Lukashenko Says He Is Ready to Meet Zelensky ‘Anywhere’ in Ukraine or Belarus

Alexander Lukashenko said he is willing to hold direct talks with Volodymyr Zelensky at any time, either in Ukraine or Belarus. He stressed that Belarus does not plan to directly join Russia’s war against Ukraine unless its own territory is attacked. Lukashenko said Minsk remains open to communication with Kyiv despite the breakdown in diplomatic relations between the two countries. He also questioned why Belarus continues dialogue with Western nations but not with Ukraine, … Continue reading Lukashenko Says He Is Ready to Meet Zelensky ‘Anywhere’ in Ukraine or Belarus

Colorado Democrats censure Gov. Jared Polis over Tina Peters commutation

The Colorado Democratic Party voted overwhelmingly to censure Governor Jared Polis and suspend him from official party events over his decision to commute the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. Party leaders said the move was “detrimental” and criticized Polis for reducing Peters’ nearly nine-year prison term for her conviction related to election equipment tampering. About 90% of the party’s State Central Committee … Continue reading Colorado Democrats censure Gov. Jared Polis over Tina Peters commutation

US Senate advances measure curbing Trump’s Iran war powers

The US Senate narrowly advanced a war powers resolution aimed at ending US military action against Iran unless President Donald Trump obtains congressional approval. The 50–47 vote reflected growing Republican unease with the ongoing conflict, with Senator Bill Cassidy switching his vote in a notable break from previous GOP opposition to such measures. Several Republicans, including Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, supported the … Continue reading US Senate advances measure curbing Trump’s Iran war powers

Georgia’s Republican races for governor and US Senate head to June runoffs

Georgia’s Republican primary for governor is headed to a runoff between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire Rick Jackson, while Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was effectively eliminated from contention. On the Democratic side, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won the nomination outright after leading a relatively calm primary. The state’s political races, including the open governor’s seat and U.S. Senate contest, have drawn … Continue reading Georgia’s Republican races for governor and US Senate head to June runoffs

Trump critic Thomas Massie defeated in Kentucky Republican House primary

Donald Trump demonstrated his continued influence over the Republican Party after his endorsed candidate, Ed Gallrein, defeated incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s fourth congressional district primary. Massie, a longtime GOP lawmaker known for breaking with Trump on issues like spending and foreign policy, had criticized what he saw as growing party loyalty to the president over independence. The race became one of the most … Continue reading Trump critic Thomas Massie defeated in Kentucky Republican House primary

Carney downplays Pentagon pulling out of US-Canada military board

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will continue defense cooperation with the United States despite the Pentagon suspending a long-standing joint defense board between the two countries. The Permanent Joint Board on Defense, created in 1940, has been paused as U.S. officials cited concerns about Canada’s defense commitments and policy disagreements. Carney downplayed the move, saying Canada will diversify its defense partnerships while still … Continue reading Carney downplays Pentagon pulling out of US-Canada military board

Spain’s former PM Zapatero faces corruption probe

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation over alleged influence peddling and related crimes tied to a €53 million COVID-era bailout of the airline Plus Ultra. Authorities say his office and other premises were searched, and he has been summoned to testify on June 2 as part of a broader probe into how the bailout was approved. He is accused by … Continue reading Spain’s former PM Zapatero faces corruption probe

China’s Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing

Chinese leader Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing for high-level talks focused on strengthening their strategic partnership. Both leaders emphasized close political trust and expanding cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, defense, and education, with dozens of agreements expected to be signed. Putin praised the strong momentum in Russia–China relations, while Xi described the partnership as resilient despite global challenges. Xi … Continue reading China’s Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing

Trump says he’s called off Iran strike at request of Gulf allies

President Donald Trump said he is postponing a planned U.S. military strike on Iran as “serious negotiations” are underway to try to reach a deal and end the conflict. He said the strike, which he described as a major attack, was delayed after allies in the Gulf urged him to allow more time for diplomacy. Trump suggested there is a “very good chance” of an … Continue reading Trump says he’s called off Iran strike at request of Gulf allies

