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The Trump administration has frozen $10 billion in child care funds for five states, citing concerns over systemic fraud. The freeze affects three key programs and demands detailed records from recipients. In Minnesota, a viral video exposed fraudulent operations, while Illinois is accused of giving benefits to illegal immigrants. Providers now face payment delays and potential closures, with a full review due by January twentieth.

Israels E1 Settlement Project: A New Chapter in the West Bank Conflict Israel has cleared a major hurdle for the controversial E1 settlement project, inviting developers to build 3,400 housing units in the East Jerusalem area. This plan, initially frozen due to US pressure, is now gaining momentum under the far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The international community views these settlements as illegal, and critics warn that E1 could make a connected Palestinian state nearly impossible. The tender process, open for bids on Israels Land Authority website, marks another tense chapter in the long-running West Bank conflict.

House Democrats commemorated the fifth anniversary of the January sixth Capitol breach with a hearing, focusing on threats to democracy and political violence. Republicans announced their own investigation, set to begin next week, focusing on security failures. The White House launched a website challenging common narratives, blaming security lapses on former Speaker Pelosi and rejecting claims of Trump incitement. The first Republican hearing will explore the pipe bombs found before the breach, while tensions persist over a plaque honoring Capitol Police.

Following the capture of Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro, the Trump administration urges over six hundred thousand Venezuelans, previously granted Temporary Protected Status, to return home. Despite homeland security leaders claims of a freer Venezuela, confusion arises over refugee status, asylum applications, and travel ban implications. As stability returns, Venezuelans weigh their next move, potentially impacting neighboring countries.

House Democrats commemorated the fifth anniversary of the January 6th, 2021 Capitol breach, labeling it a severe threat to democracy and the peaceful transfer of power. They held a hearing focusing on political violence and democratic norms, revisiting the riot that disrupted Congress certification of the 2020 election. Meanwhile, Republicans boycotted the event and announced their own investigation, led by Representative Barry Loudermilk of Georgia. Loudermilks new GOP subcommittee plans its first hearing next week, focusing on security and intelligence failures, particularly the unresolved pipe bomb case. The anniversary exposed deep partisan divisions, with the White House blaming security decisions on former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and denying Trumps role in inciting the violence. Democrats countered, accusing Republicans of downplaying the attack. Tensions also arose over a planned plaque honoring Capitol Police and others who defended the building, with Speaker Mike Johnson deeming it infeasible, while Loudermilk supports honoring the rank-and-file officers. As these competing probes begin, the battle over January 6ths legacy continues, with both sides pushing their interpretations of what went wrong.

Trump administration imposes tough demands on Venezuelas interim President Delcy Rodriguez, seeking exclusive oil partnerships and control of assets. U.S. holds leverage with full oil tankers and blockade, aiming to secure between 30-50 million barrels worth $1.7-3.1 billion. High-stakes standoff could reshape Venezuelas oil future and U.S. ties in the region.

Aldrich Ames, the former CIA counterintelligence officer who spied for the Soviets, died in prison at 84. He exposed American agents, leading to arrests, executions, and the collapse of operations. Ames, who worked at the CIA for 31 years, was caught due to his lavish spending. His case reshaped CIA safeguards, but the damage to trust remains.

The Trump administration presents tough demands to Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, for increased oil production. Key requirements include severing ties with China, Cuba, and Russia, partnering solely with the U.S. on oil production, and prioritizing American buyers for heavy crude sales. The U.S. aims to control Venezuelas oil assets without deploying troops, with potential profits estimated at $1.7 billion to $3.1 billion. As negotiations intensify, the world watches to see if Venezuela complies or resists the mounting pressure.

Republican Representative Jim Baird from Indiana is expected to recover from a serious car accident, with former President Trump assuring his colleagues hell be fine. Meanwhile, Republicans face other losses, including the death of California Representative Doug LaMalfa and Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greenes resignation, leaving their House majority at a precarious two eighteen to two hundred thirteen. This news comes as a relief amidst recent tragedies, such as the 2022 crash that killed Indiana Republican Representative Jackie Walorski and her staffers. Fingers crossed Baird returns home soon and stays safe.