Former Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hospitalized

Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, 84, was hospitalized on Sunday, though officials did not disclose the reason for his admission. His spokesman said he is receiving “excellent care,” but provided no further details about his condition. McConnell has faced ongoing health issues in recent years and is often seen using a wheelchair with assistance in the Senate. In 2023, he experienced a public episode … Continue reading Former Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hospitalized

Trump hosts UFC cage fight on the White House lawn

The UFC held a historic fight card on the South Lawn of the White House, with President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, cabinet members, and more than 4,000 spectators in attendance. Despite rain and wind, the event proceeded with military flyovers, live music, and even a “Happy Birthday” song for Trump, who turned 80 that day. In the main event, Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia … Continue reading Trump hosts UFC cage fight on the White House lawn

Trump says he may not renew USMCA with Mexico and Canada

President Trump said he may not renew the USMCA trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada when it comes up for review, arguing the deal should be reconsidered or possibly ended. He said the U.S. does not need goods from Canada or Mexico and pointed to trade deficits with both countries as a concern. The USMCA, which replaced NAFTA, is set for automatic … Continue reading Trump says he may not renew USMCA with Mexico and Canada

House passes pro-union bill after 20 Republicans defy party

House Democrats, joined by several Republicans, successfully bypassed GOP leadership to advance the Faster Labor Contracts Act through a discharge petition, forcing a House vote on the bill. The legislation passed 230–193 with support from 20 Republicans and aims to speed up first contract negotiations between employers and newly formed unions. It would require negotiations to begin within 10 days of a union’s request and … Continue reading House passes pro-union bill after 20 Republicans defy party

ActBlue CEO pleads the Fifth in House hearing on alleged foreign donations

ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones refused to answer questions during a House committee hearing, invoking her Fifth Amendment right amid allegations involving foreign campaign donations. She had previously stated she would not participate in the hearing, calling the investigation politically motivated and an overreach of congressional authority. Wallace-Jones and other Democrats argue the probe is retaliation against ActBlue, while calling for scrutiny of Republican fundraising platform … Continue reading ActBlue CEO pleads the Fifth in House hearing on alleged foreign donations

Trump says that Iran deal is only ‘days’ away, despite recent strikes

U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal to end the Iran conflict could be reached within “two or three days,” with the Strait of Hormuz reopening once an agreement is finalized. He claimed negotiations are in their final stages and would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while White House officials said talks are progressing quickly and “going very well.” However, fighting between Israel and … Continue reading Trump says that Iran deal is only ‘days’ away, despite recent strikes

Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo to face off against Democrat Aaron Ford in Nevada’s race for governor

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, and Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat, have won their primaries, setting up a closely watched general election for governor. Lombardo is seeking a second term after narrowly winning in 2022, while Ford aims to become Nevada’s first Black governor. The race is expected to be highly competitive in a key swing state where Democrats are targeting Lombardo over … Continue reading Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo to face off against Democrat Aaron Ford in Nevada’s race for governor

Graham Platner shrugs off scandals to win Maine Democratic Senate primary

Graham Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Maine despite significant personal controversies and a lack of prior elected office. His campaign emphasized economic populism, anti-establishment messaging, and themes of redemption, resonating with voters focused on cost-of-living concerns. Throughout the race, Platner faced scrutiny over past misconduct allegations, controversial posts, and personal behavior, which he acknowledged while … Continue reading Graham Platner shrugs off scandals to win Maine Democratic Senate primary

Nancy Mace blames Epstein files backlash as she concedes in South Carolina governor’s race

Trump-backed Pamela Evette and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson advanced to a Republican gubernatorial runoff after a crowded primary field. The winner is expected to have a strong advantage in the general election in the heavily conservative state, where Democrat Jermaine Johnson will be the nominee. The race marked a significant defeat for Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who blamed her loss in part on her … Continue reading Nancy Mace blames Epstein files backlash as she concedes in South Carolina governor’s race

Zelensky thanks UK for ‘ironclad’ support after meeting King

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles III at Windsor Castle following talks with European allies and thanked the UK for its continued support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy said he plans to invite the King to visit Ukraine for an official state visit in the future. The meeting followed a joint statement from leaders of Ukraine, the UK, France, and Germany calling for a “just and … Continue reading Zelensky thanks UK for ‘ironclad’ support after meeting King

Trump officially nominates Blanche as attorney general

President Donald Trump has nominated acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to permanently lead the Justice Department, sending the appointment to the Senate for confirmation. Blanche, a former personal defense lawyer for Trump, would replace Pam Bondi and has already received support from key Republicans, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley. Lawmakers are expected to question him on several controversial issues, including a proposed “anti-weaponization” … Continue reading Trump officially nominates Blanche as attorney general

VP JD Vance addresses US-Israel relationship, whether Iran is trying to ‘play’ the United States

Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. and Israel share key interests but also have growing differences, particularly over strategy toward Iran. He emphasized that U.S. policy is focused on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, even if Israel has different priorities. His comments come amid reported tensions between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including disputes over military actions and … Continue reading VP JD Vance addresses US-Israel relationship, whether Iran is trying to ‘play’ the United States

Republican senators warn surveillance program may lapse after Trump intel pick backlash

Republicans are warning that Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act could expire this week amid political turmoil in Washington. Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley say failing to extend the program would create a major gap in U.S. foreign intelligence collection. The program allows surveillance of foreign targets without a warrant but has drawn bipartisan concern over incidental collection of Americans’ communications. Negotiations … Continue reading Republican senators warn surveillance program may lapse after Trump intel pick backlash

