Politics

KEY POINTS  WASHINGTON — The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia officially expired Thursday, removing the last formal limits on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals and raising concerns about renewed strategic instability.  The treaty’s lapse coincides with rising tensions in Europe, ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and accelerating … Read more

KEY POINTS  Brad Karp resigned Wednesday as chairman of global law firm Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton and Garrison, stepping aside after renewed scrutiny of his past social contacts with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, the firm said.  Scott Barshay was appointed chairman effective immediately in New York, ending Karp’s eighteen year tenure at the helm. … Read more

KEY POINTS  West Palm Beach, Florida – Ryan Routh, 59, was sentenced to life in federal prison Wednesday for attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach in September 2024.  The sentencing comes after a jury found Routh guilty of plotting to kill Trump, then a … Read more

KEY POINTS  WASHINGTON — Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell was admitted to a local hospital Monday evening after experiencing flu-like symptoms, his office said, adding that the eighty three year old lawmaker’s prognosis is positive. The hospitalization places renewed attention on McConnell’s health as the longest-serving Senate party leader prepares for the final year of his … Read more

KEY POINTS  WASHINGTON — The US military shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone approaching the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, an incident that heightened regional tensions just days before planned nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, officials said.  Iranian boats also reportedly harassed a US flagged tanker in the Strait … Read more

KEY POINTS  WASHINGTON — A partial federal government shutdown that began over the weekend is expected to continue into early next week as House Republicans and Democrats clash over a federal funding package and sweeping immigration enforcement operations, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, said a first test of his … Read more

KEY POINTS  WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Sunday that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will close for two years starting in July to undergo extensive renovations.  Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, citing input from advisors and experts, amid a wave of recent cancellations from leading performers. The president … Read more

KEY POINTS  Former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh visited the White House this week as President Donald Trump moves toward announcing a nominee to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, according to two people familiar with the discussions. The possible nomination of Kevin Warsh has drawn close attention from global markets and policymakers as President … Read more

KEY POINTS  President Donald Trump and several members of his family have filed a $10 billion civil lawsuit against the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service. Alleging the agencies failed to prevent the unlawful disclosure of his confidential tax records, according to a complaint filed Thursday in federal court in Florida. The lawsuit, brought … Read more

KEY POINTS  WASHINGTON — A government shutdown appeared increasingly likely Thursday as Congress remained deadlocked a day before a funding deadline. With negotiations strained by demands for immigration oversight following the killing of an intensive care nurse by Border Patrol agents, according to lawmakers and administration officials. The looming government shutdown has sharpened uncertainty across … Read more