European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned lawmakers Monday not to be swayed by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to divide Europe, urging unity ahead of two no-confidence votes against her this week. Far-left and far-right parties in the European Parliament have filed censure motions accusing her of mishandling trade, Gaza policy, and migration, but the measures are expected to fail since centrist pro-EU … Continue reading EU chief von der Leyen faces more confidence votes this week

President Donald Trump praised Japan’s selection of Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, calling the development “incredible for the people of Japan.” Takaichi, a conservative lawmaker, won a key leadership vote Saturday and is expected to formally take office later this month, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba. In a Truth Social post, Trump described her as “a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength.” … Continue reading Trump congratulates Japan’s first female prime minister

Czech billionaire Andrej Babiš is poised to form a new government after his ANO party won 35% of the vote in the general election, signaling a major political shift in Central Europe. Although lacking a parliamentary majority, Babiš is expected to seek coalition partners among anti-Green Deal and anti-immigration parties or form a minority government. Analysts say his leadership could strengthen ties with Hungary’s Viktor … Continue reading Czech elections: Babiš will pave his own way in the EU

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries challenged Speaker Mike Johnson to a floor debate Monday over the ongoing government shutdown, which has extended into a second week. Jeffries argued the debate would provide transparency and allow Johnson to explain the Republican “my way or the highway” approach, as Democratic votes are needed to end the impasse. Johnson rejected the challenge, calling it “nonsense” and saying the … Continue reading Mike Johnson rebuffs Hakeem Jeffries’ request for a live shutdown debate

President Trump announced that the U.S. will take a 10% stake in Canadian minerals explorer Trilogy Metals and approved a permit for a mining road in northwest Alaska. The road provides access to the Ambler Mining District, rich in copper, cobalt, and gold—critical minerals for technology and national defense—which had been blocked under President Biden over environmental and tribal concerns. The U.S. investment of $35.6 … Continue reading Trump announces U.S. stake in Trilogy Metals, Alaska mining road permits

President Donald Trump said Monday that Sean “Diddy” Combs requested a pardon following his conviction on two prostitution-related charges. Combs was sentenced Friday to over four years in prison, with credit for the 12 months he has already served and a $500,000 fine. His lawyers are considering an appeal, arguing the sentence was excessively long and based on unproven allegations, while noting he was acquitted … Continue reading Trump says Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs asked him for a pardon

The government shutdown has entered another week with no resolution as Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over funding and health care provisions. Two competing Senate measures to reopen the government failed for the fifth time Monday. Democrats insist any funding bill must include an extension of health insurance tax credits, while Republicans argue such talks should come only after the shutdown ends. Speaker Mike Johnson … Continue reading Government shutdown stretches into second week as Senate rejects funding bills again

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned Monday after less than a month in office, deepening France’s ongoing political turmoil. His resignation came just a day after unveiling a new Cabinet that led a key conservative ally to withdraw support, leaving his government without a majority. Lecornu, who replaced François Bayrou in September, became the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of France’s Fifth Republic. President … Continue reading France in fresh political crisis as PM Lecornu quits after 26 days

President Donald Trump briefly suggested he might negotiate with Democrats over Affordable Care Act subsidies tied to the ongoing government shutdown, but later retracted the idea. Democrats have refused to support a short-term funding bill unless it includes an extension of the health care subsidies. Trump initially said talks with Democrats could lead to “very good things” for health care, offering a rare hint of … Continue reading Trump says he’s open to health care deal but government must reopen first