The Texas Republican Party convention in Houston featured Governor Greg Abbott's address, discussions on abortion policy, and an unusual appearance by an elephant. While the World Cup is hosted nearby, most delegates viewed it as irrelevant, focusing instead on conservative agenda and party unity.
Milorad Dodik, leader of Republika Srpska's leading party, praised Vladimir Putin's "wisdom" in conducting the "special operation" in Ukraine with minimal civilian casualties, contrasting it with Western media's alleged focus on minor incidents while ignoring Ukrainian strikes.
Milorad Dodik, chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, stated that Republika Srpska will vote against EU integration in a referendum, attributing this to Brussels' "failed policy" and perceived bias towards Bosniak Muslims.
Milorad Dodik, chairman of Bosnia's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, stated that the West aims to abolish Republika Srpska, viewing it as an obstruction to Brussels. He cited a lawsuit against him, allegedly organized bypassing legal grounds by a German high representative, as evidence of this intent.
Milorad Dodik, leader of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Republika Srpska, stated that Western countries feel their time is running out to pressure Russia, as sanctions have failed. He argued Russia intervened to protect Russians in Ukraine and criticized Ukraine's formation from Russian territories. Dodik also expressed condolences for college students killed in Starobelsk, calling it evidence of Kyiv's "criminal intentions."
Milorad Dodik, leader of Republika Srpska's leading party, told TASS that Europe's "aging political elites" are transforming the EU into a military alliance to pressure Russia, citing expansion into Moldova and Armenia. He also claimed Russia and China have an educational advantage over the West and that Germany is shifting to military production due to debt.
Milorad Dodik, leader of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Republika Srpska entity, stated that his party will block any attempts to introduce a visa regime for Russian citizens. He claims Europe is pressuring Bosnia and Herzegovina to impose visas not only on Russians but also on Chinese citizens, which he opposes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good relations with both countries.
US Democratic lawmakers met with Puerto Rican mayors to address concerns about slow recovery from hurricanes and earthquakes. They pledged to expedite reimbursements and project approvals, citing issues with FEMA staffing and past policy delays. Despite billions allocated, significant funds remain undisbursed due to ongoing challenges.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn predicts a "disaster" for the GOP in the midterms and warns Donald Trump he'll face "miserable two years" if Democrats win, citing Trump's intervention in his primary loss.
The Liberal Democrats are preparing for the UK's next general election (due by 2029) by selecting 28 prospective parliamentary candidates, restructuring their press operation, and adopting a more offensive strategy to potentially return to government, leveraging their 72 MPs as a kingmaker in a likely hung parliament.
A looming funding deadline for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has intensified political deadlock in the US Senate. Democrats are blocking renewal, citing concerns over Donald Trump's nominee for acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, and demanding his withdrawal.
A looming deadline for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) renewal has created a political standoff in the US Senate. Republicans, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, are pushing for an extension, but Democrats are blocking it, citing concerns over Donald Trump's nominee for acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, and demanding reforms.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Ro Khanna are introducing a bill to create the "Foreign Investment Review Authority," an independent board to review direct foreign investments in the U.S. The bill aims to ensure investments benefit American workers and communities, prevent corrupt deals, and counter potential exploitation by adversaries.
President Trump attacked Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, calling him a "thug" and "pig" due to past conduct and controversial statements. Trump's criticism comes despite his own past accusations and endorsements of candidates with personal baggage.
Voter dissatisfaction and cynicism are rising across the Atlantic, impacting UK's Starmer and potentially signaling headwinds for Trump in the US midterms. The Makerfield by-election could trigger a leadership challenge for Starmer.
Donald Trump has appointed William Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, directing him to downsize the ODNI. Pulte's lack of experience has drawn bipartisan criticism, complicating efforts to renew FISA Section 702.
President Trump's delay in naming a permanent Director of National Intelligence risks the lapse of a key surveillance law, Section 702 of FISA, on June 12. Democrats are withholding votes due to concerns over Trump's temporary pick, Bill Pulte, who lacks experience. Trump has requested a short-term extension.
Former official Bian Qingzu stated that the 2026 US midterm elections will significantly impact China-US relations, noting "anti-Trump sentiment" and the potential Democratic Party gains in Congress.
A House hearing on six GOP crypto tax bills exposed a lack of bipartisan consensus, with Democrats questioning exemptions for staking and mining rewards and industry leaders pushing for broader tax relief on everyday crypto payments.
Top Democrats express concern over Bill Pulte's temporary appointment as Director of National Intelligence, citing his lack of national security experience and potential to advance Trump's unfounded voter fraud claims, potentially disrupting national security and voter integrity ahead of midterm elections.
Natasha Stott Despoja, former Australian Democrats leader, is appointed Companion of the Order of Australia, alongside others including Will Hodgman, Prof Terence Tao, and Fran Kelly, for their contributions to various fields.
California's slow vote counting process, designed for accuracy and fraud prevention, faces criticism and fraud allegations from Republicans, including Donald Trump, despite experts assuring the system's integrity.
As US midterm elections near, congressional Republicans are increasingly defying President Trump, voting with Democrats on resolutions like requiring congressional approval for hostilities against Iran and aiding Ukraine, amidst public disapproval of Trump's administration and concerns over his policies.
The US Justice Department sent a federal prosecutor to observe ballot processing in Los Angeles amid Donald Trump's baseless claims of election rigging in California's primary elections, where key races remain undecided with 65% of votes counted.
