President Trump’s Joint Address Viewed by 36.6 Million People in the US

President Trump’s speech before Congress had a viewership of 36.6 million in the United States, which is a significant increase from President Biden’s 2024 State of the Union Address, watched by 32.23 million people. The vast majority of viewers also approved of Donald Trump’s address, according to polls both by CBS and CNN.

SCOTUS Rules USAID Contractors Be Paid

However, the ruling is not as bad for the Trump administration as the headline makes it sound: it only dictates that contractors be paid for their jobs already completed, totalling around $2 billion in expenses. The decision was close, a 5–4 split among the justices.

A Closer Look at the Most Chaotic Day of Modern Serbian Democracy

4 March will be considered a dark day in the history of modern Serbian democracy. During the first day of the spring session, opposition politicians threw smoke bombs and flares in the building, sabotaging key reforms regarding months-long anti-government protests. The chaotic events fit in a regional pattern of destabilization efforts concerning patriotic governments, including Hungary and Slovakia.

A Crossroads for the Church — Why Cardinal Péter Erdő Is the Pope’s Ideal Successor

‘As Francis’s tenure nears its close, we stand at a crossroads—what lies ahead? I pray for his renewed health, while recognizing the time has come—for Catholics, Christians of other traditions, non-believers, indeed all who cherish our shared Western civilization—to ponder and pray for the next pontiff. For the Church and the world now face trials that demand a steady hand to guide this succession’s course.’

Robert Palladino Succeeds David Pressman as Head of US Embassy in Hungary

Senior US diplomat Robert Palladino will assume leadership of the US Embassy in Budapest as Chargé d’Affaires from 7 March. However, as stated in the embassy’s announcement, Palladino’s mandate is temporary, leaving the race open for the successor to former US Ambassador David Pressman—who will face the enormous task of repairing US–Hungary relations, which were severely damaged by Joe Biden’s envoy.

Bosnia and Hungary in Diplomatic Standoff over Orbán–Dodik Ties

The Hungarian Foreign Ministry’s plane was denied landing in Sarajevo following a decision by Bosnian Defence Minister Zukan Helez. Helez cited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s continued support for Milorad Dodik, leader of Republika Srpska. Dodik was sentenced to one year in prison last week on politically motivated grounds.

A Chill Wind from the West

‘It was from Plymouth in 1588 that Sir Francis Drake set out to defeat another invading force, that of the Spanish Armada…Perhaps it is too much to hope that it will be from Plymouth once again that a wind of change blows through our land, blasting to smithereens the remnant of any idea that multicultural society has succeeded and that vast numbers of immigrants are an unalloyed good.’