Labour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham ‘coronation’

Senior Labour MPs are considering leadership bids to prevent Andy Burnham from becoming prime minister without a full contest, following Keir Starmer’s resignation. Former defence minister Al Carns and Sir Keir’s Chief Secretary Darren Jones have both been floated as potential challengers, though neither has confirmed a run. Burnham is widely seen as the frontrunner after his by-election win and has already declared his intention … Continue reading Labour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham ‘coronation’

Starmer quits as Labour leader and paves way for contest for new prime minister

Keir Starmer Sir Keir Starmer announced he will step down as leader of the Labour Party, triggering a leadership contest to choose his successor while he remains prime minister until the process is complete. He said he no longer believed he was best placed to lead the party into the next general election and has asked for a timetable for replacing him. Senior figures including … Continue reading Starmer quits as Labour leader and paves way for contest for new prime minister

Senate passes landmark housing affordability bill after bipartisan breakthrough

The Senate passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in an 85–5 bipartisan vote, marking a major effort to address rising housing costs ahead of the midterm elections. The bill aims to increase housing supply, reduce regulatory barriers, and limit institutional investors from buying certain single-family homes. It reflects months of negotiation between House and Senate lawmakers and is described as one of the … Continue reading Senate passes landmark housing affordability bill after bipartisan breakthrough

Senate Republicans exclude Democrats’ food aid demand from farm bill

Senate Republicans’ draft farm bill rejects Democratic calls to delay a planned shift that would require some states to help pay for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, putting bipartisan support for the bill at risk. Democrats say they will oppose the measure unless the cost-sharing requirement is postponed, while some Republicans from affected states have also expressed concerns. Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman previewed … Continue reading Senate Republicans exclude Democrats’ food aid demand from farm bill

Spain: PM’s wife must face corruption trial, judge rules

Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been ordered to stand trial on corruption-related charges, according to a Madrid court ruling. She is accused of using her position to influence business contracts and faces charges including corruption, embezzlement, and influence peddling, all of which she denies. A judge has imposed strict conditions, including surrendering her passport, prohibiting travel abroad, and requiring regular … Continue reading Spain: PM’s wife must face corruption trial, judge rules

Zelenskyy and top Ukrainian officials return Polish awards in WWII dispute

Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has won another parliamentary majority, ensuring Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will remain in power after the latest elections. The party, which has dominated since its formation in 2019, campaigned on economic growth and food security and has previously secured overwhelming victories in parliament. Abiy, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was once praised for political reforms and the peace deal with Eritrea, but his government now … Continue reading Zelenskyy and top Ukrainian officials return Polish awards in WWII dispute

Ethiopian prime minister’s party easily wins parliamentary election

Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has won another parliamentary majority, ensuring Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will remain in power after the latest elections. The party, which has dominated since its formation in 2019, campaigned on economic growth and food security and has previously secured overwhelming victories in parliament. Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was once praised for political reforms and the peace deal with Eritrea, but … Continue reading Ethiopian prime minister’s party easily wins parliamentary election

Trump threatens to ‘hit Iran very hard again’ while Vance is in Switzerland for talks

President Donald Trump warned of further strikes on Iran, saying the U.S. would respond “harder” if Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon continue attacks. His comments came as Vice President JD Vance attended ongoing negotiations with Iranian and regional officials in Switzerland. The talks, involving mediators from Pakistan and Qatar as well as international agencies, are focused on Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s nuclear program. Despite conflicting reports and … Continue reading Trump threatens to ‘hit Iran very hard again’ while Vance is in Switzerland for talks

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer set to outline exit plan as pressure to quit builds

Reports suggest U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to outline a timetable for his resignation, potentially ending his leadership after mounting political pressure. His possible departure follows poor election results, weak polling, and growing dissatisfaction within the Labour Party. Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seen as the leading contender to succeed him after a recent by-election victory strengthened his position. Several senior ministers, including members of Labour Party’s … Continue reading UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer set to outline exit plan as pressure to quit builds

Bill limiting investors from buying homes set to speed through Congress

Lawmakers have reached a bipartisan agreement on an affordable housing bill aimed at increasing housing supply and limiting large investors’ influence in the market. The measure would cap major investors at purchasing no more than 350 single-family homes, though it drops a previously proposed requirement that they sell newly built homes within seven years. Senate leaders expect the bill to advance quickly, with a possible … Continue reading Bill limiting investors from buying homes set to speed through Congress

Trump claims Iran deal is ‘unconditional surrender’

U.S. President Donald Trump defended a newly signed U.S.–Iran agreement, claiming it reflects “unconditional surrender” by Iran and asserting he has essentially unlimited power in foreign policy decisions. The deal, reached after months of conflict that disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and global energy markets, includes a 60-day negotiating window for a final agreement and steps to reopen maritime traffic. Trump said the agreement was … Continue reading Trump claims Iran deal is ‘unconditional surrender’

Cuba’s Communist Party approves opening economy in unprecedented move

Cuba’s Communist Party has approved sweeping free-market reforms, marking one of the most significant economic shifts in decades. The emergency package, expected to pass the National Assembly, would expand private enterprise, attract foreign investment, and allow private banks and real estate development. President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged that Cuba’s economic crisis is driven by both external pressures, including U.S. sanctions, and internal issues like bureaucracy and … Continue reading Cuba’s Communist Party approves opening economy in unprecedented move

Slotkin to introduce bill to bar presidents from sending troops or armed federal officers to polling places

