Author: Mandy Matthews

Sen. Tim Kaine acknowledged that the Democrats’ redistricting push was never truly about “fairness,” and critics say the strategy is plainly aimed at weakening President Donald Trump’s political standing while sidelining millions of voters. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., admitted Sunday that the Democrats’ extreme gerrymandering effort was never about “fairness,” and his words have left opponents scrambling to explain a strategy that looks more like raw political engineering than a push for equal representation. That admission cuts through the usual rhetoric about impartial maps and exposes a simpler motive: winning power by reshaping who gets to vote for whom. For…

The House Ethics Committee urged people to step forward with reports of sexual misconduct by lawmakers, a plea that comes amid growing criticism over the panel’s effectiveness and handling of sensitive allegations. The committee’s public request for reports landed in a political storm, with critics calling past actions weak and inconsistent. Republicans in particular have used that language to argue the committee needs sharper rules and firmer consequences to restore credibility. The core problem is not just that allegations exist, it’s how the committee has responded. When process looks slow or secretive, it gives the impression of protecting insiders instead…

The Supreme Court will hear St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, a dispute over whether Colorado excluded Catholic families and preschools from its “universal” preschool program and whether that exclusion violates the First Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to take up St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, a case that raises fundamental questions about religious liberty and equal treatment under state programs. The dispute centers on whether Colorado improperly excluded Catholic parents and a Catholic preschool from benefits tied to a “universal” preschool initiative. At stake is how far a state can go in drawing lines that…

The Israel Defense Forces recently introduced a new, fully automatic artillery howitzer into active service during combat operations in Lebanon, putting its automated loading, higher cadence of fire, and digital targeting to a real-world test under combat conditions. The system arrived with the stated goal of improving accuracy and responsiveness for ground forces operating near the border. Its automatic loading mechanism reduces manual handling, letting the gun sustain a faster, more consistent rate of fire when called upon. Units on the ground reported the howitzer was used to suppress hostile positions and respond to incoming fire during the engagement window…

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday that the United States is close to a deal that would permanently end Iran’s nuclear program, dismissing Tehran’s threats to the Strait of Hormuz. Energy Secretary Chris Wright delivered a blunt message Sunday about Iran and its nuclear ambitions, saying the United States is close to a deal that would permanently end Iran’s nuclear program. He also dismissed Tehran’s threats to the Strait of Hormuz, signaling that Washington is treating those warnings as background noise rather than a strategic deterrent. The statement reflects a confident tone from a senior official with responsibility over energy…

Pope Leo XIV challenged Angola’s leaders to break the “cycle of interests” that have plundered and exploited Africa for centuries as he arrived in the southern African country on Saturd

North Korea again launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea on Sunday, an action its neighbors reported as the latest in a steady drumbeat of weapons testing this year, and the move raises fresh questions about deterrence, alliances, and American resolve. This latest launch — described by neighbors as multiple ballistic missiles aimed at the sea on Sunday — is not an isolated incident but part of an accelerating pattern of provocative behavior from Pyongyang. For Republicans, the core concern is clear: Congress and the administration must treat these tests as evidence that deterrence needs reinforcing, not as routine diplomatic…

Donald Trump’s rise and return have reshaped American politics, transforming institutions, voter expectations, and party identity in ways that keep driving headlines and reshaping policy debates. Donald Trump upended political norms and forced the Republican Party to adapt quickly to a new, more populist cadence. He made government moves that had tangible effects, from reshaping the federal judiciary to changing trade relationships. His style broke from establishment politics and left a lasting imprint on how campaigns are run and how voters judge leaders. The most lasting institutional change is the judiciary. Through three Supreme Court appointments and dozens of appellate…

A clear-eyed look at Iran’s continuing weapons threat and what a firm U.S. response needs to include. The region still faces a serious and immediate danger from Iranian capabilities, and that requires straight talk about deterrence and intelligence. This piece lays out the scale of the threat, the gaps in current posture, and pragmatic steps to strengthen U.S. and allied defenses without flinching. It keeps to facts, numbers, and the single blunt sentence provided straight from the reporting below. “Iran’s military forces still hold stockpiles of thousands of missiles and attack drones that pose a threat to U.S. and allied…

President Trump staged a midterm-style rally aimed at young voters, held with Turning Point USA as sponsor, in a bid to energize Republican turnout. President Trump brought a campaign energy to a youth-focused event meant to lift Republican candidates and reconnect with younger voters. The crowd mix skewed energetic and on-message, with the former president delivering his usual blend of blunt lines and big-picture promises. Organizers leaned on familiar talking points about the economy, national security, and cultural issues to frame the stakes for the midterms. The tone throughout felt like a direct appeal to a generation often written off…