Trump Shares Video Depicting Obamas as Apes, Sparking Widespread Criticism

SUMMARY  WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump shared a video on his Truth Social account Thursday night that briefly depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, drawing swift criticism from politicians, civil rights organizations, and media commentators.  The short clip, which promotes false claims about the 2020 election, overlays … Read more

US/Iran talks in Oman open diplomatic channel amid nuclear tensions

SUMMARY Indirect talks between United States and Iranian officials began in Oman on Thursday as both sides test a diplomatic opening aimed at easing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and broader regional stability. The US/Iran talks in Oman mark the first structured engagement between the two governments in months, following escalating rhetoric and military posturing.  … Read more

TrumpRx.gov launches to offer most favored nation drug prices to US patients

KEY POINTS  President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced the launch of TrumpRx.gov, a federal website designed to give US patients access to steep discounts on brand name prescription drugs by aligning prices with the lowest paid in other developed nations under a most favored nation pricing model. The rollout of TrumpRx.gov marks the most direct … Read more

World Faces Unconstrained Nuclear Risks as New START Treaty Expires

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

Brad Karp resigns as Paul Weiss chairman amid scrutiny over Epstein ties

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

Ryan Routh Sentenced to Life for Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump at Florida Golf Course

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

Mitch McConnell hospitalized with flu-like symptoms as Senate transition looms

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

US Military Says F-35 Shoots Down Iranian Drone Ahead of Possible Nuclear Talks

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

Federal Government Shutdown 2026 Could Extend Into Week Amid House Funding Deadlock

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

Trump Says Kennedy Center Will Close for Two Years for Renovations

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