EU investigates TikTok over alleged Russian meddling in Romanian vote

The European Union has launched an investigation into TikTok for possible foreign interference in Romania’s recent presidential election. Allegedly, 25,000 TikTok accounts were activated before the first-round vote to promote independent candidate Calin Georgescu, a far-right figure. Although Russia was accused of involvement, the Kremlin denied it. The EU’s inquiry will focus on TikTok’s content recommendation system and its compliance with the Digital Services Act, … Continue reading EU investigates TikTok over alleged Russian meddling in Romanian vote

South Korean president doesn’t respond to summons after martial law declaration

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has not responded to a summons for questioning regarding his failed attempt to declare martial law. Despite being asked to appear on Sunday, Yoon stated he was still forming a legal defense. Prosecutors plan to issue another summons. Yoon was impeached on Saturday, with his powers suspended and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo acting as president. Yoon gave a defiant … Continue reading South Korean president doesn’t respond to summons after martial law declaration

Canada PM Trudeau reflecting on criticism amid leadership crisis, says ally

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing criticism from within his own Liberal Party following Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation. Freeland, a close ally, left due to a policy clash and criticized Trudeau’s leadership. Polls show the Liberals could lose to the opposition Conservatives in the next election. Trudeau held a meeting with his caucus to address their concerns, with some members urging him to … Continue reading Canada PM Trudeau reflecting on criticism amid leadership crisis, says ally

Republican House Majority in Peril

The Republican majority in the House of Representatives is facing uncertainty as several GOP members are being considered for roles in Donald Trump’s Cabinet. Representative Victoria Spartz of Indiana announced she would step back from committees and the Republican caucus to focus on the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Her decision follows a failed bid for a … Continue reading Republican House Majority in Peril

GOP report recommends Liz Cheney be criminally investigated over Jan. 6 work

Republicans released a report Tuesday criticizing the disbanded House Jan. 6 committee, accusing it of politicizing the investigation and unfairly blaming President Trump. The 128-page report calls for a criminal investigation into former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) for alleged witness tampering involving Cassidy Hutchinson, a key witness. Cheney rejected the report, asserting it ignored the truth and defended the committee’s findings. The report also challenges … Continue reading GOP report recommends Liz Cheney be criminally investigated over Jan. 6 work

Prince Andrew’s Chinese spy drama again pushes King Charles III to rein him in

King Charles III faces renewed challenges with Prince Andrew as a Chinese businessman, Yang Tengbo, was barred from the U.K. over alleged attempts to influence British elites, including Andrew, on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. While Yang denies any wrongdoing, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about Andrew’s associations and scandals, including his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Stripped of royal duties by Queen Elizabeth II, … Continue reading Prince Andrew’s Chinese spy drama again pushes King Charles III to rein him in

Canada’s finance minister quits over Trump tariff dispute with Trudeau

Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned, citing disagreements with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over handling Donald Trump’s tariff threats and costly domestic policies. Freeland criticized Trudeau’s “political gimmicks” and emphasized the need to prepare for potential economic challenges, including Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Her departure, hours before a fiscal update revealing a C$60 billion deficit, deepens the crisis for Trudeau’s minority government, … Continue reading Canada’s finance minister quits over Trump tariff dispute with Trudeau

Canada Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre Demands Immediate Election

Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre called for an immediate election following high-profile Liberal resignations, including Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who stepped down hours before delivering the fall fiscal update. Freeland criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for “costly political gimmicks” amid looming U.S. trade tensions, warning of a potential tariff war under Donald Trump’s presidency. Poilievre urged Canadians to elect a Conservative government before Trump’s January inauguration, … Continue reading Canada Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre Demands Immediate Election

Germany’s Scholz loses confidence vote, paving way for elections

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lost a vote of confidence, triggering early elections on February 23. Scholz, whose coalition government collapsed in November, orchestrated the vote to dissolve his minority administration and seek a fresh mandate. His Social Democratic Party (SPD) trails heavily in polls, while the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leads. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is polling near 20%, complicating future … Continue reading Germany’s Scholz loses confidence vote, paving way for elections

Justin Trudeau ‘is on brink of resigning’ as his liberal government crumbles

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly considering resigning as his government faces turmoil, with Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland quitting after clashing with him over spending and U.S. tariff threats. Freeland’s resignation, which followed Trudeau’s attempt to demote her, marks a major crisis for the Liberal government, already struggling with poor polling and rising opposition pressure. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized … Continue reading Justin Trudeau ‘is on brink of resigning’ as his liberal government crumbles