Sen. Elissa Slotkin and several Democratic senators plan to introduce the “Protect Our Polls Act,” which would ban presidents from sending armed military or federal agents to polling places during elections. They argue the measure is needed to prevent voter intimidation and reinforce existing legal protections that already largely restrict such deployments except in cases of armed threats. The bill follows President Trump’s suggestion of … Continue reading Slotkin to introduce bill to bar presidents from sending troops or armed federal officers to polling places

Trump lashes out at “fools” who oppose Iran deal amid bipartisan criticism

President Trump defended a new U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding after Republican lawmakers sharply criticized it, calling opponents “fools” and arguing the deal improves markets and lowers oil prices. Several GOP senators, including Bill Cassidy, Ted Cruz, and John Cornyn, warned that the agreement could strengthen Iran by easing sanctions and providing funds they say could support terrorist groups. Critics focused on concerns about a potential … Continue reading Trump lashes out at “fools” who oppose Iran deal amid bipartisan criticism

Trump and Iran’s President Pezeshkian sign memorandum aimed to end war

President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian digitally signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing a potential peace agreement to end hostilities between the two countries. The signing followed earlier remote endorsements by senior officials and took place during a dinner in Versailles attended by Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other leaders. The agreement reportedly outlines steps including ending military actions involving … Continue reading Trump and Iran’s President Pezeshkian sign memorandum aimed to end war

Macron hails US alignment with G7’s ‘shared commitment’ on Ukraine

At the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, Emmanuel Macron said all members, including the US, now affirm Ukraine’s territorial integrity and share a more unified stance on Russia. He described a “re-synchronisation” of G7 positions and a major shift in the US approach under Donald Trump, noting a belief that Vladimir Putin is not genuinely pursuing peace. Macron said the summit reflected a renewed commitment to … Continue reading Macron hails US alignment with G7’s ‘shared commitment’ on Ukraine

Starmer remains defiant as leadership challenge inches closer

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been signaling a firm political strategy aimed at strengthening his position against potential challengers within the Labour Party. In recent interviews, including at the G7 summit, he highlighted the implications of a possible Andy Burnham victory in a Manchester mayoral by-election. Starmer suggested that Burnham’s success could trigger further political vacancies, which he framed as a complication for … Continue reading Starmer remains defiant as leadership challenge inches closer

Obama says ‘doubtful’ that any Iran deal will be different than past

Former President Barack Obama expressed skepticism about President Donald Trump’s handling of Iran, saying he doubts any new agreement will be a significant improvement over the 2015 nuclear deal his administration negotiated. Obama made the comments in a “Good Morning America” interview before Trump announced a new deal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear program. He warned that past U.S. … Continue reading Obama says ‘doubtful’ that any Iran deal will be different than past

Switzerland-France feud erupts over G7 security costs

Swiss authorities have expressed frustration over having to cover the major security costs for protests linked to the G7 summit taking place just across the border in France. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have gathered in Switzerland, prompting a large police and military deployment, while France has declined to contribute financially to the estimated €21.7–€27.2 million security bill. Swiss officials said they are trying to … Continue reading Switzerland-France feud erupts over G7 security costs

Starmer vows new sanctions on Russia and nuclear energy support for Ukraine

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer used the G7 summit in France to announce tougher sanctions on Russia and new financial support for Ukraine’s energy sector. He pledged to “choke off” Russian revenue by targeting financial networks, shadow oil fleets, and companies helping Moscow bypass Western restrictions. Starmer also committed £210 million to help Ukraine maintain its nuclear power infrastructure and secure energy supplies through the … Continue reading Starmer vows new sanctions on Russia and nuclear energy support for Ukraine

Trump touts Iran deal and Ukraine ambition as he arrives at G7

U.S. President Donald Trump used the G7 summit in France to promote a preliminary deal aimed at ending the war with Iran and said he hopes to pursue similar peace efforts in Ukraine and Lebanon. He described the Iran agreement as a major breakthrough that would lower oil prices, boost markets, and improve global stability. Trump’s arrival came amid concern among allies over his foreign … Continue reading Trump touts Iran deal and Ukraine ambition as he arrives at G7

EU officially launches Ukraine and Moldova accession process

The European Union has officially begun the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova, marking a major step toward potential membership. The move requires both countries to undertake extensive political and legal reforms over several years while aligning with EU standards, with Ukraine continuing the process amid its ongoing war with Russia. EU officials and Ukrainian leaders described the start of negotiations as a “major milestone,” … Continue reading EU officially launches Ukraine and Moldova accession process

Canadian Prime Minister Carney visits grandparents’ Irish village on eve of G7

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited his ancestral village in western Ireland, where he met distant relatives and celebrated his Irish heritage. During the trip, he attended mass, visited family graves, and planted a tree in the village where his grandparents were born before emigrating to Canada in 1925. Carney said he was surprised to discover more extended family connections than he expected. Alongside the … Continue reading Canadian Prime Minister Carney visits grandparents’ Irish village on eve of G7

Keir Starmer set to unveil plans for new online protections for children

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce new measures aimed at improving children’s online safety, including potential restrictions on social media use for those under 16. The plan follows growing global concern over the mental and physical health effects of social media, as well as strong public support in the UK for stricter age limits. A national consultation found that most parents back … Continue reading Keir Starmer set to unveil plans for new online protections for children

Trump makes endorsement in key Georgia Republican US Senate run-off

U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Representative Mike Collins in a Georgia Senate runoff ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Collins will face former football coach Derek Dooley in Tuesday’s runoff to decide who will challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in November. Trump praised Collins on Truth Social, calling him a strong supporter of the MAGA movement and a “true friend, fighter, and WARRIOR.” … Continue reading Trump makes endorsement in key Georgia Republican US Senate run-off