The Vatican City State has enacted stricter penalties for unauthorized entry and violations of its security regulations, threatening offenders with steep fines and prison sentences. The updated rules were announced through a decree signed by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, and aim to enhance security within the world’s smallest sovereign state.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his handling of the nation’s child grooming gang scandal on Monday, responding to increased scrutiny following remarks from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Pope Francis ushered in the New Year with a powerful message emphasizing the sanctity of life, calling for a "firm commitment" to respect and protect human life from conception to natural death. During a New Year's Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on January 1, 2024, the pope dedicated his homily to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and prayed for a greater societal awareness to care for all forms of life.
The bipartisan federal spending plan championed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has been abandoned following criticism from House Republicans, President-elect Donald Trump, and Tesla and X owner Elon Musk.
USA Fencing is under scrutiny following a board meeting where members voted against motions to change current policies related to the national anthem and transgender athlete participation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly turned down President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to attend his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Trump’s outreach to Xi was part of an effort to establish dialogue with not only allied nations but also with competitors and adversaries.
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a challenge to a Wisconsin school district policy that facilitates gender transitions without informing parents. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, signaling they would have taken up the case.
Former President Barack Obama admitted the defeat of his diversity-driven "pluralism" agenda in a speech delivered December 5 in Chicago. Speaking to a selective audience, Obama called for rebuilding institutions to support diversity and inclusion, following President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive 2024 election victory.
Chicago residents are voicing their dissatisfaction as the city grapples with a billion-dollar budget deficit. During a city council meeting Monday, public comments reflected growing frustrations with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s policies, particularly his approach to sanctuary city initiatives and proposed tax increases.