Paul sets Fauci committee vote for Thursday

Sen. Rand Paul is moving forward with a committee vote on whether to hold former COVID adviser Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. Fauci recently refused to answer questions from Paul’s Senate committee, citing his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. If the resolution passes, Paul could seek a full Senate vote, refer the matter to the Justice Department, or pursue other legal options. Legal experts … Continue reading Paul sets Fauci committee vote for Thursday

Senate leaders reach funding deal to avoid shutdown during campaign season

Senate leaders introduced a short-term spending bill Sunday to keep the federal government funded through Dec. 11 and avoid a shutdown during election season. The measure maintains funding at current levels and is expected to receive a Senate vote before lawmakers leave for their August recess. Democrats said they blocked several White House requests, including funding for “Trump-class” battleships and allowing broader transfers of funds … Continue reading Senate leaders reach funding deal to avoid shutdown during campaign season

Former Texas Rep. Kay Granger dies at 83

Former Republican Rep. Kay Granger of Texas has died at age 83, lawmakers announced Sunday. Granger served 28 years in Congress and became the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other lawmakers praised her historic career, leadership, and dedication to public service. Granger, who retired after announcing she would not seek re-election, had been living in assisted … Continue reading Former Texas Rep. Kay Granger dies at 83

Brazil’s Lula launches fourth-term bid, focuses on national sovereignty

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially launched his campaign for a fourth term at a Workers’ Party event in São Paulo. The 80-year-old leader, who previously served two terms from 2003 to 2010, said another victory in the October election would be his final term. Instead of focusing on his domestic record, Lula emphasized Brazil’s role in global affairs and the need for … Continue reading Brazil’s Lula launches fourth-term bid, focuses on national sovereignty

Trump warns Iran fighting isn’t over as he vows US will ‘win’ as talks fade

President Donald Trump warned that fighting with Iran could continue for an extended period, saying Tehran’s military capabilities would gradually weaken under continued U.S. strikes. Trump said Iran still has some ability to retaliate despite major losses to its military forces and admitted he is less confident about reaching a diplomatic agreement. The comments came after renewed U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets following attacks … Continue reading Trump warns Iran fighting isn’t over as he vows US will ‘win’ as talks fade

Virginia governor restores voting rights for thousands of formerly incarcerated people

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has restored voting rights for more than 66,000 residents who completed their criminal sentences. The move allows former criminal Virginians to participate in upcoming elections. Spanberger’s administration also introduced a streamlined online process for others seeking restoration of their voting rights. The changes reverse additional requirements added under the previous administration, MS NOW has reported. The decision highlights the ongoing national … Continue reading Virginia governor restores voting rights for thousands of formerly incarcerated people

Trump backtracks from promise to let Ukraine build Patriot missiles

President Donald Trump backed away from a proposal to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, saying sharing the technology would be too risky. Trump said the U.S. is still discussing the idea but wants to protect advanced weapons technology that could potentially be used against American interests in the future. The decision could disappoint Kyiv, which has sought greater access to air defense systems … Continue reading Trump backtracks from promise to let Ukraine build Patriot missiles

Prince Harry cost Canadian taxpayers $539M for security: Report

Canadian taxpayers spent at least $539,575 on RCMP security for Prince Harry during his visits to Canada between 2014 and 2020, according to newly released documents. The costs covered trips related to the Invictus Games and visits to see Meghan Markle before and after their relationship became public. The amount was higher than previous estimates and exceeded security expenses for other internationally protected visitors during … Continue reading Prince Harry cost Canadian taxpayers $539M for security: Report

Peru’s ex-president leaves jail after 15-year jail term for corruption overturned

Peru’s constitutional court has overturned former President Ollanta Humala’s 15-year prison sentence for corruption, declaring the criminal proceedings against him invalid. Humala had been convicted of receiving illegal campaign funds from Odebrecht and former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez, allegations he denied as political persecution. He was released from prison in Lima after the court ruling, while his wife Nadine Heredia, who was also convicted, remains … Continue reading Peru’s ex-president leaves jail after 15-year jail term for corruption overturned

