US Politics

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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Original architect of White House ballroom chosen to review project

James McCrery, the architect originally chosen by former President Donald Trump to design a proposed White House ballroom, has been appointed to a commission reviewing that same project. The commission will evaluate design plans, historic impacts and feasibility for the ballroom concept at the Executive Mansion. McCrery’s dual role as former lead architect and current reviewer focuses attention on federal oversight of changes to the White House. No final decision on construction or modification of the ballroom has been announced.

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Machado presented Trump with Nobel Peace Prize medallion, officials say

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has presented former U.S. President Donald Trump with a symbolic Nobel Peace Prize medallion, officials say. The unofficial medallion, not issued by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, was described as a gesture recognizing Trump’s stance on Venezuela and support for opposition efforts against President Nicolás Maduro. The private meeting and presentation highlight Machado’s ongoing push for international backing in her campaign for political change in Venezuela, as observers track how symbolic acts shape foreign engagement with the country’s crisis.

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US signs off on $1.5 billion deal for Peru naval base

The United States approved a $1.5 billion foreign military sale to Peru to expand and modernize the Callao naval base near Lima’s international airport. The State Department said the package includes engineering, construction, equipment, training, and logistics support and will bring up to 20 US government and contractor personnel to Peru for up to 10 years. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the deal, which aims to strengthen Peru’s maritime security and defense capabilities. The announcement follows the inauguration of a separate Chinese-funded mega-port in Peru, though US officials did not formally link the two projects.

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High-achiever visas spur pay-to-play credential schemes

Growing interest in the U.S. EB-1A “extraordinary ability” visa is driving a market for vanity awards, ghostwritten research papers and profile-building services. USCIS is reviewing petitions more closely and investigating possible fraud linked to purchased credentials. This report explains how the credential marketplace operates around EB-1A applications, the types of services being sold to prospective immigrants and how U.S. immigration authorities are responding with increased scrutiny and enforcement measures.

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