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 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, facing increasing pressure from within his party, is on a ski holiday as he contemplates his future. His approval ratings are low, and many in his caucus are calling for his resignation, including 51 Liberal MPs from Ontario and the Atlantic caucus. Trudeau’s leadership is under scrutiny as Canada prepares for a potential tariff war with Donald Trump, who returns to … Continue reading Majority of Justin Trudeau’s caucus calls on him to quit

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’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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