Sports betting ads
MPs study Senate bill to restrict sports betting ads as provinces object
Bill S-211 is before the House heritage committee, with Ontario, Alberta and a Bloc MP opposed and a Liberal MP hoping for a full ban
Politics news
Read the latest verified Politics news on BetaVoices, with related events, figures, and place-driven context.
This section currently has 129 approved stories, with the latest update on Oct 30, 2026.
2024 election
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- UK politics Starmer to quit as Labour leader, opening race for No 10 The prime minister says he will stay in office until Labour chooses a successor, with Andy Burnham already confirming he plans to stand
- Chicago resident living in shadows of Obama Presidential Center reveal chaos caused by years-long construction A Chicago resident describes flooding, shaking and years of construction disruption from the Barack Obama Presidential Center built across the street.
- UK politics Starmer to quit as Labour leader, triggering race for next prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he will stay in Downing Street until Labour chooses a successor, with nominations due to open on 9 July
Iran agreement
Pence criticizes Trump’s Iran memorandum as too weak
The former vice president said the agreement should be used to force stronger terms on Tehran during a 60-day period, including on nuclear activity and Iranian-backed attacks
UK politics
Keir Starmer’s first No 10 speech compared with resignation address
A BBC News video sets Starmer’s 2024 arrival at No 10 against his resignation speech, framing the two addresses as political bookends
UK politics
Welsh first minister seeks Westminster reset after Starmer resignation
Rhun ap Iorwerth is pressing the next prime minister for more Welsh powers, fair funding and respect for the Senedd mandate as Labour prepares to choose a new leader
High-speed rail
Ottawa weighs Alto route shift that could add Kingston stop
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon says Alto has been directed to develop a southern option for the Toronto–Quebec City rail line, but only if it meets technical and project requirements
Intelligence leadership
Trump delays Jay Clayton intelligence nomination in voter ID standoff
The president said he will keep Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief while tying action on a surveillance program to a voting bill that lacks enough support in Congress
2026 Primaries
Georgia, Alabama runoffs top Tuesday’s primary calendar
Republican voters are settling key Senate and governor matchups as primaries also unfold in Oklahoma, California and Washington, D.C
Federal Reserve
Trump’s trust gives Kevin Warsh room to reshape the Fed
Markets expect the new Fed chair to hold rates steady Wednesday, but his bigger test is whether he can build support for longer-term changes inside the central bank
Dartmoor conservation dispute
Dartmoor pony cull fears grow over new grazing contracts
Campaigners warn Natural England’s new moorland schemes could force steep cuts to semi-wild pony herds, while ministers say no cull will be allowed
Labour leadership
Streeting warns Labour race must not become a pledge auction
The former health secretary said he would not make costly campaign promises he might have to reverse, as pressure on Keir Starmer’s leadership continues
Middle East diplomacy
U.S.-Iran deal lifts markets, but key questions remain
The sides say a memorandum is ready for signing Friday in Switzerland, but the text is unreleased, Hormuz is not yet fully reopened and Israel is not part of the agreement
Presidential finances
Trump investment accounts made 3,600 trades in three months
A new analysis of the president’s financial disclosure shows between $212 million and $695 million in stock and securities transactions, drawing ethics scrutiny and competing explanations from investment professionals
White House
UFC comes to White House lawn for Trump’s 80th birthday
The Freedom 250 card, tied to America’s 250th anniversary, drew thousands, a legal challenge and a title upset by Justin Gaethje
UK defence
John Healey resigns as defence secretary over spending plan
In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Healey said the government’s defence investment plan does not meet the demands facing the UK
House Epstein investigation
Bill Gates testifies behind closed doors in House Epstein inquiry
The Microsoft co-founder told lawmakers he regretted meeting Jeffrey Epstein and denied witnessing criminal conduct or victimizing anyone, according to his opening statement
Illegal mini-marts to shut for up to 12 months under law change prompted by BBC
Under current rules, shops breaking the law can only be closed for up to six months in England and Wales.
