U.S.
Venezuela Commits to Buying American Goods in Oil Deal: Trump
The purchases will include American agricultural products, medicines, medical devices, and equipment to upgrade Venezuela’s energy infrastructure.
Johnson Invites Trump to Deliver First State of the Union of Second Term
‘It is my distinct honor and great privilege to invite President Trump to deliver the State of the Union on Feb. 24, 2026,’ House Speaker Mike Johnson said.
Trump Proposes Nearly Doubling Military Spending in 2027 With $1.5 Trillion Pentagon Budget
Democrats and Republican deficit hawks will likely raise objections to the defense spending increase.
Nick Reiner’s Attorney Alan Jackson Quits; Arraignment Reset for February
Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene will take over the murder case, representing Reiner.
Trump Says Raytheon Could Lose Business Over Stock Buybacks
The president issued a warning to defense contractors, urging them to spend on production instead of stock buybacks, shareholder dividends, and executive pay.
5
6
Walz Issues Warning Order to Prepare Minnesota Guard After Deadly Shooting Involving ICE
The Minnesota National Guard is ‘prepared to be deployed if necessary,’ the governor said.
Texas Supreme Court Ends Reliance on ABA Accreditation of Law Schools
The American Bar Association has been heavily criticized by conservatives, who allege that it is partisan despite its privileged status in licensing attorneys.
For 6th Straight Year, California Tops List of States People Are Leaving, U-Haul Reports
People generally moved to sunny southern states in 2025, U-Haul reported. The leaders in out-migration tended to be Democratic-led states.
LATEST
Minnesota Agency Staff Backdated Records as Auditors Found Failures: Report
A new report highlights concerns about an agency tasked with helping people with substance abuse and mental health.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Announces Closure After Losing Labor Dispute at Supreme Court
A federal appeals court previously found the newspaper bargained in bad faith with its union and ordered it to restore prior health benefits.
Northeast Leads 2026 Top 10 US Markets for First‑Time Homebuyers
For the second year in a row, no Western regions were named among Realtor.com’s top potential markets for young homeowners.
Virginia Democrats Hold State Senate Seat, Keep Trifecta Ahead of Spanberger Inauguration
Mike Jones won a special election in a Richmond-area district, preserving Democrats’ Senate majority as they prepare to take full control of the state.
US Service-Sector Activity Accelerates to 12-Month High in December: ISM
Service-sector momentum improved late in the year as businesses reported stronger demand and renewed hiring, even as cost pressures remained elevated.
HHS, CDC Defend Removing Universal Influenza Vaccine Recommendations for Children
‘We’ve empowered parents and health care providers,’ health official Jim O'Neill said.
At Least 24 Venezuelan Security Officers Killed in US Raid to Capture Maduro
The updated figures bring the official death toll to at least 56, including Cuban allies serving as security personnel for Venezuela’s ruling regime.
Trump Outlines His Plans for Venezuela After Maduro’s Capture
‘The path forward will be extremely challenging,’ a former State Department adviser said.
Texas Governor Orders Probes Into Potential Fraud in Child Care Services
The Lone Star state became the first to order an internal audit in the wake of a federal fraud crackdown in Minnesota.
The Challenge for US Companies to Rebuild Venezuelan Oil Industry Wrecked by Decades of Neglect
‘U.S. companies will not commit serious capital to Venezuela without a credible reset on the rule of law,’ said Jason Isaac, CEO of American Energy Institute.
Colombian President Says He Will ‘Take Up Arms’ If US Military Attacks
After Maduro’s capture in Venezuela, Trump renewed threats to intervene in the neighboring country over alleged cocaine trafficking.
I Was at Nicolás Maduro’s Arraignment–Here’s What I Saw
Maduro maintained a defiant demeanor but appeared to be in a much more vulnerable state than just days before his hearing.
Key Takeaways From Maduro’s First Court Appearance
The former Venezuelan leader and his wife pleaded not guilty to charges in an indictment accusing them of participating in a narco-terrorism scheme.