Trump promotes Freedom Haulers Initiative to fast-track military veterans into trucking jobs

President Donald Trump launched the “Freedom Haulers Initiative,” a program aimed at helping military veterans transition into trucking jobs while removing commercial drivers who are in the country illegally or do not meet federal requirements. The initiative allows qualified veterans with military driving experience to bypass parts of the commercial driver’s license process and provides faster training for others. Trump and administration officials said the … Continue reading Trump promotes Freedom Haulers Initiative to fast-track military veterans into trucking jobs

Birx says ‘persistent anger’ over COVID response evident after Fauci hearing

Former White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator Deborah Birx said public frustration over the government’s COVID-19 response remains high after Dr. Anthony Fauci’s Senate hearing. Birx said Americans still want answers about whether pandemic policies properly balanced protecting lives with preserving livelihoods. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times during the hearing, refusing to answer questions from lawmakers about his pandemic guidance. Republicans criticized Fauci’s … Continue reading Birx says ‘persistent anger’ over COVID response evident after Fauci hearing

Trump threatens to pull Todd Blanche’s AG nomination until after GOP holdouts leave office

President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination after Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis raised concerns about the nomination. The senators objected to parts of a Justice Department settlement involving Trump’s tax records and an “anti-weaponization” fund, saying they wanted stronger written assurances. Trump suggested he would renominate Blanche after Cornyn and Tillis leave office in January, but both senators … Continue reading Trump threatens to pull Todd Blanche’s AG nomination until after GOP holdouts leave office

Acting CDC director says Fauci “abused the place of power” during the COVID pandemic

NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya accused former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci of abusing his influence during the COVID-19 pandemic by suppressing scientific debate and criticizing researchers who disagreed with him. Bhattacharya, who opposed lockdowns and some pandemic restrictions, argued that Fauci acted beyond his role as a research leader and shaped public health policy without sufficient evidence. The accusations came after Fauci invoked his Fifth … Continue reading Acting CDC director says Fauci “abused the place of power” during the COVID pandemic

Netanyahu says choice on how to proceed with Iran is Trump’s

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said President Donald Trump remains the leading decision-maker in the U.S.-Israel response to Iran, denying that he pressured Trump to continue military action. Netanyahu said he remains skeptical of diplomacy with Iran but supports testing negotiations under strong economic and diplomatic pressure. He described the U.S. and Israel as allies while emphasizing that Trump has the final say on decisions … Continue reading Netanyahu says choice on how to proceed with Iran is Trump’s

Graham honored with memorial service at US Capitol

Former Sen. Lindsey Graham was honored during a memorial service at the U.S. Capitol following his sudden death on July 11 from an aortic dissection. Senate leaders, lawmakers from both parties, family members, and Trump administration officials gathered to remember his decades of public service. Speakers praised Graham’s humor, bipartisan relationships, and advocacy on national security issues, including support for Israel and Ukraine. Vice President … Continue reading Graham honored with memorial service at US Capitol

Kentucky governor calls on McConnell to ‘verbally address’ Kentuckians or resign

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called on Sen. Mitch McConnell to either publicly demonstrate he is able to continue serving or resign from the Senate. Beshear criticized McConnell’s absence while he recovers from a fall and pneumonia, saying important national issues require his involvement. McConnell’s office said he is undergoing physical therapy and working toward returning to his full Senate schedule. Beshear also urged Senate Majority … Continue reading Kentucky governor calls on McConnell to ‘verbally address’ Kentuckians or resign

Trump expresses frustration with Netanyahu before White House meeting

President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of their White House meeting, questioning why Netanyahu publicly discussed intelligence about Iran’s nuclear site. Trump said he already knew about Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain facility and suggested Netanyahu was sharing the information to encourage continued U.S. involvement. The meeting comes as Trump balances renewed diplomacy with Iran while warning of possible military action … Continue reading Trump expresses frustration with Netanyahu before White House meeting

