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Partial government shutdown ends after Trump signs DHS budget bill
An 11-week partial US government shutdown ended on Thursday when President Donald Trump signed legislation restoring funding to the Department of Homeland Security. The resolution required Republicans to exclude Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection from the bill, a compromise their leadership had previously refused. DHS agencies including the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which had operated without guaranteed funding since February 14, will now receive necessary appropriations. The standoff began in early February when Democrats demanded ICE reforms following the killing of two US citizens during federal immigration raids in Minnesota.
Europe challenges Israel as US credibility erodes
Analysts argue that a pattern of US escalation and retreat under Trump 2.0 has reduced the cost of dissent for European governments. Consequently, several European nations are adopting a more assertive stance on Israel and the war in Gaza, including calls for ceasefires, debates over suspending economic ties, and potential recognition of Palestine. This shift reflects a move from automatic deference to conditional alignment, as European leaders test boundaries where US pressure no longer appears decisive.
GOP lawmakers express frustration over Mike Johnson leadership style
Republican lawmakers have voiced intense frustration with House Speaker Mike Johnson following a week of floor chaos and broken promises regarding an ethanol fuel measure. Multiple members accused Johnson of reneging on agreements and failing to deliver on votes, leading to shouting matches and closed-door complaints. While Johnson dismissed the criticism as fake news, rank-and-file members worry about the party's ability to govern and retain its majority. The internal discord has also drawn mockery from Democrats, who contrast the current GOP disarray with past leadership.
Kevin Warsh nomination as Fed Chair may lead to leadership change by May 31
Market pricing indicates a 92.3% probability of Kevin Warsh's confirmation as Federal Reserve Chair by May 15 and a 97.8% likelihood of Jerome Powell's exit by May 31. Warsh's potential support for interest rate cuts amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could influence his confirmation prospects. The Federal Reserve currently maintains rates at 3.50%-3.75%. Observers are monitoring the Senate Banking Committee and economic data for further developments.
European Parliament approves Turnberry Deal with safeguards against US leverage
In March 2026, the European Parliament approved parts of the legally non-binding Turnberry Deal, a trade agreement concluded in July 2025 between the EU and the USA. Following postponements due to geopolitical threats, the approval paves the way for trilogue negotiations aimed at tariff reductions. The deal involves significant EU concessions, including tariff eliminations on US industrial goods and commitments to reduce bureaucratic burdens on US companies regarding sustainability regulations. However, the Parliament's approval includes conditional mechanisms to quickly respond to external threats, reflecting concerns over the agreement's asymmetrical nature and the risk of US tariffs being used as geopolitical leverage.
Edinburgh constituencies too close to call one week before vote
Dr Eoghan Kelly of Devolved Election Projections states it is reasonably likely the SNP could lose three marginal Edinburgh seats: Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Northern & Edinburgh North Eastern, and Leith. Using Monte Carlo simulations, DEP projects the SNP has a 47% chance of winning Edinburgh Central against Green Lorna Slater, while holding narrow leads in the other two. A loss in these seats could significantly impact the SNP's chances of securing a majority at Holyrood, potentially altering regional list seat allocations for the Greens, Reform, Labour, and Lib Dems.
Trump briefed on Iran military options impacting Bitcoin and oil markets
U.S. President Donald Trump has been briefed on further military options in Iran as a 60-day ceasefire deadline approaches. This development indicates potential conflict escalation, influencing Bitcoin and WTI Crude Oil markets. Bitcoin pricing shows decreased confidence reflecting risk-off sentiment, while oil markets face upward pressure due to fears of supply disruptions. Congressional approval for continued operations remains a key factor.
Trump briefed on military options as Iran conflict escalates
US President Donald Trump received a briefing from military commanders regarding potential strategies for the ongoing Iran-U.S. conflict. Options discussed include infrastructure strikes, seizing the Strait of Hormuz, and a special forces mission to seize Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. The situation remains deadlocked over the nuclear program, with congressional approval required for operations beyond the current 60-day threshold. Market activity reflects increased pricing for a US invasion scenario.
Swinney says Holyrood election offers chance to chart new course for Scotland
Scottish First Minister John Swinney stated that next week's Holyrood election provides an opportunity for Scotland to chart a new course. He contrasted the potential benefits of independence with the damaging impact of Westminster decisions regarding austerity and Brexit. Swinney aims to secure an overall majority for the SNP to enable a second vote on the future of the UK and to implement measures addressing the cost-of-living crisis, including food price controls and bus fare caps.
Senate Banking Committee advances Coinbase backed Clarity Act toward summer 2026 signature
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott is pushing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act toward a presidential signature by summer 2026. The committee markup is scheduled for this month, with over 100 industry groups demanding action. The bill, which previously cleared the House in July 2025, aims to resolve SEC vs CFTC jurisdictional overlap and establish stablecoin regulations. Support includes Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, SEC Chair Paul Atkins, and White House adviser Patrick Witt. Passage could unlock institutional adoption by clarifying regulatory boundaries.