Trump calls for investigation into Maryland mail-in ballot mishap, blames Gov. Moore

President Donald Trump has called for a federal investigation into Maryland’s mail-in ballot process, blaming Governor Wes Moore after a vendor error led to voters receiving incorrect primary ballots. The Maryland State Board of Elections said the mistake affected mail-in ballots already sent to more than 500,000 voters and that all impacted ballots must be replaced. Officials clarified that no “fake ballots” were issued and … Continue reading Trump calls for investigation into Maryland mail-in ballot mishap, blames Gov. Moore

Trump Announces Discount Drug Pricing Expansion With Mark Cuban

President Donald Trump announced that more than 600 generic medications will be added to the TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription website in partnership with billionaire Mark Cuban. Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company, along with GoodRx and Amazon Pharmacy, will provide discounted pricing that will now be integrated into the platform. The expansion significantly increases the number of drugs available on TrumpRx and is aimed at improving affordability … Continue reading Trump Announces Discount Drug Pricing Expansion With Mark Cuban

Nancy Pelosi endorses fellow progressive Connie Chan in high-profile race to succeed her

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Connie Chan as her preferred successor in Congress after previously holding off on backing a candidate. Pelosi, a longtime representative of the district and influential Democratic figure, praised Chan as the best choice to continue representing San Francisco. The endorsement comes ahead of a crowded race that includes state Sen. Scott Wiener … Continue reading Nancy Pelosi endorses fellow progressive Connie Chan in high-profile race to succeed her

Ireland’s president ‘proud’ of sister detained by Israel en route to Gaza

Ireland’s president, Catherine Connolly, said she is “very proud” but also deeply worried after her sister Margaret Connolly was detained by Israeli forces while sailing toward Gaza with an aid flotilla. Margaret, a doctor, was among several Irish activists held when Israeli troops intercepted multiple vessels carrying humanitarian aid in the Mediterranean. The flotilla group said the activists were part of a mission to deliver … Continue reading Ireland’s president ‘proud’ of sister detained by Israel en route to Gaza

Trump shares photos of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, says project is ahead of schedule

President Donald Trump shared photos showing renovation progress at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which is being restored ahead of America’s 250th anniversary and targeted for completion by July Fourth. He said the project includes upgraded materials, improved stonework, and a higher-quality reflective coating designed to enhance durability and appearance. Critics, including a preservation advocacy group, have raised concerns that the new “industrial-grade” blue finish … Continue reading Trump shares photos of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, says project is ahead of schedule

Top Judiciary Democrat Raskin blasts possible Trump-IRS settlement

Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, criticized a reported Trump administration plan to create a compensation fund for individuals tied to claims of political targeting, calling it an “illegal” and “unconstitutional” political slush fund. He argued that only Congress controls federal spending and said lawmakers never approved the proposed $1.7 billion fund. The reported plan could involve payouts to people … Continue reading Top Judiciary Democrat Raskin blasts possible Trump-IRS settlement

Senate parliamentarian rejects $1 billion in reconciliation bill for White House security, Trump ballroom

The Senate parliamentarian rejected a Republican budget reconciliation provision that included $1 billion for White House and Secret Service security funding linked in part to President Donald Trump’s planned ballroom. The ruling, issued by Elizabeth MacDonough, determined the measure did not comply with Senate rules allowing reconciliation and would instead require 60 votes to pass. Republicans said they would try to revise and resubmit the … Continue reading Senate parliamentarian rejects $1 billion in reconciliation bill for White House security, Trump ballroom

Thomas Massie unfazed by Bill Cassidy’s defeat in Louisiana

Rep. Thomas Massie said he is confident heading into Tuesday’s Republican primary despite President Donald Trump’s repeated attacks against him and endorsement of his challenger, Ed Gallrein. Massie pointed to strong grassroots fundraising and broad donor support, arguing that recent polling shows him in the lead. Trump has escalated criticism of Massie on Truth Social, calling for Kentucky voters to oust him in what has … Continue reading Thomas Massie unfazed by Bill Cassidy’s defeat in Louisiana

