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled six key targets for his government, focusing on the economy, housing, healthcare, policing, education, and green energy. His plan aims to raise living standards, build 1.5 million homes, reduce NHS waiting times, recruit 13,000 new police officers, improve early childhood education, and achieve at least 95% clean energy by 2030. However, the plan faced … Continue reading Judge Labour on six targets, Starmer says in major speech

French President Emmanuel Macron announced he will appoint a new prime minister following Michel Barnier’s resignation after a no-confidence vote in parliament. The vote, the first in over 60 years, came after Barnier used special powers to pass his budget without a vote. Macron rejected calls for his own resignation, pledging to serve until 2027. He criticized the far-right and left for collaborating in an … Continue reading Emmanuel Macron vows to name new French PM within days

The White House is reportedly considering preemptive pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci, Sen.-elect Adam Schiff, and former Rep. Liz Cheney. Discussions, led by White House counsel Ed Siskel, include concerns about potential investigations or indictments under the incoming Trump administration. Schiff expressed opposition to the idea, suggesting it could appear defensive. The consideration of pardons was driven by concerns over Trump’s appointment of Kash Patel … Continue reading Biden team reportedly considering preemptive pardons for Fauci, Schiff, other Trump ‘targets’

US President Joe Biden, on his first visit to Angola, expressed pride in being the first American president to visit the country. His talks with Angolan President João Lourenço focused on security and trade, including a US-backed railway project linking Angola with mining areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Biden’s visit is part of a broader US effort to boost trade and … Continue reading Biden ‘proud’ to be in Angola for unprecedented visit

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed confidence that Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government will not collapse, despite a no-confidence motion set for a vote. Speaking from Saudi Arabia, Macron dismissed calls for his resignation, accusing Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and the Socialist faction of cynicism for supporting the motion. He criticized political gridlock in the National Assembly, where no single bloc has a majority. Macron … Continue reading Defiant Macron says he won’t resign, doubles down

President-elect Donald Trump will attend the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris this weekend, marking his first foreign trip since the election. The cathedral, fully restored after a devastating fire in 2019, will reopen with a high-security celebration attended by around 50 world leaders. Trump expressed his honor at attending the event and praised French President Macron for the restoration efforts. The reopening will … Continue reading Trump says he’ll attend Notre Dame Cathedral reopening celebration in Paris

House Republicans may begin the new year with a one-seat majority, a precarious margin as President-elect Donald Trump plans an active first 100 days. A tight race in California’s 13th Congressional District, where Rep. John Duarte faces Democrat Adam Gray, could determine whether Republicans hold a one- or two-seat majority. As of Monday, Gray leads Duarte by 0.1%, with results to be certified by December … Continue reading Single House race stands between Republicans and 1-seat majority

President Joe Biden issued a broad and rare pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, covering any federal crimes committed between January 1, 2014, and the end of 2024. Legal experts compared it to Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon, calling it unprecedented in its wide scope. The pardon shields Hunter from future federal charges, including potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and … Continue reading Hunter Biden pardon ‘unprecedented’ and ‘very unusual,’ experts say

President Joe Biden has decided to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, ahead of his December sentencing for federal gun charges and tax evasion. This marks a reversal of Biden’s previous stance, where he had repeatedly stated he would not use his pardon power for his son. The pardon will cover Hunter’s gun charges and guilty plea. The decision comes after months of internal discussions, despite … Continue reading Biden pardons son on gun, tax charges

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on nine nations in the BRICS alliance—China, Russia, Brazil, India, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE—if they create a rival currency to the US dollar. Trump warned that these countries must commit to not backing any alternative currency or face severe tariffs on their exports to the US. Some allies view Trump’s threats as … Continue reading Trump threatens 100% tariff on Brics nations if they try to replace dollar

Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a “very productive” meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, discussing key issues such as fentanyl, illegal immigration, and trade. Trudeau, the first G7 leader to visit Trump since his election, is aiming to prevent the president-elect’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods. While Trump emphasized addressing the drug crisis and securing borders, Trudeau expressed a commitment to … Continue reading Trump praises ‘very productive’ Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trudeau

President-elect Donald Trump announced he will nominate Massad Boulos, a Lebanese billionaire businessman and father-in-law to Tiffany Trump, as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Boulos, an accomplished lawyer and business leader, has been a longtime supporter of Republican values and played a key role in Trump’s outreach to the Arab American community. His appointment is expected to influence Trump’s approach to Middle … Continue reading Trump taps daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law Massad Boulos as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs