Politics

Donald Trump announced an immediate halt to Russian and Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure, but the agreement’s scope and status remained unclear. European leaders backed Volodymyr Zelensky amid renewed U.S. pressure, while deadly airport strikes in Saudi Arabia and mounting fiscal strains in France added to a turbulent international picture.

Judge Timothy Kelly issued a 14-day restraining order after finding that the outlets were likely to succeed on their procedural due process claim. He questioned the administration’s national security justification, while leaving the broader First Amendment dispute unresolved.

Major U.S. television networks have suspended pooled White House coverage in protest at bans on several outlets. New York Times correspondent Luke Broadwater described a troubled debut for Trump TV, the administration’s new online channel, and questioned whether the restrictions would survive in court.

Officials announced that Vladimir Putin-backed United Russia was well ahead in an election with little room for surprises. Putin is likely to use the results to claim support for his leadership and the war on Ukraine.

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Italy would act without waiting for European bureaucracy, warning that disrupted shipping routes threaten businesses, household purchasing power and economic stability.

The Meloni government has decided to suspend vehicle tax in 2027 for cars with up to 80 kilowatts of power and all motorcycles. Regional compensation remains unresolved, while the measure continues Italy’s approach of supporting motorists rather than encouraging lower fuel consumption.

Italy’s governing parties avoided another split over preference voting after hours of negotiations in the Senate. Uncertainty over Vannacci’s electoral impact and concern about women’s representation could still complicate the bill’s return to the Chamber of Deputies.

The Italian political landscape has always had a peculiar talent for falling in love with new personalities.