WEATHER ALERT
Government shutdown is averted just after deadline as Congress rejects Trump's debt limit demands
Read full article: Government shutdown is averted just after deadline as Congress rejects Trump's debt limit demandsThe Senate has rushed through final passage of a bipartisan plan to fund federal operations and prevent a government shutdown.
The Latest: Schumer says Senate on course to pass bill before funding lapses at midnight
Read full article: The Latest: Schumer says Senate on course to pass bill before funding lapses at midnightWith hours to go before a midnight government shutdown, the House has approved a new plan from House Speaker Mike Johnson that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, but dropped President-elect Donald Trump’s demands for a debt limit increase into the new year.
US effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report finds
Read full article: US effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report findsThe U.S. Commerce Department’s efforts to curb China’s and Russia’s access to American-made advanced computer chips have been “inadequate” and will need more funding to stymie their ability to manufacture advanced weapons.
Bill responding to drone sightings is blocked in the Senate
Read full article: Bill responding to drone sightings is blocked in the SenateSenate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has been blocked from quickly advancing a bill that would allow local law enforcement agencies to track aerial drones.
Senate passes defense bill that will raise troop pay and aims to counter China's power
Read full article: Senate passes defense bill that will raise troop pay and aims to counter China's powerThe Senate has passed a defense bill that authorize significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members and boost overall military spending to $895 billion.
Florida Senate president proposes phasing out in-state tuition for ‘Dreamers’
Read full article: Florida Senate president proposes phasing out in-state tuition for ‘Dreamers’Senate President Ben Albritton on Monday suggested phasing out a decade-old law that allows some undocumented immigrant students, known as “Dreamers,” to receive in-state tuition rates at Florida universities and colleges.
As he prepares to leave leadership, McConnell challenges Trump on foreign policy
Read full article: As he prepares to leave leadership, McConnell challenges Trump on foreign policySenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is challenging President-elect Donald Trump to reject the isolationist voices within their party and build his foreign policy around military strength.
Trump nominees should ‘steer clear’ of undermining polio vaccine, McConnell says
Read full article: Trump nominees should ‘steer clear’ of undermining polio vaccine, McConnell saysSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, a childhood polio survivor, said any of President-elect Donald Trump’s picks requiring Senate confirmation should “steer clear” of efforts to discredit the polio vaccine.
McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
Read full article: McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in CapitolSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is still suffering from the effects of a fall in the Senate earlier this week and is missing votes on Thursday due to leg stiffness, according to his office.
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Read full article: Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of peopleThe Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people.
House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
Read full article: House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threatThe House has passed what was once a bipartisan effort to expand the number of federal district trial court judgeships across the country.
Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America
Read full article: Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of AmericaPresident-elect Donald Trump says he’s picking Kari Lake as director of Voice of America, installing a staunch loyalist who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and a Senate seat to head the congressionally funded broadcaster that provides independent news reporting around the world.
Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026
Read full article: Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026Senate Democrats failed in their bid to confirm a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board after the Senate rejected a razor-thin vote that hinged on the pivotal rejections of independent Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors
Read full article: House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsThe House has passed a measure that authorizes a 1% increase in spending this fiscal year and a double-digit pay raise for about half of the enlisted service members in the military.
McConnell falls and sprains wrist after GOP luncheon, colleague says he is 'fine'
Read full article: McConnell falls and sprains wrist after GOP luncheon, colleague says he is 'fine'Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell fell and sprained his wrist while walking out of a GOP luncheon on Tuesday, the latest in a series of medical incidents for him in recent years.
New California Sen. Adam Schiff wants to be more than a Trump antagonist
Read full article: New California Sen. Adam Schiff wants to be more than a Trump antagonistAs California’s newest senator, Democrat Adam Schiff says he’s not going to shy away from familiar territory — opposing Donald Trump when he feels it is necessary.
Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House
Read full article: Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of HouseDemocrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year.
Former officials urge closed-door Senate hearings on Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for intel chief
Read full article: Former officials urge closed-door Senate hearings on Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for intel chiefNearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have asked Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain
Read full article: Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certainSenate Democrats reelected Chuck Schumer as party leader on Tuesday as the party moves into a deeply uncertain time, with no real consensus on a strategy as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.
NFL's Goodell and Commanders' Harris meet with lawmakers to talk about potential RFK stadium site
Read full article: NFL's Goodell and Commanders' Harris meet with lawmakers to talk about potential RFK stadium siteNFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris have met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill as efforts push forward to secure access to the RFK Stadium site in the District of Columbia.