Putin to visit Chinese leader Xi Jinping days after Trump’s trip to Beijing

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Beijing next week for a two-day meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the Kremlin announced. The trip, scheduled for May 19–20, will mark the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and major international and regional issues. The visit comes shortly after U.S. President … Continue reading Putin to visit Chinese leader Xi Jinping days after Trump’s trip to Beijing

Rep. Chuck Edwards faces House ethics investigation over harassment allegations

The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards over allegations of creating a hostile work environment and engaging in sexual harassment. Edwards, serving his second term, said he welcomes the inquiry and intends to fully cooperate, calling the allegations politically motivated. The investigation follows reporting that sources described inappropriate conduct toward two female staffers, which allegedly made the workplace uncomfortable. The Ethics Committee said … Continue reading Rep. Chuck Edwards faces House ethics investigation over harassment allegations

Trump touts “fantastic trade deals” after meeting with China’s Xi

President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached “fantastic trade deals” and agreed on several shared goals during talks in Beijing, including a desire to reduce tensions over Iran. The two leaders met privately at Zhongnanhai, discussing trade, energy routes, and geopolitical issues after years of strained relations following a trade war. Trump claimed China agreed to purchase American goods such as … Continue reading Trump touts “fantastic trade deals” after meeting with China’s Xi

Britain’s Health Secretary Streeting resigns as pressure on Starmer grows

Britain’s Health Secretary Wes Streeting has resigned from the Labour Party government, escalating political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer following poor local election results. Streeting said he no longer had confidence in Starmer’s leadership and argued the party’s unpopularity contributed to defeats across the UK. His resignation has added to a wider wave of discontent, with more than 80 Labour MPs reportedly urging Starmer to step down or set out … Continue reading Britain’s Health Secretary Streeting resigns as pressure on Starmer grows

Netanyahu says Israel will sue The New York Times

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government plans to file a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times over an opinion column by Nicholas Kristof alleging sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners. The column cites interviews with 14 people who reported abuse by Israeli settlers or security forces, though not all claims were fully corroborated, and the Times has defended the reporting as extensively fact-checked and corroborated … Continue reading Netanyahu says Israel will sue The New York Times

Latvia prime minister resigns days after ‘stray’ drone incursion

Latvia’s centre-right Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has resigned after her coalition lost its parliamentary majority when the left-leaning Progressives Party withdrew support. Her decision came shortly after Defence Minister Andris Sprūds resigned amid criticism of the government’s response to suspected Ukrainian drones entering Latvian airspace. Siliņa said the drone incidents exposed failures in ensuring national air security and undermined public trust in the defence leadership. … Continue reading Latvia prime minister resigns days after ‘stray’ drone incursion

FBI Director Kash Patel denies drinking allegations in heated Senate exchange

FBI Director Kash Patel clashed sharply with Sen. Chris Van Hollen during a Senate budget hearing after the Maryland Democrat raised allegations about Patel’s conduct, including claims of excessive drinking and poor availability to staff, which Patel strongly denied. Patel called the accusations “unequivocally, categorically false” and accused Van Hollen of making “baseless” claims, while the senator cited a recent media report questioning Patel’s leadership. … Continue reading FBI Director Kash Patel denies drinking allegations in heated Senate exchange

South Africa plans presidential impeachment probe over ‘Farmgate’ scandal

South Africa’s parliament will establish an impeachment committee to investigate President Cyril Ramaphosa over the “Farmgate” scandal involving $4 million in cash allegedly hidden in a sofa at his game farm. The move follows a constitutional court ruling that revived impeachment proceedings after parliament previously blocked an inquiry into the matter. The committee will review evidence and decide whether to recommend formal impeachment steps, a … Continue reading South Africa plans presidential impeachment probe over ‘Farmgate’ scandal