5 states sue Trump administration over freeze on social services funds

Five U.S. states, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and New York, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a federal decision to freeze funding for social services programs. The states allege the move is an unconstitutional abuse of power and violates the separation of powers by blocking congressionally approved funds. The case centers on the administration’s authority to withhold money used for child welfare, disability support, mental health services and aid for low-income families, and could shape how future administrations handle federal funding for state-run social services.

Read more

Trump lays out Venezuela oil strategy as Senate moves war powers measure

President Donald Trump outlines a Venezuela oil strategy as the U.S. Senate advances a bipartisan war powers measure following the overnight capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The article details Trump’s energy-focused approach to Venezuelan crude, examines the Senate’s push to curb unilateral presidential military action, and reports on growing scrutiny of the legal basis for recent operations. It also covers concerns in Congress about separation of powers, regional stability in Latin America, and the role of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves in shaping future U.S. policy and global energy markets.

Read more

Minneapolis removes memorial barrier honoring Renee Good

City crews in Minneapolis removed a barrier surrounding a memorial for Renee Good, a woman identified by a U.S. official after an ICE officer fatally shot her in south Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the shooting. City leaders said Good had been acting as a legal observer monitoring federal actions in the city. The memorial remains at the site, with flowers and messages still present. Federal and local authorities have not yet released full investigative findings or details about the ICE officer involved.

Read more