Biden ‘discussed plans to strike Iran nuclear sites before Trump inauguration’

In the weeks before Donald Trump’s inauguration, President Joe Biden reportedly discussed options for striking Iran’s nuclear sites if Tehran moved closer to building a nuclear bomb. The talks, led by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, focused on “prudent scenario planning” rather than making a final decision. Biden was briefed on the potential risks, such as Iran enriching uranium to 90% purity, which could trigger … Continue reading Biden ‘discussed plans to strike Iran nuclear sites before Trump inauguration’

Biden Announces Liz Cheney to Receive Presidential Citizens Medal

President Joe Biden will announce the recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal on Thursday, including former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, a notable critic of Donald Trump. Cheney, who co-chaired the House Select Committee investigating the January 6th riot, is being recognized for her dedication to public service and her commitment to defending the nation’s values. The White House praised her integrity and bipartisanship in serving … Continue reading Biden Announces Liz Cheney to Receive Presidential Citizens Medal

Congress on edge after surge of threats, swatting attacks against lawmakers

A surge in bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting lawmakers since the election highlights the deep political divide in the U.S., prompting calls for increased protection. Over 50 members of Congress have been victims of swatting, and some, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Jared Golden, have faced serious threats. These incidents, which include fake emergency calls and bomb threats, have stressed Capitol Hill … Continue reading Congress on edge after surge of threats, swatting attacks against lawmakers

U.S. sanctions Russian and Iranian entities over attempted election interference

The U.S. imposed sanctions on entities in Iran and Russia for attempting to interfere in the 2024 elections. The Treasury Department stated that a group affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a Moscow-based affiliate of Russia’s GRU aimed to incite socio-political tensions and influence the U.S. electorate through disinformation campaigns. Both Iran and Russia denied the allegations, with Iran calling them baseless and … Continue reading U.S. sanctions Russian and Iranian entities over attempted election interference

France’s Macron acknowledges snap elections backfired

President Emmanuel Macron admitted that his decision to call early parliamentary elections led to instability in France, acknowledging that it caused more divisions than solutions. In a televised address on New Year’s Eve, he took responsibility for the consequences, including the turmoil surrounding the legislative body and a failed government funding bill. Despite a vote of no confidence for Prime Minister Michel Barnier, Macron remained … Continue reading France’s Macron acknowledges snap elections backfired

Romanian appeals court upholds scrubbing presidential election

A Romanian appeals court on Tuesday upheld the Constitutional Court’s decision to annul the country’s November 24 presidential election, citing concerns over a Russian influence campaign that boosted far-right candidate Călin Georgescu. Georgescu, a pro-Russia, anti-EU candidate, gained prominence through a TikTok campaign linked to Kremlin-run operations. The court’s rejection of his challenge prompted Georgescu to accuse the system of corruption and injustice, Politico has … Continue reading Romanian appeals court upholds scrubbing presidential election

South Korean court issues warrants to detain impeached President Yoon

A South Korean court issued warrants to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and search his office and residence over allegations of rebellion related to his declaration of martial law in December. Yoon, who has presidential immunity, faces charges of rebellion, which could lead to severe penalties. The declaration led to political turmoil, including his impeachment by the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Experts suggest Yoon will … Continue reading South Korean court issues warrants to detain impeached President Yoon

Biden reacts to New Orleans attack with ‘anger and frustration’

President Biden expressed anger and frustration over the New Orleans attack that killed 10 and injured dozens. He confirmed he had been briefed on the incident and would receive further updates. The attack, in which 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a Bourbon Street crowd, is being investigated as an act of terrorism by the FBI. Jabbar, who was carrying an ISIS flag and … Continue reading Biden reacts to New Orleans attack with ‘anger and frustration’

Trump, Putin advisers trade barbs heading into new year

As the year ends, tensions rise between top advisers to Russian President Vladimir Putin and President-elect Trump. Trump’s special envoy pick for Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, condemned Russia’s Christmas missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, stressing the U.S. commitment to peace. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected proposals from Trump’s allies to end the war, including delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership and deploying … Continue reading Trump, Putin advisers trade barbs heading into new year

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