Florida state senators have started filing bills for 2025. The new laws that could be coming
Read full article: Florida state senators have started filing bills for 2025. The new laws that could be comingState senators are off to a quick start filing bills as they gear up for the 2025 legislative session, which begins March 4.
Debbie Mayfield’s attempt to return to Florida Senate highlights loophole in state’s term limits
Read full article: Debbie Mayfield’s attempt to return to Florida Senate highlights loophole in state’s term limitsFlorida Rep. Debbie Mayfield has announced her candidacy for Florida Senate District 19, a seat she previously held before reaching the state’s term limits.
The Australian Senate debates the world's first social media ban for children under 16
Read full article: The Australian Senate debates the world's first social media ban for children under 16The Australian Senate is debating a ban on children younger than 16 from social media after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly supported the age restriction.
Australian father of teen sextortion victim backs banning young children from social media
Read full article: Australian father of teen sextortion victim backs banning young children from social mediaWayne Holdsworth became an advocate for banning Australian children younger than 16 from social media because his son took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam.
Social media sites call for Australia to delay its ban on children younger than 16
Read full article: Social media sites call for Australia to delay its ban on children younger than 16An advocate for major social media platforms has told Australia's Parliament that a plan to ban children younger than 16 from the sites should be delayed rather than being rushed to approval this week.
What to know about Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's pick for labor secretary
Read full article: What to know about Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's pick for labor secretaryPresident-elect Donald Trump has named Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Department of Labor, elevating a Republican congresswoman who has strong support from unions in her district but lost reelection in November.
Democrats strike deal to get more Biden judges confirmed before Congress adjourns
Read full article: Democrats strike deal to get more Biden judges confirmed before Congress adjournsThe Senate won’t hold votes on four of President Joe Biden’s appellate court nominees as part of a deal with Republicans to allow for speedier consideration of other judicial nominations.
McConnell to head subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he prepares to step down as GOP leader
Read full article: McConnell to head subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he prepares to step down as GOP leaderSen. Mitch McConnell says he will lead a subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he carves out new roles once he relinquishes his long-running post as Senate Republican leader.
The FBI and DHS leaders won't testify publicly about national security threats before the Senate
Read full article: The FBI and DHS leaders won't testify publicly about national security threats before the SenateThe leaders of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have declined to testify publicly at a scheduled Senate hearing on global national security threats.
Senate rejects effort from Bernie Sanders to block some weapons for Israel over Gaza deaths
Read full article: Senate rejects effort from Bernie Sanders to block some weapons for Israel over Gaza deathsThe Senate has rejected attempts by Sen. Bernie Sanders to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel.
Lawmakers are concerned about background checks of Trump's Cabinet picks as red flags surface
Read full article: Lawmakers are concerned about background checks of Trump's Cabinet picks as red flags surfaceAs senators prepare to consider Donald Trump’s picks for his Cabinet, they’ll likely be doing so without the FBI background checks that are staples of the confirmation process.
Australian senate censures Indigenous lawmaker who yelled at King Charles III
Read full article: Australian senate censures Indigenous lawmaker who yelled at King Charles IIIAustralian senators have voted to censure an Indigenous colleague who yelled at King Charles III during a reception in Parliament House last month.
Trump names Brendan Carr, senior GOP leader at FCC, to lead the agency
Read full article: Trump names Brendan Carr, senior GOP leader at FCC, to lead the agencyPresident-elect Donald Trump has named the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband.
Ruben Gallego did better than most Democrats. He says his party needs to stoke working class roots
Read full article: Ruben Gallego did better than most Democrats. He says his party needs to stoke working class rootsIncoming Democratic Senator-elect Ruben Gallego of Arizona says building authentic connections with working-class voters can help Democrats find their way back to power in Washington.
What are recess appointments and how could Trump use them to fill his Cabinet?
Read full article: What are recess appointments and how could Trump use them to fill his Cabinet?President-elect Donald Trump is considering recess appointments to skip over Senate confirmations for some of the most powerful positions in the U.S. government.
Liberals pressure Senate Democrats to confirm more Biden judges while they can
Read full article: Liberals pressure Senate Democrats to confirm more Biden judges while they canDemand Justice, a progressive organization focused on the judiciary, is set to bombard Capitol Hill with a message for the closing weeks of the 118th Congress: Do “whatever it takes” to confirm President Joe Biden’s nominees as a second Donald Trump presidency looms.