World Cup 2026
Somali World Cup referee barred from U.S. returns home to hero’s welcome
Omar Artan, selected for the 2026 tournament, was refused entry at Miami after U.S. officials cited vetting concerns and alleged links to suspected terror-group members
California governor’s race
Becerra, Hilton set for California governor showdown
The Associated Press determined Republican Steve Hilton had enough votes to advance, setting up a November race against Democrat Xavier Becerra to succeed Gavin Newsom
Nevada governor’s race
Lombardo, Ford projected to set up competitive Nevada governor race
CBS News projects Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford won their primaries, putting a top Democratic target on the November ballot
Canada-U.S. border
Carney says Gordie Howe bridge will open this week after Trump threat
The prime minister called the Windsor-Detroit crossing “positive news,” but did not give an exact time for when traffic will begin moving over it
Justice Department
Trump nominates Todd Blanche for attorney general
The acting attorney general and former Trump defense lawyer heads to the Senate amid scrutiny from Democrats and some Republicans over his Justice Department tenure
NBA Finals
Trump booed at MSG before Knicks fall to Spurs in Game 3
The president’s high-security visit came as New York hosted its first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999. The Knicks still lead the series 2-1
2026 Primaries
Maine Senate primary tests Platner as four states vote
Graham Platner is trying to formalize the Democratic nomination to face Sen. Susan Collins as voters also decide key contests in South Carolina, Nevada and North Dakota
UK energy bills
Lib Dems propose discounted basic energy allowance for all households
The party says its Essential Energy Guarantee would cut average household bills by £100 a year, with larger savings for those in greatest need
Iran nuclear talks
Trump’s Iran push keeps returning to the nuclear deal he abandoned
As a war-ending agreement remains out of reach, the 2015 JCPOA is again the benchmark for judging Trump’s promise of a stronger deal with Tehran
National intelligence
Trump turns to Bill Pulte for intelligence shake-up, triggering qualification fight
The president says Pulte will serve only temporarily while starting cuts at the intelligence director’s office, but lawmakers from both parties are questioning his lack of national security experience
Democratic Party
Mamdani says Democrats have lost focus on working people
The New York City mayor, a self-described democratic socialist, said the party should return to a New Deal-style focus on rent, housing and everyday costs
Governor General
Louise Arbour to be sworn in as Canada’s 31st governor general
The former Supreme Court justice takes over from Mary Simon in an Ottawa ceremony that begins at 10 a.m. ET
Livestock health
US confirms second Texas screwworm case as Canada limits imports
The latest detection was found in a calf in Zavala County, within an existing control zone, while officials say the U.S. food supply remains safe
Intelligence leadership
Trump names Bill Pulte acting intelligence chief after Gabbard resignation
The housing finance regulator will keep his FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac roles while taking over an intelligence post created after 9/11 to coordinate U.S. spy agencies
Taxpayer service
Taxpayers’ ombudsperson to investigate CRA complaint process
François Boileau says taxpayers can face unclear routes and uneven timelines when seeking help from the Canada Revenue Agency
North American trade
Canada formally tells U.S. and Mexico it wants CUSMA renewed
Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc gave notice ahead of a July 1 review, as Ottawa seeks tariff relief and Washington signals it wants changes to the pact
Justice Department
DOJ Pauses Trump ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund as Six States Vote
The department says it will follow a federal judge’s order blocking work on the disputed fund for now, while primaries in California and Iowa draw attention for their fall implications
Maine Senate race
Sanders says he is not reconsidering Platner endorsement amid explicit-texts report
The Vermont independent said voters should focus on working-class issues after reports that Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner exchanged sexual texts after marrying his wife
Iran war powers
Rubio heads to Congress as GOP unease grows over Trump’s Iran strategy
The secretary of state is set for four budget hearings as lawmakers in both chambers weigh measures to restrict U.S. military involvement without congressional approval
UK politics
Mandelson files leave gaps over messages, vetting and Epstein
More than 1,500 pages have been released on Lord Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US, but key records and answers remain undisclosed
Washington landmarks
Freedom Plaza gets Revolutionary War display ahead of America’s 250th
The Interior Department installed Caesar Rodney and 12 Revolutionary War soldiers at a Washington site known for protests, encampments and 2020 demonstrations
Court
Donaldson letter to accuser was not about abuse claims, lawyer says
The former DUP leader denies 18 sex abuse charges, including rape, as his defence continues cross-examining one of two alleged victims
Texas Democrats
Allred runoff win over Julie Johnson opens Democratic rift
Equality PAC leaders criticized Colin Allred for challenging Texas’ only openly lesbian member of Congress after his nearly 8-point primary runoff victory
Biden 2024 debate
Jill Biden says Biden’s 2024 debate left her fearing a stroke
