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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton escalates legal action against two Dallas doctors, accusing them of healthcare fraud and violating a recent ban on gender-transition care for minors. The doctors, May Lau and M. Brett Cooper, face new allegations of falsifying records and billing, seeking triple Medicaid funds and significant penalties. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate over gender-affirming care for minors in Texas.

U.S. government seizes oil tanker off Venezuela, marking a potential shift in strategy amidst ongoing tensions.

Elon Musk accuses Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of treason, sparking controversy over her Somali-first comments. Omar denies treason, claiming her remarks align with U.S. policy. Trump and Emmer call for her resignation, while Omar dismisses criticism as bigoted lies.

President Trump is nearing his decision for the next Federal Reserve Chair, a role that significantly impacts interest rates, inflation, and the central banks independence. The current chair, Jerome Powell, will step down in May 2026, and Trump hints at having a strong preference for his successor. The new chair will lead the Federal Open Market Committee, influencing borrowing costs across the economy. Markets are closely watching Trumps choice, as it could affect policy directions like interest rate cuts or inflation fighting. Potential candidates include White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett and other officials and financial market figures.

Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa is advocating for the Social Security Administration to enhance its systems to prevent benefit payments to deceased individuals, urging the agency to use all available tools to stop fraudulent activities before they occur. She highlights the need to address the issue of relatives or other individuals concealing deaths and collecting benefits for extended periods, citing recent examples of alleged fraud. Ernst, who leads the Senate DOGE Caucus, has previously supported legislation to improve information sharing between agencies and is now advocating for stronger measures to prevent such fraud.

Senate Democrats urge Navy Secretary to halt review of Senator Mark Kellys actions, criticizing it as a political move that could undermine military justice. Kelly, a retired Navy captain, emphasized in a video that service members can refuse illegal orders. Former President Trump accused the lawmakers of seditious behavior, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for disciplining a sitting senator for conduct unrelated to military service.

Two U.S. fighter jets fly over Venezuelas Gulf, escalating tensions. The EA-18G Growlers, part of a larger military presence, conduct routine operations in international airspace. The U.S. downplays significance, citing international law and security concerns, while Venezuela disputes the gulfs status. Recent deployments coincide with anti-drug operations, indicating a broader strategy in the region.

Democrats capitalize on recent wins in Georgia and Florida, expanding their legislative targets and investment for the 2026 races. In Georgia, a special election narrowed the Republican majority, while in Florida, Eileen Higgins became the first woman to lead Miami, defeating a Trump-endorsed candidate. Democrats argue these outcomes show their expanding reach, but special elections often favor them due to lower turnout and ideological voters.

The White House defends Trumps deployment of National Guard in Los Angeles, despite a federal judges order to halt the mission. The administration argues it used lawful authority to support federal officers amidst violent riots. California officials counter, stating the situation has changed since the initial deployment in June. The administration extends the deployment until February, marking a rare move as its the first time in decades a president activated a states National Guard without a governors request.