New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani scored a major political victory as all three of his endorsed congressional candidates advanced to the general election, unseating two incumbent Democrats. The wins came in competitive New York House primaries, highlighting growing influence from the mayor’s progressive wing of the party. In other races, Republican businessman Anthony Constantino secured the GOP nomination for New York’s 21st District with backing … Continue reading Clean sweep for Mamdani-backed candidates in New York’s Democratic primary

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has begun a controversial shake-up of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, including layoffs that critics say are being carried out without proper review. Appointed by President Trump with no prior intelligence experience, Pulte has reportedly focused cuts on staff at the National Counterterrorism Center, raising concerns from lawmakers and former intelligence officials. Democrats and some … Continue reading Pulte’s first days in office set off alarms with lawmakers

Germany plans to gradually raise its retirement age to about 70 by the early 2090s under reforms backed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz to stabilize the country’s pension system. An expert commission recommended linking retirement age to life expectancy, expanding pension contributions, and investing part of the system in stock markets. The proposals aim to address pressures from Germany’s rapidly aging population, which is increasing the … Continue reading Merz backs plans to raise Germany’s retirement age to 70 in pension changes

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, to reassure allies about a new U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending regional hostilities. The deal, negotiated after recent diplomatic talks, proposes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing sanctions, and continuing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Gulf states remain concerned that the agreement does not fully address Iran’s missile program and … Continue reading Rubio arrives in UAE with aim to head off Gulf Arab unease over tentative Iran deal

The European Union is considering separating Moldova and Ukraine in their joint accession process after initially pairing their membership bids following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both countries recently opened the first negotiation cluster, but Moldova’s faster progress and reforms have prompted calls in Brussels to allow it to advance independently. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, said future progress should be … Continue reading EU sets stage for decoupling Moldova’s accession bid from Ukraine’s

Senior Labour MPs are considering leadership bids to prevent Andy Burnham from becoming prime minister without a full contest, following Keir Starmer’s resignation. Former defence minister Al Carns and Sir Keir’s Chief Secretary Darren Jones have both been floated as potential challengers, though neither has confirmed a run. Burnham is widely seen as the frontrunner after his by-election win and has already declared his intention … Continue reading Labour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham ‘coronation’