Andy Burnham has proposed a major overhaul of UK governance that would further decentralise power, including in Scotland, as part of a plan to “power up” regions across the country. He said the changes would shift authority away from central and devolved governments and place more decision-making power in local communities and grassroots organisations. Burnham also described plans to create a “Number 10 North” in … Continue reading Andy Burnham vows to decentralise power in Scotland

Australia and Vanuatu have signed the Nakamal Agreement, a new economic and security pact that includes a ban on foreign military bases in Vanuatu. The deal, signed by Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Jotham Napat in Canberra, also expands Australian economic support and requires consultation with Australia on critical infrastructure investments. Albanese said the agreement strengthens regional security and ensures no foreign military presence in the Pacific island nation. Vanuatu … Continue reading Australia and Vanuatu sign deal to block foreign military bases

The White House has requested $87.6 billion from Congress to fund military and related needs tied largely to the ongoing war in Iran, even as lawmakers recently passed a resolution rebuking the conflict and calling for limits on presidential war powers. Most of the funding would go to the Pentagon for munitions, operations, classified programs, and rebuilding military stockpiles, along with smaller amounts for embassy … Continue reading Trump asks Congress for $87bn, mostly for ‘urgent’ Iran war costs

President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a planned bipartisan housing bill signing ceremony on Capitol Hill after posting that he would not sign the legislation unless Congress first passed his voter ID proposal, the SAVE America Act. The decision came just as Republican leaders were preparing to promote the housing measure as a key affordability win, leaving them to scramble after the reversal. A subsequent lunch … Continue reading Trump cancels plans to sign housing bill, in latest sign of tension with his party

President Donald Trump used the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall as a celebration of both America’s upcoming 250th birthday and his own leadership, declaring that “America is back” and praising his administration’s accomplishments. The event, part of a 16-day exposition tied to the Freedom 250 initiative, featured military displays, performances, and patriotic spectacle, though it faced criticism after some … Continue reading Trump kicks off the Great American State Fair after musical acts pulled out

President Donald Trump’s meeting with Republican senators turned tense after disagreements over a War Powers Resolution and related legislation on Iran, with sources saying he raised his voice and clashed with Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. The discussion focused heavily on U.S. military authority, Iran policy, and a recent Senate resolution aimed at limiting presidential war powers, which some Republicans supported alongside Democrats. Trump criticized … Continue reading Trump has testy meeting with GOP senators, telling Cassidy at one point to sit down

European leaders, including Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Poland, say they want to send a strong message of support for Ukraine at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. Friedrich Merz said the goal is to signal to Russia that Ukraine remains strong, with continued military, economic, and energy-sector support pledged. The leaders agreed to maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions and to strengthen European … Continue reading Top European leaders vow ‘strong’ support for Ukraine ahead of NATO summit