The former first lady told CBS News she was frightened by Joe Biden’s performance, a sharper private reaction than the public encouragement she offered that night and afterward
Youth employment
UK youth joblessness could cost £125bn a year, review warns
Alan Milburn’s interim review says more than one million 16- to 24-year-olds are already outside work, education or training, with numbers projected to rise without urgent action
Parliament
Second batch of Mandelson papers delayed until after recess
Darren Jones told MPs the documents will be released after Parliament returns, amid questions over withheld files and new redaction grounds
Second Amendment lawsuit
Civil liberties group sues Illinois over FOID gun-card law
The New Civil Liberties Alliance says Illinois’ firearm identification requirement unlawfully conditions gun possession on state permission
Welsh politics
Rhun ap Iorwerth says he raised Welsh independence with Starmer
Wales’ new first minister told the Senedd he wants a national conversation on independence while also pressing for more powers, funding and action on public services
Inflation
Canada’s inflation rate rises to 2.8% as gas prices surge
Statistics Canada said energy costs drove the April increase, while rent, food and core inflation measures showed slower price growth
Michigan Senate race
McMorrow paid overdue water bills after questions from Fox News
The Michigan Democrat running for Senate had more than $3,000 in unpaid water and sewer charges on her Royal Oak home while backing water-affordability legislation
Military safety
Army safety specialist warns Pentagon drone push may raise accident risks
A March memo obtained by CBS News described a mini-drone blast that injured a Special Forces soldier and questioned whether explosive safeguards are keeping pace with rapid drone development
Washington curfew enforcement
Pirro warns parents could face charges over teens’ curfew violations
The D.C. U.S. attorney said her office may use a delinquency statute against parents as officials respond to large teen gatherings in parts of the city
Parliamentary scrutiny
Mandelson appointment papers are being withheld, intelligence watchdog says
The Intelligence and Security Committee says ministers should seek MPs’ approval before holding back some material tied to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US
Maine Senate race
Susan Collins’ Maine race puts Senate clout — and federal dollars — at stake
The Republican incumbent chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, a rare perch her campaign says has helped steer nearly $1.5 billion to Maine since 2021
Global protests
Fox report: 736 ‘Nakba 78’ protests planned across 39 countries
The demonstrations mark the Palestinian term for the founding of Israel and displacement of Palestinians; critics and organizers sharply dispute their meaning and intent
Housing fight
House GOP splits with Trump over Senate housing bill
Trump wants the House to pass a Senate-approved affordability package, but House Republicans are advancing a modified plan that could slow its path to his desk
Security legislation
Bill C-22 draws U.S. scrutiny over police access to data
American lawmakers and major tech companies warn the Canadian bill could affect U.S. users, while Ottawa says critics are misreading its safeguards
UK politics
Reform says Farage bought £1.4m house with ITV fee, not donor gift
The party says the Surrey purchase was unrelated to a £5m payment from Christopher Harborne now under scrutiny by Parliament’s standards commissioner
U.S.-China relations
Trump Says Decision Is Coming on China-Iran Oil Sanctions
The president said he discussed possible relief for Chinese oil companies after Washington targeted refiners accused of importing Iranian crude
UK politics
Burnham’s Commons path opens, but Makerfield poses Reform test
Number 10 is not expected to block the Greater Manchester mayor this time, but Reform UK’s recent strength in the constituency could make the by-election a defining fight
Industrial carbon pricing
Ottawa and Alberta near carbon-pricing deal at $130 a tonne by 2040
CBC News reports the tentative plan would raise Alberta’s effective industrial carbon price more slowly than Canada’s earlier headline path, with some issues still unresolved
Parliamentary standards
Farage faces Commons standards inquiry over £5m gift
The inquiry will examine whether the Reform UK leader should have registered a gift from billionaire backer Christopher Harborne after he became an MP
Federal anti-fraud crackdown
Vance-led task force withholds $1.4B from home health, hospice providers
The suspensions target providers suspected of fraud nationwide, including operations in California and Minnesota, as officials press a broader crackdown on federal program abuse
Texas Senate race
Obama joins Talarico in Austin as Democrats look to shore up Black voter support
The former president appeared with James Talarico after a bruising Democratic Senate primary in which Jasmine Crockett dominated among Black voters but lost the nomination
UK politics
King’s Speech sets out 37 bills as Starmer faces pressure
King Charles outlined the government’s legislative programme for the year ahead, but leadership speculation around the prime minister quickly became Westminster’s dominant question
Labour leadership crisis
Jess Phillips among four ministers quitting as Starmer fights revolt
The resignations deepen Labour’s internal crisis after poor election results, though a formal challenge to the prime minister has not been triggered
Ontario Liberals
Nate Erskine-Smith challenges Scarborough Southwest nomination loss
The Liberal MP filed an appeal after losing a provincial nomination race tied to his expected Ontario Liberal leadership bid
UK politics
Who could challenge Keir Starmer if Labour turns on him?