Hakeem Jeffries doubles down on Dems’ and affordability ahead of midterms

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries launched a 100-day campaign push ahead of the midterm elections, focusing on lowering costs for Americans. Jeffries said Democrats would prioritize reducing expenses for groceries, gas, housing, and healthcare if they regain control of Congress. He also highlighted plans to challenge Trump administration policies on immigration, the Iran war, and the release of additional Jeffrey Epstein investigation files. Democrats need … Continue reading Hakeem Jeffries doubles down on Dems’ and affordability ahead of midterms

GOP senators warn confidence in Hegseth eroding as Iran war drags on

Republican senators are expressing growing concerns about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership as the war with Iran continues without a clear resolution. Some GOP lawmakers say the Pentagon failed to anticipate prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, rising costs, and attacks by Iran-backed groups on U.S. allies and shipping routes. Critics have also questioned the removal of senior military leaders and whether changes at … Continue reading GOP senators warn confidence in Hegseth eroding as Iran war drags on

Trump tells Thune to keep Senate in session to pass SAVE America Act

President Donald Trump pressured Senate Majority Leader John Thune to keep lawmakers in session until Republicans pass the SAVE America Act or eliminate the Senate filibuster. Trump argued that ending the filibuster would allow Republicans to quickly advance their legislative priorities. The push comes as Trump urges GOP senators to pass election-related legislation and a party-line spending package before the August recess. Some Republican senators, … Continue reading Trump tells Thune to keep Senate in session to pass SAVE America Act

Netanyahu and Zelenskyy to arrive in Washington for Graham funeral

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are traveling to Washington to meet with President Donald Trump during critical moments in their countries’ conflicts. Both leaders will attend the funeral of former Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally who supported Israel and Ukraine. Netanyahu’s meeting comes amid rising tensions with Trump over the Iran conflict, ceasefire efforts, and disagreements involving regional policy. … Continue reading Netanyahu and Zelenskyy to arrive in Washington for Graham funeral

Argentine leader calls Brazilian president a ‘thief’ and a ‘convict’

Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina after accusing President Javier Milei of insulting Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other officials. Milei made the remarks during a rally in São Paulo supporting Flávio Bolsonaro, who is running against Lula in Brazil’s upcoming presidential election. The Argentine leader criticized Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes while backing the Bolsonaro family’s political movement. … Continue reading Argentine leader calls Brazilian president a ‘thief’ and a ‘convict’

Senate GOP expresses concern over Iran endgame after Hegseth hearing

Senate Republicans are expressing growing concerns about the lack of a clear strategy to end the ongoing military conflict with Iran. GOP lawmakers are frustrated over rising U.S. casualties, high gas prices, and uncertainty surrounding the administration’s request for an additional $80 billion in war funding. Some Republicans are calling for a clear “off-ramp” to the conflict, while others argue the U.S. must intensify efforts … Continue reading Senate GOP expresses concern over Iran endgame after Hegseth hearing

Bombshell memo shows Biden planned to leave Trump with even more massive immigration crisis

A newly revealed memo from the final days of the Biden administration outlined plans that could have expanded Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to more than 3 million noncitizens. The memo suggested using TPS protections to shield vulnerable populations from potential deportations under President Donald Trump’s planned immigration policies. Senator Eric Schmitt criticized the proposal, calling it an attempt to bypass voters’ wishes and expand immigration … Continue reading Bombshell memo shows Biden planned to leave Trump with even more massive immigration crisis

Trump says Saudi nuclear agreement won’t move forward without Abraham Accords

President Donald Trump said Saudi Arabia must join the Abraham Accords before the U.S. will finalize a civilian nuclear energy agreement with the country. Trump said the condition had always been understood by both sides, despite recent progress announced by Energy Secretary Chris Wright. He emphasized that the nuclear deal would only involve civilian energy and would not allow uranium enrichment. Trump also said Iran’s … Continue reading Trump says Saudi nuclear agreement won’t move forward without Abraham Accords