California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged lawmakers to approve a November ballot measure, the “Election Rigging Response Act,” allowing Democrats to redraw congressional maps to counter Republican mid-decade redistricting in Texas. The move would bypass California’s independent commission and potentially protect Democratic House seats in the 2026 elections. Newsom framed the effort as a response to Trump-backed GOP plans in Texas to gain up to five … Continue reading Newsom calls for a special election to allow for a new congressional map in California

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called a second special session to pass a new congressional map after Democrats blocked the first by leaving the state. The session began shortly after the first ended, but Republicans still lacked a quorum due to absent Democrats, who are mainly in Illinois protesting the redistricting aimed at adding five GOP seats for the midterms. Abbott criticized Democrats for avoiding their … Continue reading Texas Gov. Greg Abbott immediately calls second special session for redistricting

Japan marked the 80th anniversary of its WWII surrender with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressing “remorse” for the first time since 2013. About 4,500 officials and families observed a moment of silence for the more than 3 million war dead, while Ishiba urged passing on the memory of the war to future generations to ensure lasting peace. Meanwhile, right-wing politicians, including Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, … Continue reading Japan PM Ishiba expresses ‘remorse’ on World War II surrender anniversary

President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin began their Alaska summit with a friendly handshake and cordial greetings, signaling a warm rapport despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. Their private talks, excluding Ukrainian and European leaders, could influence the conflict and U.S.-Russia relations. While Trump aims to showcase his dealmaking skills, Putin seeks to solidify Russia’s gains, block Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, and extend Moscow’s influence, the … Continue reading Trump and Putin shake hands warmly in Alaska to kick off their summit

President Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and NATO leaders held virtual meetings Wednesday ahead of Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz organized the calls to ensure European and Ukrainian voices are heard. Zelenskyy and Merz emphasized that Ukraine must have a seat at the table, sovereignty must be respected, and security guarantees are essential, CBS News … Continue reading Trump, Zelenskyy, NATO nations talk ahead of U.S.-Russia summit

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London Thursday, following Zelenskyy’s virtual meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders in Berlin. The meetings come ahead of a critical U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska, as Zelenskyy and European leaders seek assurances that any agreements with Russia will prioritize Ukraine’s security amid the ongoing conflict. Trump warned of “very … Continue reading Zelenskyy to meet with UK’s Starmer as Europe braces for Trump-Putin summit

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called for a ban on lawmakers trading individual stocks, criticizing members like Nancy Pelosi and Ron Wyden for highly profitable trades. While current law prohibits insider trading and requires disclosures, critics say it doesn’t go far enough. Pelosi’s office said she doesn’t own stocks, and she has supported legislation to bar members, spouses, and top officials from trading. Wyden defended his … Continue reading Bessent rips Pelosi, calls for single-stock trading ban in Congress

President Trump said he plans to meet with top congressional Democrats, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, before the September 30 government funding deadline but expressed skepticism about reaching an agreement, calling it “almost a waste of time.” Tensions are high as Congress, currently out of session, faces the risk of a partial government shutdown. While Senate Republicans have passed a few spending bills, a short-term … Continue reading Trump predicts little progress in potential shutdown talks Schumer, Jeffries