Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) proposed raising the top individual income tax rate to 39.6% for earners above $609,350, generating an estimated $300 billion. This, he argues, would revitalize the stalled "One Big Beautiful Bill," allowing for increased funding to protect Medicaid and raise the SALT deduction cap. While...
Proposed federal budget cuts threaten the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), a network crucial for maritime safety and weather forecasting. The system, comprised of regional associations using buoys and other technology to monitor ocean conditions, provides real-time data used by harbor pilots, the military, and the National Weather Service....
Romania held a tense presidential runoff election on Sunday between hard-right nationalist George Simion and pro-Western centrist Nicusor Dan. The election, a rerun following a previous cancellation due to alleged irregularities, has significant geopolitical implications for the EU and NATO member. With over 7.6 million votes cast by...
Portugal held its third general election in three years on Sunday, amid a fragmented political landscape and persistent instability. Polls suggest another minority government is likely, with the center-right Social Democrats and center-left Socialist Party expected to lead, but without a clear majority. Key campaign issues included immigration,...
A diplomatic spat erupted between France and Italy after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was excluded from a meeting of European leaders coordinating with the White House on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron accused Meloni of spreading misinformation regarding her absence, citing a focus on ceasefire discussions, not troop...
Germany plans a significant military buildup, aiming to create Europe's strongest conventional army and increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. This follows Chancellor Merz's announcement and aligns with NATO's proposed spending targets. Other European nations, including France, Poland, and the UK, are also expanding their militaries, focusing...
Poland's presidential election is a tight race between Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski (liberal) and historian Karol Nawrocki (conservative). Foreign policy, particularly in light of the Ukraine war and US relations, is a central issue, with Trzaskowski emphasizing pro-European cooperation and Nawrocki aligning with a more nationalist approach. Social...
A proposed Republican budget bill seeks to limit courts' ability to enforce contempt findings against the government, a move seen as a response to the Trump administration's frequent defiance of judicial rulings. While the bill's fate is uncertain, its inclusion highlights growing tensions between the executive and judicial branches....
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed preparations are underway for a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. Trump announced the call on Truth Social, stating that the discussion will cover the war in Ukraine and trade. He plans to follow up...
Saturday Night Live's season finale featured James Austin Johnson's portrayal of Donald Trump, freshly returned from a Middle East trip. The sketch satirized Trump's interactions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including a joke about a potential $400 million plane gift and a large aircraft deal with Boeing....