Trump issues early challenge to GOP Senate with defiant nominations
Read full article: Trump issues early challenge to GOP Senate with defiant nominationsJust hours after Republican Sen. John Thune was elected as the incoming Senate majority leader, President-elect Donald Trump presented him with one of his first tests — an announcement that he intends to nominate House Republican Matt Gaetz as attorney general.
Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equality
Read full article: Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equalityDemocratic lawmakers who wield control of the Virginia Legislature are hoping to make good on promises made on the campaign trail, including becoming the first Southern state to expand constitutional protections for abortion access.
Lawmakers prepare for final lame-duck sprint before making way for next Congress
Read full article: Lawmakers prepare for final lame-duck sprint before making way for next CongressCongress has a short but important to-do list as lawmakers return to Washington this coming week for what is known as a lame-duck session.
What Republican control over the Senate, and possibly the House, could mean for President-elect Trump’s agenda
Read full article: What Republican control over the Senate, and possibly the House, could mean for President-elect Trump’s agendaBeyond President-elect Donald Trump’s win, Republicans have taken control of the Senate with a little cushion above 50 seats. Meanwhile, the U.S. House was still in play Wednesday evening but leaning Republican.
Republican Rick Scott wins reelection for U.S. Senate from Florida
Read full article: Republican Rick Scott wins reelection for U.S. Senate from FloridaOne of the most closely monitored races in Florida this election is the race for the U.S. Senate, in which former U.S. Rep Debbie Murcasel-Powell is challenging first-term Republican Senator Rick Scott.
Former Rep. Mucarsel-Powell, Sen. Scott make final push in what’s projected to be one of Florida’s tightest races
Read full article: Former Rep. Mucarsel-Powell, Sen. Scott make final push in what’s projected to be one of Florida’s tightest racesOne of the most closely monitored races in Florida this election is the race for the U.S. Senate, in which former U.S. Rep Debbie Murcasel-Powell is challenging first-term Republican Senator Rick Scott.
Who will replace Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader? It remains deeply uncertain
Read full article: Who will replace Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader? It remains deeply uncertainSenate Republicans vying to replace longtime leader Mitch McConnell have been crossing the country to campaign and fundraise for colleagues, making their final arguments before an important upcoming Senate vote.
Ted Cruz, Colin Allred make spirited final pitches to Texas voters in Senate race
Read full article: Ted Cruz, Colin Allred make spirited final pitches to Texas voters in Senate raceRepublican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Rep. Colin Allred are making their final pitches to Texas voters at campaign stops across the state as Election Day nears.
Michigan House races will test Democrats' grasp on the state government trifecta
Read full article: Michigan House races will test Democrats' grasp on the state government trifectaThe same Michigan voters Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris needs in the critical swing state will also determine whether her party maintains its foothold on state government two years after pulling off a historic sweep.
Duterte’s jarring testimony into drug killings in Philippines relives a nightmare for many
Read full article: Duterte’s jarring testimony into drug killings in Philippines relives a nightmare for manyThe cockiness, expletives and threats unleashed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in a Senate inquiry brought back the nightmare of the bloody “war on drugs” for many families of the thousands of victims who were gunned down under his rule.
McConnell called Trump 'stupid' and 'despicable' in private after the 2020 election, a new book says
Read full article: McConnell called Trump 'stupid' and 'despicable' in private after the 2020 election, a new book saysSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said after the 2020 election that then-President Donald Trump was “stupid as well as being ill-tempered” and a “despicable human being."
Moreno's abortion comment rattles debate in expensive Senate race in Republican-leaning Ohio
Read full article: Moreno's abortion comment rattles debate in expensive Senate race in Republican-leaning OhioOhio's close Senate race took a twist recently when cellphone video surfaced of Republican Bernie Moreno criticizing women whose votes are driven by the abortion issue.
North Carolina lawmakers pass a $273M Helene relief bill with voting changes to more counties
Read full article: North Carolina lawmakers pass a $273M Helene relief bill with voting changes to more countiesNorth Carolina legislators have approved an initial $273 million relief package to help address Hurricane Helene’s devastation and recovery in the mountains.
House Democrats in close races try to show they hear voter concerns about immigration
Read full article: House Democrats in close races try to show they hear voter concerns about immigrationIn some of the closest House races in the country, Democratic candidates are leaning into an issue that Republicans have made a centerpiece of their pitch to voters — immigration.