Donald Trump named Time Person of the Year again

Time Magazine has named Donald Trump its Person of the Year for the second time, recognizing his “historic comeback” and the political realignment he has driven. Trump, who previously won the honor in 2016 after his presidential election victory, was acknowledged for reshaping the American presidency and altering the U.S.’s global role. In an interview with Time, he discussed his second-term plans, including reviewing convictions … Continue reading Donald Trump named Time Person of the Year again

Romanian Constitutional court decision seen as unusual, unprecedented

Romania’s Constitutional Court’s decision to annul the presidential elections due to alleged Russian interference has sparked controversy. Experts argue that the court acted unusually by bypassing procedures and transparency, claiming that the urgency to protect Romanian democracy led to this decision. The court canceled the second-round vote just days before it was set to occur, citing foreign interference in social media campaigns supporting candidate Georgescu. … Continue reading Romanian Constitutional court decision seen as unusual, unprecedented

Syria’s new govt says to suspend constitution, parliament for three months

Syria’s new government spokesman announced that the country’s constitution and parliament would be suspended for a three-month transition period following President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. A judicial and human rights committee will review the constitution and propose amendments. The opposition seized Damascus, forcing al-Assad into exile, and appointed Mohammed al-Bashir as the transitional prime minister. The opposition is focused on preserving institutions during the transition and … Continue reading Syria’s new govt says to suspend constitution, parliament for three months

Trump chooses former TV anchor Kari Lake as head of Voice of America

Donald Trump has appointed Kari Lake, a former Arizona gubernatorial and Senate candidate, as the new director of Voice of America (VOA). Lake, a staunch immigration hard-liner and vocal critic of the media, built a loyal following with her controversial views, including spreading misinformation about COVID-19 and election fraud. In a Truth Social post, Trump praised Lake for her commitment to promoting American values through … Continue reading Trump chooses former TV anchor Kari Lake as head of Voice of America

Biden commutes 1,500 sentences, pardons 39 in biggest act of clemency

President Joe Biden has granted clemency to about 1,500 people who were released to home confinement during the pandemic and pardoned 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. The commutations apply to those who served at least one year of their home confinement sentences. The pardons include individuals convicted of drug offenses, fraud, and theft, many … Continue reading Biden commutes 1,500 sentences, pardons 39 in biggest act of clemency

Mitch McConnell falls during Senate Republican lunch

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, 82, fell during a GOP lunch on Tuesday, though details about injuries remain unclear. Medical responders briefly attended to him, and Sen. John Thune, his successor in January, stated McConnell is “fine” and in his office. McConnell, who walks with a limp from childhood polio, has had previous falls, including a serious one in March 2023 that led to a … Continue reading Mitch McConnell falls during Senate Republican lunch

Rep. Nancy Mace allegedly attacked on Capitol Hill; Suspect arrested

U.S. Capitol Police arrested James McIntyre, 33, of Illinois, for allegedly assaulting Rep. Nancy Mace in the Rayburn House Office Building on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred around 6 p.m., and Mace, who sustained minor injuries, shared on social media that she was physically accosted by a “pro-trans man.” Capitol Police confirmed McIntyre had passed security screening before the assault, Fox 5 has reported. He … Continue reading Rep. Nancy Mace allegedly attacked on Capitol Hill; Suspect arrested

Brazil’s President Lula da Silva Recovering After Emergency Brain Surgery

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 79, is recovering in intensive care after successful emergency surgery to treat a brain bleed caused by a fall in October. Doctors at Sírio-Libanês Hospital in São Paulo confirmed that the procedure, which involved draining the haematoma, went well, with Lula stable, alert, and speaking. He will remain under observation for at least 48 hours and is expected … Continue reading Brazil’s President Lula da Silva Recovering After Emergency Brain Surgery

Biden hails economic record, warns against Republican return to ‘trickle-down economics’

President Joe Biden, in a speech at the Brookings Institution, defended his economic record and warned against a return to “trickle-down economics” under Donald Trump’s second term. Biden highlighted his administration’s achievements, including creating 16 million jobs, record-low unemployment, and narrowing the racial wealth gap, while addressing ongoing challenges like inflation and high housing costs. He criticized Republican policies like tax cuts for the wealthy … Continue reading Biden hails economic record, warns against Republican return to ‘trickle-down economics’

Netanyahu assails media as he testifies in his corruption trial

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

Andy Kim takes office as NJ’s new senator 3 weeks early

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

Vance concerned about new Syrian leadership: ‘Literal offshoot of ISIS’

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’

Biden administration announces $988M in aid to Ukraine on same day Trump meets with Zelenskyy in Paris

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 consider travel ban for President Yoon amid martial law inquiry

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

Biden says fall of Assad regime in Syria is a ‘historic opportunity’

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’