The U.S. Department of State has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to $25 million. Maduro, indicted since 2020 for his alleged role in drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, faces charges including cocaine trafficking and weapons crimes. He is accused of leading the Cartel of the Suns, a drug-trafficking group composed of Venezuelan officials, and coordinating … Continue reading U.S. reward for Venezuela’s Maduro increased to $25 million in effort to capture him

Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, has shifted her stance on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which she previously sought to repeal. Now supporting the program, Gabbard called it crucial for national security while maintaining civil liberties. This change has raised concerns among GOP senators, especially due to her past opposition to the program. During Senate meetings, … Continue reading Gabbard reverses course on key intel-gathering tool as nomination teeters

In a wide-ranging interview with Joe Rogan, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized the Biden administration for pressuring social media companies to censor vaccine-related content, claiming Biden officials used aggressive tactics to force Meta to remove posts about vaccine side effects. He also praised President-elect Donald Trump, stating that he believes Trump wants America to succeed. Zuckerberg took swipes at Apple, calling its 30% App Store … Continue reading Biden officials ‘screamed’ at Facebook to take down posts, Zuckerberg says

A New York judge sentenced President-elect Donald Trump to an “unconditional discharge” on Friday for his conviction in the hush money case, meaning he is considered a convicted felon but will face no further penalties. Trump, who will be inaugurated as president in 10 days, maintains his innocence and claims the case was politically motivated. The judge cited Trump’s impending immunity as the reason for … Continue reading Trump sentenced to penalty-free ‘unconditional discharge’ in hush money case

A federal judge temporarily blocked the release of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s final report on Donald Trump’s classified documents case to prevent “irreparable harm” while the Eleventh Circuit Court reviews the matter. Trump’s co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, requested the block, arguing against releasing the report’s section on the classified documents case. Judge Aileen Cannon’s order pauses the report’s release until three days … Continue reading Judge in Trump’s classified docs case temporarily blocks release of special counsel’s final report

The Laken Riley Act passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday with bipartisan support, including all Republicans and 48 Democrats. Named after a nursing student killed by an illegal immigrant, the bill mandates federal immigration authorities detain illegal immigrants convicted of theft-related crimes and allows states to sue the Department of Homeland Security over harm caused by illegal immigration. The bill now moves to the … Continue reading Laken Riley Act passes House with 48 Dems, all Republicans

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asserted that Greenland is not for sale after President-elect Donald Trump suggested the U.S. might use military force to acquire it, along with the Panama Canal. Trump also indicated interest in military action to secure both territories for economic and national security reasons, though he ruled out force against Canada. Frederiksen emphasized respect for Greenland’s self-determination, and Greenland’s leaders rejected … Continue reading Denmark prime minister says Greenland not for sale after Trump remark

In a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced a $20 billion investment from DAMAC Properties to build data centers across the U.S. He quickly criticized President Biden’s final actions before leaving office and reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal, suggesting military force might be used for U.S. economic and national security. Trump also floated the idea of renaming the … Continue reading Trump says he’ll rename Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America

President-elect Donald Trump suggested he would not rule out military force to secure control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, calling both vital to U.S. national security. This marks a shift from decades of U.S. policy prioritizing self-determination. Trump’s remarks raised concerns with Denmark, which governs Greenland, and Panama, which controls the canal. Trump also proposed economic pressure on Canada to address the trade deficit … Continue reading Trump refuses to rule out use of military force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal

Senators sparked backlash after referring to Kamala Harris as “Madam President” during the Electoral College count, despite her role as vice president. Harris, acting as president of the Senate, certified her own defeat to President-elect Donald Trump, becoming only the third vice president in U.S. history to do so. The ceremony saw applause from both Republicans and Democrats, but the repeated address of Harris as … Continue reading Kamala Harris called ‘Madam President’ by Democratic senators during certification of Trump’s election win

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 84, is recovering from hip replacement surgery after a fall in Europe last month. She was seen using a walker on the House floor Monday, greeting fellow lawmakers as she attended a joint session to certify the 2024 presidential election results. Pelosi had received a warm welcome from Democrats during her first return to the floor last week, aided by … Continue reading Nancy Pelosi, 84, hobbles onto House floor with a walker after hip replacement

Democrats have refuted GOP claims that former Rep. Liz Cheney acted improperly in her interactions with Cassidy Hutchinson, a key witness in the Jan. 6 investigation. A report highlights prior testimony from Hutchinson and a letter from her attorney, showing Hutchinson independently fired her former attorney, Stefan Passantino, due to a conflict of interest before reaching out to Cheney. The GOP had suggested ethical concerns … Continue reading House Democrats argue GOP Jan. 6 report defamed Cheney