Casey, McCormick hammer home attacks in debate for Pennsylvania's battleground Senate race
Read full article: Casey, McCormick hammer home attacks in debate for Pennsylvania's battleground Senate raceDemocratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Republican challenger David McCormick have held the first debate in their race for a swing-state seat.
Czechs vote in the runoff election for a third of the seats in Parliament's upper house
Read full article: Czechs vote in the runoff election for a third of the seats in Parliament's upper houseCzechs are casting ballots in the second round of voting for a third of the seats in Parliament’s upper house.
Sophistication of AI-backed operation targeting senator points to future of deepfake schemes
Read full article: Sophistication of AI-backed operation targeting senator points to future of deepfake schemesAn advanced deepfake operation targeted Sen. Ben Cardin, the Democratic chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this month, according to the Office of Senate Security.
Bernie Sanders preparing resolutions to block $20B in US arms sales to Israel
Read full article: Bernie Sanders preparing resolutions to block $20B in US arms sales to IsraelU.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is preparing a series of Senate resolutions that would stop more than $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Israel.
John Thune is striving to be the next Republican Senate leader, but can he rise in Trump's GOP?
Read full article: John Thune is striving to be the next Republican Senate leader, but can he rise in Trump's GOP?Sen. John Thune of South Dakota is competing intensely to become the next Republican leader in the Senate.
Senate Republicans again block legislation to guarantee women's rights to IVF
Read full article: Senate Republicans again block legislation to guarantee women's rights to IVFRepublicans have blocked for a second time this year legislation to establish a nationwide right to in vitro fertilization, arguing that the vote is an election-year stunt after Democrats forced a vote on the issue.
Democrats put up $25 million to reach voters in 10 states in fierce fight for Senate majority
Read full article: Democrats put up $25 million to reach voters in 10 states in fierce fight for Senate majorityDemocrats are pumping $25 million into expanded voter outreach across 10 states as part of their effort to protect their narrow Senate majority.
Mexico’s Senate approves a contentious judicial overhaul after protesters storm the chamber
Read full article: Mexico’s Senate approves a contentious judicial overhaul after protesters storm the chamberMexico’s Senate has voted to overhaul the country’s judiciary, clearing the biggest hurdle for a controversial constitutional revision that will make all judges stand for election.
Hong Kong hits out at US Congress for passing a bill that could close its representative offices
Read full article: Hong Kong hits out at US Congress for passing a bill that could close its representative officesHong Kong's government says the U.S. House of Representatives twisted facts in an attack on the city as it passed a bill that could close its representative offices in America.
Protesters storm Mexico's Senate after ruling party wins votes for court overhaul
Read full article: Protesters storm Mexico's Senate after ruling party wins votes for court overhaulHundreds of protesters pushed into Mexico’s Senate as lawmakers weighed a contentious plan to overhaul the country’s judiciary, forcing the body to temporarily suspend its session.
Speaker Johnson pushes ahead on funding bill with proof of citizenship mandate despite dim prospects
Read full article: Speaker Johnson pushes ahead on funding bill with proof of citizenship mandate despite dim prospectsHouse Speaker Mike Johnson is vowing to press ahead with requiring proof of citizenship for new voters as part of a bill to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Catholic leaders raise concerns over judicial reform pushed by Mexico's president
Read full article: Catholic leaders raise concerns over judicial reform pushed by Mexico's presidentMexico’s Catholic leaders have raised their concerns over a controversial judicial reform pushed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Pentagon chief says a six-month temporary budget bill will have devastating effects on the military
Read full article: Pentagon chief says a six-month temporary budget bill will have devastating effects on the militaryDefense Secretary Lloyd Austin says passage of a six-month temporary spending bill would have widespread and devastating effects on the department and the military.
House Republicans push to link government funding to a citizenship check for new voters
Read full article: House Republicans push to link government funding to a citizenship check for new votersHouse Speaker Mike Johnson has teed up a vote this week on a bill that would keep the federal government funded for six more months.
The Navy secretary broke the law by voicing his views on Trump and Biden, a watchdog says
Read full article: The Navy secretary broke the law by voicing his views on Trump and Biden, a watchdog saysThe U.S. Office of Special Counsel says Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro broke the law by publicly endorsing the reelection of President Joe Biden and criticizing former President Donald Trump in several statements he made while on official duty overseas.