No Labour leadership contest has been triggered, but Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are among the figures being discussed as pressure builds on the prime minister
Federal court
Cole Allen pleads not guilty in Trump assassination-attempt case
Allen faces four federal counts tied to the alleged April 25 attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, including attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump
UK elections
Reform gains reshape early UK election results as Labour and Tories lose ground
Results are still coming in across England, Scotland and Wales, but early counts point to a fragmented political map and a difficult test for Keir Starmer’s Labour government
Iran-U.S. Ceasefire Talks
Iran Reviews U.S. Ceasefire Plan as Hormuz Fighting Tests Truce
Tehran has not formally answered Washington’s latest proposal, which links sanctions relief and access to the Strait of Hormuz to sweeping nuclear limits
Britain elections
Parties make final push before elections across Britain
Voters in Scotland and Wales will choose national governments, while English council and mayoral races could test Labour’s standing after its 2024 general election win
Indiana GOP primaries
Trump-backed challengers oust Indiana GOP senators after redistricting fight
Five Trump-endorsed candidates defeated Republican state senators who opposed his push to redraw Indiana’s congressional map ahead of the midterms
Strait of Hormuz tensions
Hegseth says Iran ceasefire still holds after Strait exchange
The defense secretary said U.S. escorts for commercial ships are separate from the broader conflict, even after Iranian fire and a U.S. strike on small boats
Voting rights and redistricting
Supreme Court ruling sets off new redistricting fight before midterms
Republican-led Southern states are moving quickly after the court limited a key Voting Rights Act tool, while Democrats look for countermeasures in states such as New York
Strait of Hormuz tensions
Hegseth dismisses Iran ‘kamikaze dolphins’ claim as Hormuz tensions rise
The defense secretary rejected the idea that Iran has weaponized marine mammals, while the U.S. Navy’s own dolphin and sea lion program shows their long military role in detecting mines and underwater threats
Campaign spending
Sanders campaign paid for Netflix after senator criticized company’s taxes
Federal Election Commission records cited by Fox News show monthly subscription payments from January through March; the campaign did not respond to a request for comment
Governor general appointment
Carney names Louise Arbour as Canada’s next governor general
The former Supreme Court justice and international human rights figure will replace Mary Simon as the King’s representative in Canada
Strait of Hormuz
Hegseth says Iran ceasefire still holds after Strait exchange
The defense secretary said U.S. escorts for commercial ships are separate from the broader conflict, even after Iranian fire and a U.S. strike on small boats
Immigration policy
Reform says it would put migrant detention centres in Green-voting areas
The party says Green constituencies and councils would be prioritised under its deportation plans, drawing sharp criticism from rival parties
Ukraine support
Starmer says UK talks on EU Ukraine loan could strengthen ties
The prime minister said Britain is discussing participation in a £78bn EU-backed loan plan, with potential benefits for Ukraine, UK jobs and defence cooperation with Brussels
Strait of Hormuz
Trump says US will guide stranded ships out of Hormuz as Iran warns against intervention
The initiative, called “Project Freedom,” is set against a dangerous maritime standoff, disrupted energy shipments and unanswered questions over how the Navy would move vessels safely
Black Hills
Nine tribes sue to block graphite drilling near Black Hills sacred site
The lawsuit says federal agencies approved Pete Lien & Sons’ exploratory project near Pe'Sla without required tribal consultation or environmental review