US Politics

U.S. Senate hopefuls Talarico, Crockett to meet in Texas debate

Texas Democrats James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett will meet in a U.S. Senate primary debate on Saturday at 2 p.m. as they compete for their party’s nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn. The event will allow Texas Democratic voters to evaluate the Austin state representative and the Dallas-area congresswoman ahead of the primary contest for the long-held GOP Senate seat.

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DOJ requests military attorneys, auditors to assist in Minnesota

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking additional resources, including military attorneys and federal auditors, to support an expanding fraud investigation in Minnesota. Federal officials say the widening probe involves extensive financial records and possible misuse of public funds. The resource request aims to boost investigative capacity, speed case review, and support potential prosecutions. The department is coordinating with multiple agencies, state officials, and local law enforcement as it examines contracts, grants, and financial transactions tied to federally connected programs in the state.

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Trump arrives in Switzerland after delay tied to Air Force One switch

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Switzerland after a delayed departure linked to a pre-flight switch between aircraft in the presidential fleet. A reporter on board said cabin lights in the press section briefly went out after takeoff, with no immediate explanation from crew or officials. Security and flight operations followed standard protocols for high-level U.S. government travel. Authorities in the United States and Switzerland coordinated on the arrival, and scheduled events proceeded with adjusted timing.

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Texas to fight for Ten Commandments posting rule in schools — essential info

A federal appeals court in New Orleans will hear arguments on lawsuits challenging Texas and Louisiana laws that require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. The article explains how the statutes mandate classroom postings, details the constitutional claims by parents and civil liberties groups, and outlines the defenses by state officials. It also reports how the court’s ruling could shape future Establishment Clause cases involving religious displays in schools and affect policy decisions in districts across both states.

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Congress releases last-minute measures to keep government open

Congress faces a Jan. 30 deadline to fund remaining U.S. government agencies and programs after the longest shutdown in history in November. Lawmakers are negotiating final appropriations measures, agencies are preparing contingency plans and federal workers and contractors are watching closely as the House, Senate and White House work to avoid another disruption in government operations.

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Trump admin’s “reverse discrimination” claims shake DOJ Civil Rights Division

The Trump administration is reshaping the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division by emphasizing claims of “reverse discrimination” against white and non-minority individuals. This fact-based report details how federal civil rights enforcement priorities are shifting away from a traditional focus on protecting minority groups, examines changes in case selection and legal strategy, and describes the impact on schools, employers and government agencies that rely on federal guidance to design diversity and inclusion programs.

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Trump rolls out fresh tariffs on Europe amid Greenland tensions

President Donald Trump announces a 10% tariff plan on eight unnamed European countries he says oppose his proposal to bring Greenland under U.S. control, following a bipartisan congressional visit to Denmark that backed continued Danish authority over the Arctic territory. The move links U.S. trade policy to a dispute over Greenland’s status, adds tension to relations with European partners, and raises questions about future cooperation on Arctic security, resources, and diplomacy.

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US envoy Carlson ends mission in the Philippines

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson ended her nearly four-year posting in the Philippines, marking the close of a tenure that saw expanded defense cooperation, deeper economic engagement, and wider people-to-people exchanges between Manila and Washington. In her farewell message, Carlson reviewed key diplomatic milestones, highlighted joint security and development initiatives, and shared personal experiences from her time in the country, including a Filipino song she said she would remember. The US Embassy in Manila announced that a chargé d’affaires will lead the mission in the interim as Washington moves to designate Carlson’s successor under standard diplomatic rotation procedures.

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DOJ mobilizes 500+ staff for massive Epstein file review

The U.S. Department of Justice has assigned more than 500 staff, including about 80 newly added attorneys, to review millions of pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents for public release. The team is examining records from past investigations and court proceedings to identify sensitive information and apply required redactions under federal law. Officials say the process is extensive due to the volume of files and legal obligations, and they have not set a firm timeline. The review is expected to lead to phased public disclosure of Epstein case materials.

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