A moment of silence for conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the House floor turned into a shouting match between Republicans and Democrats on Wednesday. The conflict began when Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) requested a prayer for Kirk following the moment of silence, prompting Democrats to shout in reference to a school shooting in Colorado that occurred the same afternoon. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) then … Continue reading Chaos erupts on House floor over Charlie Kirk shooting

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have granted limited legal rights to same-sex couples who had registered their relationships or marriages overseas. The bill aimed to provide basic rights, such as hospital visitation, following a September 2023 ruling by the city’s highest court requiring the government to establish a legal framework for same-sex couples within two years. Despite the court’s … Continue reading Hong Kong lawmakers veto bill on same-sex partnerships

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe faces multiple threats, including Russia, global trade challenges, and hostility from other major world powers, calling for the EU to assert its independence. In her State of the Union speech, von der Leyen announced new support measures for Ukraine, advocated for sanctions and trade restrictions on Israel over the war in Gaza, and defended a … Continue reading EU chief says it’s time for Europe’s ‘independence moment’

President Trump demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commit not to strike Qatar again following a recent Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Doha. The strike, carried out without consulting Trump or his advisers, angered the White House and alarmed regional and global leaders, with Qatar’s prime minister calling it a “betrayal” and reconsidering the country’s security partnership with the U.S. Netanyahu, however, remained … Continue reading Trump demanded Netanyahu commit not to strike Qatar again

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is set to deploy a parliamentary maneuver later this week to expedite confirmation of roughly 40 lower-level nominees. The strategy draws on precedents set by Harry Reid in 2013 and Mitch McConnell in 2017, which altered the filibuster rules for executive and Supreme Court nominations, respectively. Thune’s approach involves a procedural gambit where a failed vote to break a … Continue reading Senate GOP leader moves to lower filibuster threshold for Trump nominees through nuclear option

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, ruled that the Trump administration can withhold $4 billion in foreign aid while the court considers an ongoing legal challenge. The temporary order responds to an emergency filing against a federal judge’s ruling that the administration must release funds approved by Congress. The case was brought by organizations including the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and the … Continue reading Supreme Court lets Trump freeze $4 billion in foreign aid

Democratic Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw won the special election for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, defeating Republican Stewart Whitson. The Associated Press called the race at 7:36 p.m. Eastern time, confirming Walkinshaw’s decisive victory. The seat was previously held by Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, who passed away in May after representing the district for over 15 years. Before his death, Connolly endorsed Walkinshaw and his … Continue reading Democrats add 1 more vote in Congress after Virginia special election