The Trump administration has terminated the lease agreement with the National Links Trust, a nonprofit operating three public golf courses in Washington, D.C. The Department of the Interior cited the nonprofit’s failure to meet lease terms and implement required capital improvements as the reason for the termination. While the administration’s future plans for the courses are unclear, this decision provides President Trump with the opportunity to potentially influence the courses, some of which are located on federal land. The National Links Trust has stated it is “devastated” by the decision.
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Former President Donald Trump vetoed a bill that would have provided funding for a crucial drinking water project in Representative Lauren Boebert’s Colorado district, which was unanimously passed by both houses of Congress. The veto, which would have benefited 39 communities with water contaminated with salt and radiation, was criticized by Boebert, who suggested it was politically motivated in retaliation for her calls for accountability regarding the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump cited fiscal concerns as the reason for the veto. This decision, along with another veto affecting a Florida project, marked Trump’s first vetoes of his second term.
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In 2026, 19 states are implementing minimum wage increases, with hikes ranging from 28 cents to $2, benefiting over 8.3 million workers. While these increases bring the average state minimum wage to $14.57, the federal minimum wage remains stagnant at $7.25, with tipped workers still earning a subminimum of $2.13. Advocates, including Senator Bernie Sanders, criticize the federal rate, emphasizing that it does not provide a living wage and is a national disgrace. Despite the efforts of multiple states and municipalities to raise wages, the gap between earnings and the cost of living remains significant, and calls for a living wage persist.
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Tom Steyer, a California gubernatorial candidate, recently announced his support for a single-payer health care system, reversing his prior stance. Steyer previously believed the US could control healthcare costs through technological innovation and private sector involvement, but now recognizes the need to eliminate the profits of intermediaries. Steyer, who ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary advocating for a “Right to Health” plan, now aligns with the views of Bernie Sanders. Polling indicates Steyer currently has limited support within the California electorate.
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Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor just after midnight on New Year’s Day inside the landmarked, former City Hall subway station. The ceremony, administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, preceded a public inauguration and block party. A democratic socialist, Mamdani’s agenda includes rent freezes, free public transport, and free childcare. He is the first Muslim and first person of South Asian descent to lead the city, taking the oath on the Quran.
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President Trump has requested a reduced schedule with fewer but more important meetings to utilize his time “efficiently,” though staff has not yet accommodated this. This request stems from internal concerns regarding Trump’s health and his tendency to doze off during public events and lengthy meetings. White House aides have been working to keep the president awake, even advising him to keep his eyes open during meetings. Further complicating matters, Trump has admitted to nighttime habits that may contribute to daytime fatigue, including late-night texting and difficulty sleeping on Air Force One.
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According to a released transcript from a congressional deposition, former special counsel Jack Smith confirmed he never communicated with President Joe Biden regarding his investigations into Donald Trump. Smith defended the charges against Trump, emphasizing the potential for “catastrophic” consequences if election interference goes unpunished. During the testimony, Smith asserted he operated independently, without interference from top justice department officials, and maintained that his actions were not politically motivated. Smith also addressed concerns over the collection of phone data, clarifying that only call details, not their contents, were obtained to investigate Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
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A recent report reveals that a boat targeted by the U.S. military during a drug-trafficking campaign in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific contained marijuana, marking the first physical evidence of the campaign. The attack, which occurred in the Gulf of Venezuela and resulted in three fatalities, took place in international waters and was followed by the discovery of the bodies by local fishermen. Since then, the Trump administration has conducted 30 strikes against alleged drug vessels, escalating the death toll to at least 107. Despite these actions, legal experts and lawmakers have criticized the operation, particularly a strike that killed survivors, raising concerns about extrajudicial killings and the lack of transparency surrounding the campaign.
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The Department of Health and Human Services is freezing all childcare payments to all states, requiring justification and evidence before releasing funds. This decision, announced in a video message, expands the initial focus on Minnesota to encompass all 50 states. States must now provide extensive documentation, including attendance records and inspection reports, to receive federal childcare funding. This policy change follows a viral video alleging fraud in Minneapolis daycare centers, coinciding with increased xenophobic rhetoric from Donald Trump targeting Somali Americans, including a Minnesota representative.
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Former special counsel Jack Smith stated that Donald Trump was the “most culpable and most responsible person” in the January 6th Capitol riot, emphasizing that the attack wouldn’t have occurred without him. During a closed-door deposition released by the House Judiciary Committee, Smith defended his investigations, rejecting claims of political motivation, and asserted that evidence, including testimony from Trump allies, strongly supported the charges against him. Smith highlighted Trump’s actions leading up to the riot, including spreading false claims of election fraud and inciting supporters to march to the Capitol, as well as his reluctance to stop the violence once it began. Smith also defended the acquisition of phone records of Republican lawmakers who communicated with Trump on January 6th as a crucial part of the investigation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker