Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced plans to advance a bipartisan bill imposing sanctions on Russia, saying the “time has come” and aiming for action within 30 days. The move follows President Trump’s recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who agreed to meet him in Budapest, just before Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s White House visit. The sanctions legislation, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham in April, … Continue reading Thune says “time has come” for Senate to move forward with Russia sanctions bill

Madagascar has sworn in Colonel Michael Randrianirina as president following a military takeover after mass protests forced President Andry Rajoelina into exile. The High Constitutional Court formalized Randrianirina’s appointment after Rajoelina was impeached for desertion, amid weeks of deadly demonstrations over power and water shortages that left at least 22 dead. Randrianirina vowed to reform governance, socioeconomic systems, and electoral laws, and emphasized collaboration with … Continue reading Military leader Randrianirina sworn in as Madagascar’s new president

Senate Democrats blocked Republicans’ 10th attempt to reopen the government, ensuring the shutdown enters a third week as lawmakers prepare for a long weekend after just three days in session. Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, are pushing to pass the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government until Nov. 21, while Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, want to negotiate expiring … Continue reading Senate Democrats block GOP plan for 10th time, ensuring shutdown lasts into next week

Sen. Tim Kaine is leading a bipartisan push to force a Senate vote to prevent President Trump from unilaterally waging war in Venezuela, amid U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean and planned CIA operations in the country. The resolution, co-sponsored by Sens. Adam Schiff and Rand Paul, comes after Trump authorized a recent strike on an alleged drug boat and signaled potential land operations. Kaine … Continue reading Senators will force a vote to prevent war on Venezuela without approval from Congress

During a heated debate Wednesday night, New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa clashed over experience and how they would handle relations with Donald Trump. Cuomo emphasized his gubernatorial and federal experience, defending his record on laws, infrastructure, and the COVID-19 response, while Mamdani criticized Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes during the pandemic and highlighted his legislative work for working-class … Continue reading New York City mayoral candidates spar over how to deal with Trump

President Donald Trump announced that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin plan to meet in Budapest to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war, following what he described as a “lengthy and frank” two-and-a-half-hour phone call with Putin. Trump did not specify a date for the summit but said high-level U.S. and Russian advisers, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will meet next week to prepare. … Continue reading Trump says he and Putin will meet in Budapest to discuss end to Russia-Ukraine war

President Donald Trump is turning his attention to the Russia-Ukraine war after helping broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday. The talks are expected to center on Ukraine’s request for U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles, which could allow strikes deep inside Russia—a move Moscow has warned would dangerously escalate tensions. Trump said he discussed the missile … Continue reading Trump to host Zelenskyy at White House

California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter acknowledged she “could have handled things better” after viral videos showed her losing her temper with a reporter and a staffer. In one clip, Porter nearly ended an interview with CBS correspondent Julie Watts, calling her questions “argumentative” and expressing frustration on camera. In an older 2021 video, Porter yelled at a staffer who walked into her shot during a … Continue reading Katie Porter says she regrets viral outbursts at reporter, staffer

President Donald Trump hosted nearly 130 donors, allies, and corporate representatives at the White House to celebrate fundraising for a $250 million renovation of a new White House ballroom. The planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom, featuring bulletproof glass and a capacity of up to 999 people, is intended to host large events, including presidential inaugurations, eliminating the need for South Lawn tents. Attendees included executives from major … Continue reading Trump hosts glitzy dinner for wealthy donors to new White House ballroom