United States

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.

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.

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.

Federal officials say about 2,000 Department of Homeland Security agents are being deployed to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area in a large immigration enforcement and fraud investigation operation. The agents come from multiple DHS components and will conduct field investigations, targeted enforcement actions and document reviews. Authorities are coordinating with other federal, state and local partners while following existing enforcement guidelines and protocols.

The U.S. Department of Justice reports it has reviewed less than 1% of millions of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, while working under a Trump-era mandate to release all related federal files. Officials say the review covers extensive investigative and court records and must comply with laws protecting victims, privacy, and ongoing investigations. Lawmakers, victims, and advocates are pressing for broad transparency. The department has not given a timeline for completion or full public release.

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is being held in a New York City jail after pleading not guilty to U.S. federal drug trafficking charges. His detention follows a long-running narcotics investigation and raises fresh questions about the Trump administration’s strategy for Venezuela. U.S. prosecutors describe Maduro as a key figure in an alleged transnational cocaine operation, while his defense denies all accusations. The case unfolds amid economic crisis and political tension in Venezuela, as Washington maintains sanctions and pressure on Caracas.

Republican Rep. Jim Baird of Indiana and his wife are hospitalized after a car accident, according to former President Donald Trump. Trump described the crash as a “bad accident” but did not provide details on the location, timing, or severity of their injuries. Officials, hospitals, and Baird’s office have not released formal statements or medical updates. Law enforcement agencies have not issued public reports confirming the circumstances of the crash or identifying other parties involved. Baird, who represents Indiana’s 4th Congressional District, remains listed as a sitting member of Congress while public attention centers on his and his wife’s condition.