US and Iran Tensions Grow Amid Military Build up in Middle East

President Donald Trump has deployed two aircraft carrier battle groups within striking distance of Iran along with fighter jets in the biggest military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iran. Trump has said military strikes may be needed to persuade Iran to accept a deal to limit its nuclear program. NBC’s … Read more

France restricts Trump ambassador’s access to officials after missed summons

France has restricted U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner’s access to senior government officials after he failed to attend a summons from the French Foreign Ministry over comments regarding the death of a French activist. Speaking Tuesday in an interview with public broadcaster France Info, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Kushner’s decision not to appear at … Read more

To go or not to go? Supreme Court at the State of the Union

It goes against the very instincts of some of the most powerful officials in the U.S.: get all dressed up, appear before a national TV audience, but sit there like statues without betraying any words or emotion. For members of the Supreme Court, enduring the annual State of the Union address is a civic exercise … Read more

Federal court refuses to block new Utah congressional voting map that may favor Democrats

A federal court ruling Monday has essentially locked in a new Utah congressional redistricting map that would create a Democrat-heavy Salt Lake City-based seat, potentially flipping one of Utah’s Republican-held U.S. House seats. A special three-judge federal panel is allowing a revised congressional redistricting map in Utah to go into effect, rejecting an effort by … Read more

Former UK ambassador to US released on bail after arrest in Epstein misconduct investigation

Peter Mandelson, the former U.K. ambassador to the United States, has been released on bail pending additional investigation after he was arrested in a misconduct probe stemming from his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. “A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation. He … Read more