Pope’s historic speech to Spain’s parliament demands respect for migrants

Pope Leo XIV delivered the first-ever papal address to Spanish lawmakers, calling for stronger protections for migrants’ rights and a renewed focus on human dignity in public life. He urged a “moral renewal” in politics and emphasized care for vulnerable groups, including migrants and the unborn. Spanish legislators responded with a standing ovation and chants of support, marking a rare moment of strong engagement between … Continue reading Pope’s historic speech to Spain’s parliament demands respect for migrants

Sen. Bob Packwood of Oregon, who resigned after sexual harassment scandal, dies

Former U.S. Senator Bob Packwood has died at the age of 93, his family announced. He was a prominent Oregon Republican known for his work on tax reform and as an early GOP supporter of abortion rights and women’s issues. However, his political career collapsed in the 1990s after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual harassment and other misconduct. Following a Senate … Continue reading Sen. Bob Packwood of Oregon, who resigned after sexual harassment scandal, dies

Trump denies campaign push to finish endless wars: ‘I didn’t promise anything’

President Donald Trump said he did not campaign on avoiding “endless wars,” as he addressed the ongoing conflict with Iran in a recent interview. He argued that the current fighting is not an “endless war,” noting it has lasted about three months and is partially under a ceasefire arrangement. Trump also said that supporting a strong military is not consistent with being entirely opposed to … Continue reading Trump denies campaign push to finish endless wars: ‘I didn’t promise anything’

Ro Khanna says he supports Graham Platner’s bid for Senate despite ‘shameful’ actions

Democratic congressman Ro Khanna offered a qualified defense of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, acknowledging his “misogynistic” past behavior while saying it was not surprising to many people in Maine. Platner, a former Marine and oyster farmer running against Republican Senator Susan Collins, has faced allegations including inappropriate messages and accusations of abusive behavior. Khanna said he continues to support Platner because he has taken … Continue reading Ro Khanna says he supports Graham Platner’s bid for Senate despite ‘shameful’ actions

Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to meet Kim Jong Un in rare visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in North Korea on his first official visit since 2019, where he was warmly received by leader Kim Jong Un. The visit comes after Xi’s recent meetings with leaders including Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, and is seen as part of China’s effort to strengthen influence over its neighbor. Key topics expected for discussion include denuclearisation, US relations, and tensions … Continue reading Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to meet Kim Jong Un in rare visit

Nikol Pashinyan hails ‘historic victory’ in decisive election in Armenia

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan claimed a “historic victory” after his Civil Contract party won a decisive lead in Sunday’s parliamentary election. Early results showed his party far ahead of rival opposition blocs, signaling strong public backing for his pro-Western and reform-focused agenda. The vote also reflected Armenia’s shifting foreign policy direction and a gradual reduction of Russian influence in the country. Pashinyan said the … Continue reading Nikol Pashinyan hails ‘historic victory’ in decisive election in Armenia

Zelenskyy calls for face-to-face Ukraine war negotiations in letter to Putin

Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct face-to-face negotiations, marking his first such open appeal since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed talks in a neutral country and said Ukraine was ready for a ceasefire and prisoner exchanges as a starting point for peace. The letter comes amid intensified drone and missile strikes from both sides, with Ukraine targeting deep inside Russia and Russia escalating aerial … Continue reading Zelenskyy calls for face-to-face Ukraine war negotiations in letter to Putin

House blocks Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s war powers resolution on Lebanon

The House rejected a war powers resolution that sought to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions in Lebanon, voting it down 324–92 after Democratic leaders opposed the measure. The proposal, introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, would have required the removal of U.S. forces from Lebanon within seven days of adoption, though Democrats argued a revised version was a better option. Tlaib criticized U.S. involvement in the region, while … Continue reading House blocks Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s war powers resolution on Lebanon

Trump says Reflecting Pool work is done and it’s set to be filled with water

Renovation work on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, overseen by the administration of Donald Trump, has been completed and the basin is expected to be refilled with water by Sunday. The project included repainting the pool a deep shade described by Trump as “American flag blue,” and has drawn attention for its cost, with at least $14.8 million in contracts reported. The reflecting pool, a historic Washington … Continue reading Trump says Reflecting Pool work is done and it’s set to be filled with water

Trump uses wartime powers to dole out $700m to ‘clean, beautiful’ coal

Donald Trump announced a $700 million initiative using wartime-era authority to support and expand coal-fired power plants across the United States. The plan, justified as promoting “clean, beautiful coal,” will fund existing plants, reopen facilities, and build new coal plants and an export terminal in multiple states. The administration argues the move will lower energy costs and strengthen energy security. Critics say coal is highly polluting … Continue reading Trump uses wartime powers to dole out $700m to ‘clean, beautiful’ coal

GOP senators vote to bar Pulte from serving as temporary director of national intelligence

Three Republican senators — Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski — joined Democrats in supporting an amendment to block William Pulte from serving as acting director of national intelligence while also leading the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The measure failed in a 49–49 tie, but it highlighted bipartisan concerns about Pulte’s lack of intelligence or security background. The senators questioned whether he is qualified or even has the necessary clearance to … Continue reading GOP senators vote to bar Pulte from serving as temporary director of national intelligence

Canada’s Carney pledges action over rising antisemitism

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Jewish Canadians are being severely targeted by antisemitic hate and warned that the country is failing to protect them. He stated that antisemitic incidents have risen sharply, with Jewish communities facing attacks on schools, synagogues, businesses, and campuses. Carney said the situation in Canada is particularly serious and requires a targeted national response, including stronger security measures for faith-based … Continue reading Canada’s Carney pledges action over rising antisemitism