Markey and Warren condemn Steward's CEO for refusing to comply with a Senate subpoena
Read full article: Markey and Warren condemn Steward's CEO for refusing to comply with a Senate subpoenaMassachusetts U.S. Sens. Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren are among several political leaders who are attacking the leader of a troubled health care system for refusing to comply with a subpoena to appear before a Senate committee.
What’s at stake in Mexico's judicial system under sweeping overhaul pushed by the president
Read full article: What’s at stake in Mexico's judicial system under sweeping overhaul pushed by the presidentMexico’s governing party says judges in the current court system are corrupt, and it wants to push through a unusual proposal to make the country’s entire judicial branch — some 7,000 judges —stand for election.
Mexico's ruling party edges closer to a majority in both houses of Congress after 2 senators defect
Read full article: Mexico's ruling party edges closer to a majority in both houses of Congress after 2 senators defectFollowing a pair of defections by opposition senators, Mexico’s ruling party is edging closer to a steamroller two-thirds majority in both houses of congress.
McConnell says deterring America's adversaries should be 'front and center' for the next president
Read full article: McConnell says deterring America's adversaries should be 'front and center' for the next presidentSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell says the challenge of deterring America's adversaries should be “front and center” for the next president.
Sen. Rick Scott meets with volunteers in Jacksonville ahead of primary, encourages people to vote
Read full article: Sen. Rick Scott meets with volunteers in Jacksonville ahead of primary, encourages people to voteAs things ramp up for Tuesday’s primary election, Senator Rick Scott made a stop in Duval County Saturday where early voting is set to close on Sunday.
House Democrats dig in amid ongoing fight in Congress over compensation for US radiation victims
Read full article: House Democrats dig in amid ongoing fight in Congress over compensation for US radiation victimsA top Democrat in the U.S. House says it will take a shift of power in Congress to ensure that legislation is finally passed to extend and expand a compensation program for people exposed to radiation following uranium mining and nuclear testing carried out by the federal government.
Schumer says he will work to block any effort in the Senate to significantly cut the CDC's budget
Read full article: Schumer says he will work to block any effort in the Senate to significantly cut the CDC's budgetThe Senate’s top Democrat says he'll work to block a plan that would significantly cut the proposed budget of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thai court dissolves progressive Move Forward Party, which won election but was blocked from power
Read full article: Thai court dissolves progressive Move Forward Party, which won election but was blocked from powerA court in Thailand has ordered the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward Party, which won national elections in 2023, saying it violated the constitution by proposing an amendment of a law against defaming the country’s royal family.
Schumer predicts Democrats will keep control of the Senate now that Harris is atop the party ticket
Read full article: Schumer predicts Democrats will keep control of the Senate now that Harris is atop the party ticketSenate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is predicting that Democrats will keep control of the Senate in the November election.
In an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court's immunity decision, Schumer introduces the No Kings Act
Read full article: In an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court's immunity decision, Schumer introduces the No Kings ActSenate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced legislation reaffirming presidents don't have immunity for criminal actions, an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court’s landmark decision last month.
Senate rejects legislation that would expand child tax credit and restore business tax breaks
Read full article: Senate rejects legislation that would expand child tax credit and restore business tax breaksSenators are heading home for the month after failing to advance a bill to expand the child tax credit and restore some business tax breaks.
Senate passes bill to protect kids online and make tech companies accountable for harmful content
Read full article: Senate passes bill to protect kids online and make tech companies accountable for harmful contentThe Senate has passed legislation designed to protect children from dangerous online content.
Volunteers and donations surge into Democratic campaigns with Harris atop the ticket
Read full article: Volunteers and donations surge into Democratic campaigns with Harris atop the ticketCongressional Democrats in Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and beyond are seeing an outpouring of volunteers to help Vice President Kamala Harris and counter Republican Donald Trump.
Senior NORAD Air Force commander nominated to be next National Guard Bureau chief
Read full article: Senior NORAD Air Force commander nominated to be next National Guard Bureau chiefA top Air Force commander at the North American Aerospace Defense Command has been nominated to be the next chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Senate to consider bills that aim to protect children and teenagers online
Read full article: Senate to consider bills that aim to protect children and teenagers onlineThe Senate will consider legislation this week that aims to protect children from dangerous online content, moving forward with what could become the first sweeping new regulation of the tech industry in decades.
Philippine president orders shutdown of Chinese-run online gambling industry employing thousands
Read full article: Philippine president orders shutdown of Chinese-run online gambling industry employing thousandsPhilippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an immediate ban on the mostly Chinese-run online gaming operations in the country.