HOUSTON (AP) — The push to redraw congressional maps in Texas is shifting the dynamics of the state’s 2026 Senate campaign. It is renewing hope for Democrats as they gain attention for pushing back against the GOP redistricting efforts led by President Donald Trump. Republican rivals are using the moment to burnish their leadership credentials.…… MORE
Pope Affirms Right of People to Return Home After Unjust Exile in Meeting With Chagos Refugees
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has affirmed the right of people to return to their homes after an unjust exile. Leo spoke during an audience on Saturday with refugees from Chagos, the Indian Ocean archipelago that is home to a strategic U.S.-U.K. military base. Some 2,000 Chagossians were evicted from their homes by Britain…… MORE
Texas Gov. Abbott Says He’ll Swiftly Sign New Maps on His Desk That Will Boost GOP in 2026
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has promised to sign a new congressional voting map designed to help Republicans maintain their slim majority in Congress. Texas lawmakers approved the map early Saturday, adding five new districts favoring Republicans. Democrats have vowed to challenge it in court. The move is part of a broader…… MORE
Fed Chair Powell Faces Fresh Challenges to Fed Independence Amid Potential Rate Cuts
WASHINGTON (AP) — Now that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has signaled that the central bank could soon cut its key interest rate, he faces a new challenge: how to do it without seeming to cave to the White House’s demands. For months, Powell has largely ignored President Donald Trump’s relentless hectoring that he reduce…… MORE
European Postal Services Suspend Shipment of Packages to US Over Tariffs
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Multiple postal services around Europe say they are suspending the shipment of many packages to the United States amid a lack of clarity over new import duties. Postal services in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Italy say they will stop shipping most merchandise to the U.S. effective immediately. France and Austria will…… MORE