House passes DHS funding bill to end government shutdown
The US House of Representatives passed a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, clearing a major hurdle to ending a record-long partial government shutdown. Speaker Mike Johnson rallied his majority to approve the Senate's proposal, sending it to President Donald Trump. The vote also included a resolution unlocking budget reconciliation and a three-year extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act with specific reforms. Additionally, the House passed a farm bill to revamp agricultural policy. The legislation now awaits presidential signature.
Gerrymandering maps reshape power ahead of 2026 midterms
Ahead of the 2026 US midterms, gerrymandering is influencing congressional seat allocations across multiple states. Virginia's Supreme Court is reviewing new Democratic-proposed maps that could grant the party four additional House seats. Republicans, supported by President Donald Trump, aim to retain their slim House majority through redistricting in Texas, North Carolina, and Ohio. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also called for a special session to redraw maps. Nationwide, these efforts could result in nine extra seats for Republicans and up to ten for Democrats depending on legal outcomes.
Louisiana suspends congressional primary following Supreme Court ruling
Republican Governor Jeff Landry issued an executive order suspending Louisiana's congressional primaries scheduled for May 16. This decision follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down a majority Black congressional district. Early voting, originally set to begin Saturday, is now cancelled to allow state lawmakers time to draw new House districts. Primaries for other state offices remain on schedule. President Donald Trump has urged other states to consider revising their districts in response to the court decision.
John Swinney to deliver Scottish independence speech in Stirling
Scottish First Minister John Swinney is scheduled to deliver a speech on Scottish independence at 9:45am in Stirling. Ahead of the May 7 election, Swinney argues that leaving the UK union would lower energy bills and provide a fresh start for Scotland. He urges voters to support the SNP to secure a majority and lock out Reform UK. The speech may be broadcast on BBC, STV, or the SNP's social media channels.
Labour support declines in London boroughs ahead of 2026 elections
A recent YouGov MRP poll indicates Labour's support has fallen in London boroughs, with the party projected to lead in only 15 of 32 areas compared to 21 in 2022. This decline, driven by the rise of Reform UK and the Green Party, challenges Keir Starmer's leadership ahead of the May 2026 local elections. Nationally, Labour polling remains between 18-26% as the political landscape shifts from class-based to social conservative-liberal divides.
US national debt equals economy size prompting voter demand for fiscal plans
The Peter G. Peterson Foundation reports that US national debt has reached $39 trillion, matching the size of the economy. A survey of 1,000 registered voters conducted April 20-22 reveals 92% are concerned about the debt's impact on inflation and cost of living. With 94% of respondents more likely to support candidates with concrete debt plans, the issue has become a top priority ahead of the November election. The Fiscal Confidence Index fell to 42 in April, reflecting deep voter worry about the debt trajectory and its consequences on borrowing costs and Social Security.
Trump signs bill to fund DHS after lengthy shutdown over ICE operations
U.S. President Donald Trump signed legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security, ending an 11-week partial shutdown. The Republican-controlled House unanimously passed a Senate-approved bill, bypassing previous conservative demands for modifications. This action resolves the funding logjam affecting agencies including the Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration.
Congress restores most DHS funding ending 75-day shutdown
On April 30, the US Congress approved legislation restoring funding for most Department of Homeland Security operations, ending a 75-day partial shutdown. President Donald Trump signed the measure into law the same day. The law funds the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and U.S. Coast Guard. Funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection was excluded and deferred to separate negotiations. The shutdown began on February 14 due to an impasse over immigration enforcement policy.
Reform UK set to become Holyrood's formal opposition in May 2026
Analysis suggests Reform UK is projected to emerge as the formal opposition in the Scottish Parliament following the May 2026 election. This development challenges the narrative of Scottish political exceptionalism promoted by the SNP and First Minister John Swinney. The article argues that rising support for right-wing parties exposes contradictions within Scotland's civic nationalism, potentially leading to significant public sector job cuts if the SNP returns to power. The text highlights a disconnect between the governing class's progressive self-image and the reality of austerity measures affecting deprived communities.
Louisiana Republicans consider canceling US House primaries following Supreme Court ruling
Louisiana Republican leaders are debating canceling May 16 primary elections for six US House seats after the Supreme Court struck down the state's congressional map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander in Callais v. Louisiana. With absentee ballots mailed and early voting starting Saturday, officials discuss postponing races until new maps are drawn. While some lawmakers see a path to approval by June 1, others warn of legal challenges and voter confusion. The decision follows similar moves in Mississippi and Florida to redraw maps favoring Republicans.