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and German officials, have criticized Elon Musk for allegedly intervening in their countries’ democratic processes, particularly through his support for far-right parties and attacks on left-wing politicians. Musk has backed the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany, sparking concern about his influence on the upcoming elections. However, these leaders, who condemn Musk’s … Continue reading Emmanuel Macron joins growing criticism of Elon Musk in Europe

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he plans to step down once the Liberal Party selects a successor. After leading the party since 2013 and serving as prime minister since 2015, Trudeau’s decision follows growing speculation and waning support from his caucus. He shared the news outside his residence, stating he needed to focus on unifying the party for the next election. Trudeau has called for … Continue reading Trudeau says he’s not the right choice to lead, promises to resign as PM

Elon Musk has voiced strong support for calls in the UK for a new national inquiry into the child abuse scandal involving grooming gangs. He labeled the scandal “the worst mass crime against the people of Britain ever” and urged King Charles III to intervene. The abuse, primarily involving men of South Asian or Pakistani heritage, has spanned decades, with thousands of children exploited across … Continue reading Elon Musk demands UK act on grooming gang scandal amid growing calls for probe

President Joe Biden plans to deliver two major speeches before leaving office to highlight key aspects of his 50-plus years of public service. The first will focus on foreign policy and is scheduled after his return from Italy on January 12. The second, a farewell address, will reflect on his time in office, offering a message for the future. Biden’s foreign policy speech will emphasize … Continue reading Biden to deliver two major speeches in final days

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a surprise visit to Mar-a-Lago on Saturday to meet with President-elect Trump, along with several of his expected administration nominees, including Sen. Marco Rubio (Secretary of State), Rep. Mike Waltz (National Security Adviser), and Scott Bessent (Treasury Secretary).  During the event, Trump praised Meloni as a strong leader, while Rubio called her a great ally. Meloni, who leads Italy’s … Continue reading Italy’s Meloni makes surprise Mar-a-Lago visit to meet with Trump

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Elon Musk’s endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the country’s February elections, accusing the billionaire of election interference. Musk, who owns the social media platform X, has publicly supported AfD, claiming it is the only party that can save Germany. Scholz rejected Musk’s political influence, particularly given the global reach of social media and algorithms … Continue reading Scholz condemns Musk’s support for Germany’s AfD party

Americans are paying tribute to former President Jimmy Carter during his week-long state funeral. The public farewell began with a procession from his home in Plains, Georgia, and will continue with visits to Washington, D.C., where Carter will lie in state before a service on January 9. Mourners, including admirers from across the U.S., reflect on Carter’s kindness, humility, and humanitarian efforts. His legacy is … Continue reading Americans gather to say goodbye to Jimmy Carter

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Europe would support Syria’s transitional government if political talks are inclusive of all ethnic and religious groups. Baerbock and France’s Jean-Noel Barrot became the first EU ministers to visit Syria since President Bashar Assad’s fall. After meeting Syria’s de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, Baerbock emphasized that lifting EU sanctions depends on the progress of the political process and … Continue reading German, French foreign ministers meet Syria’s new leaders

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared over $400 million in assets, including more than 200 designer handbags worth over $2 million and 75 luxury watches valued at nearly $5 million. The 38-year-old, daughter of telecom billionaire and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, took office in September, becoming Thailand’s youngest leader. Her asset declaration to the National Anti-Corruption Commission included investments, cash, and properties in London and … Continue reading Thailand’s prime minister declares over $400 million in assets

A sentencing date for Donald Trump’s hush money conviction has been set for January 10, just 10 days before his inauguration as president. Judge Juan Merchan ruled that Trump must appear in person or virtually, rejecting Trump’s motions against sentencing. Merchan stated there was no legal reason to delay the process and emphasized that finality was necessary for justice. Trump is not expected to face … Continue reading Trump to be sentenced days before inauguration, won’t face jail time in shock decision by judge

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has reiterated his call for independence from Denmark, stressing the need for Greenland to shape its own future, including choosing trade partners and international cooperation. This comes after Donald Trump suggested the U.S. could acquire Greenland, which was a Danish colony until 1953. Greenland established an independent parliament in 1979, but Denmark still controls its foreign and defense policies. Calls … Continue reading Greenland leader now wants independence from Denmark

Mike Johnson, endorsed by Trump, secured the House speakership on Friday in the first round of voting after overcoming initial dissent. Although three Republicans initially voted for other candidates, they later switched to Johnson, giving him the necessary 218 votes. All Democrats supported Hakeem Jeffries. Johnson made last-minute commitments on fiscal reform and government oversight to secure GOP backing, particularly from members concerned about budget … Continue reading Mike Johnson secures US House speakership after facing internal dissent

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 84, is returning to Washington after undergoing successful hip replacement surgery in Germany following a fall in Luxembourg. Pelosi had been in Luxembourg with other lawmakers for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge when she fell and was hospitalized. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent San Francisco in Congress. Her return comes ahead of Friday’s … Continue reading Pelosi returns to DC after hip surgery in Germany