Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has openly defended her friendship with US tech billionaire Elon Musk, asserting that her personal connection with him does not influence her duties as Italy’s leader. Speaking in Parliament, Meloni made it clear that her government remains independent, despite her relationship with Musk, and she emphasized that she would not be swayed by his economic interests.
The push for full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has taken a significant step forward with the U.S. House of Representatives passing the Lumbee Fairness Act. The bill, which aims to provide federal services and benefits to the Lumbee people, passed with a vote of 311-96 on Tuesday. While the bill received broad support, it also saw opposition from Reps. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.). Notably, Reps. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) and Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) did not vote.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pushed back against "false media narratives" about illegal immigration, following a report highlighting the state's economic growth.
The prosecution concluded its case on Wednesday in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, setting the stage for closing arguments in the coming days.
Congressional leaders revealed a stopgap funding bill on Tuesday to keep the government operational until March 14, setting off a race to pass the legislation by the end of the week.
Congress is preparing to vote on legislation that would restrict U.S. investments in China as part of a broader government funding bill, lawmakers announced Tuesday.
The U.S. government has agreed to pay nearly $116 million to settle lawsuits brought by over 100 women who suffered sexual abuse and mistreatment at the now-closed Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Dublin, California.
Defense attorneys for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain are set to begin presenting their case Wednesday in a corruption trial that has captured significant attention. The trial, which involves 23 counts of bribery, racketeering, and official misconduct, centers around the alleged "Madigan Enterprise" scheme in which utilities like ComEd and AT&T Illinois allegedly provided no-work jobs and contracts to individuals loyal to Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation in Springfield.