US justice department renews request to unseal Epstein grand jury materials

The Senate has backed a resolution that allows President Donald Trump to continue military actions in Venezuela without prior congressional notification, following a tie-breaking vote by Senator J.D. Vance. This resolution defeats efforts to limit the president's war powers regarding Venezuela, where tensions have escalated significantly.

YouTuber Nick Shirley is set to testify before Congress on January 21 regarding a significant fraud investigation in Minnesota, which is estimated to involve up to $9 billion in misappropriated funds, including a $250 million COVID relief scheme. This hearing aims to address the extensive fraud network that has emerged in the state.

A House committee is pressing New York University (NYU) and Columbia University regarding their connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as victims allege that he promised assistance for their admissions and funded their studies at these prestigious institutions. This scrutiny follows a broader examination of Epstein's influence in academia.

Donald Trump signed a bill on January 14, 2026, allowing whole and 2% milk to be served in US school cafeterias, effectively overturning the Obama-era restrictions on higher-fat milk options. This legislation, known as the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, also opens the door for non-dairy drinks like fortified soy milk to be included in school menus in the near future.

Congress has mandated that the Pentagon submit a report detailing China's signals intelligence capabilities in Cuba, alongside information regarding any remaining Russian technical espionage activities on the island. This requirement reflects growing concerns about foreign surveillance and intelligence operations close to U.S. borders.

A divided House committee has advanced a bill aimed at restricting stock trading by members of Congress, amidst accusations of misdirection and a disingenuous pursuit of perfection that have marred what began as a bipartisan effort. The bill reflects growing public frustration over lawmakers profiting from the stock market while in office, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.

Representative Robin Kelly has introduced three articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a move that has garnered support from nearly 70 members of Congress. This action comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Noem's immigration policies and her handling of various issues related to the Department of Homeland Security.

Chaos erupted during a press conference led by House Oversight Chairman James Comer regarding contempt proceedings against Hillary Clinton related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, as an activist interrupted repeatedly. This incident highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding the investigation and the political implications for those involved.