Bill to force release of Epstein files sails through Congress, heads to Trump's desk

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 federal court has upheld California's new congressional map, which was designed to favor Democratic representation, amidst challenges from the Justice Department aimed at voiding the map due to concerns over redistricting practices. This ruling allows the state to proceed with its electoral changes ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

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.

The Trump administration has initiated legal action against the cities of Petaluma and Morgan Hill in California, claiming that their bans on natural gas usage increase costs for consumers and contradict federal policies. Both cities have stated that they have not enforced these bans for several years.

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.