Politics

New START, the last U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty, will expire on Feb. 5; Russia proposed a 12-month extension in September and the United States has not formally replied.

Environmental groups say public records reveal federal and state officials discussed federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention center and FEMA later approved $608 million; the facility remains open while appeals continue.

President Trump told the New York Times there could be additional U.S. strikes in Nigeria if Christians are killed, and Nigeria has previously denied that Christians face systematic persecution.

The Trump administration and Republican lawmakers are pursuing a plan to overturn President Biden's 2023 20-year mining ban on 225,504 acres of the Superior National Forest. The effort centers on filing a notice in the Congressional Record and could trigger a 60-day congressional review that, if successful, would allow mining leases for Antofagasta's Twin Metals project to be reissued pending environmental reviews and permits.

In a New York Times interview, President Trump said he does not 'need international law' and that his authority is constrained only by his 'own morality.'

Terry Bennett, a Washington Metropolitan Police officer struck by a vehicle on Dec. 23 while assisting a stranded motorist, has died; the driver remained at the scene and the department says the incident is under investigation.

Russia condemned the U.S. seizure of the tanker Bella 1 as a violation of maritime law; U.S. officials said the vessel was taken for alleged sanctions violations.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser amended a federal lawsuit saying the administration cut programs and funding after the state refused demands to free convicted elections clerk Tina Peters; the filing asks a judge to declare that Colorado's sovereign powers were violated.

The Department of Homeland Security posted that it is surging law enforcement to Minneapolis, and CBS News reported about 2,000 ICE and HSI agents would be deployed to Minnesota for 30 days, though DHS did not confirm that number.

The Scottish Government has asked a court to rule that last year’s Supreme Court decision breaches the human rights of trans prisoners, and critics including an SNP MSP and opposition figures say the move risks the safety and privacy of women in custody.

Sir Keir Starmer will face MPs at his first Prime Minister's Questions of 2026 after he pledged British forces could be part of post‑war peacekeeping in Ukraine, and ministers are expected to update the Commons following talks in Paris.

RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled as US forces prepared to intercept a Venezuelan tanker now operating as the Marinera in the North Atlantic; the vessel was previously sanctioned in 2024. Undetermined at this time.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reiterated that an ICE agent acted in self‑defense in the Minneapolis shooting; local leaders and video footage have disputed that account, and the Minnesota BCA said it would withdraw as the FBI leads the investigation.

Harvey Weinstein has asked a New York judge to toss his conviction, saying jurors faced verbal pressure during deliberations; the judge is expected to decide whether to set aside the verdict, order a hearing, or let it stand.

A federal judge has temporarily barred the Department of Health and Human Services from removing words tied to diversity, equity and inclusion from Head Start grant applications and from laying off more Office of Head Start staff. The order arises from a lawsuit challenging the administration's changes to Head Start; further court steps are undetermined at this time.

Governor Wes Moore said Maryland lost about 24,900 federal jobs over the past year and attributed the losses to the Department of Government Efficiency; the department was disbanded in November.

The State Department said it has paused all U.S. assistance to Somalia's federal government after alleging Somali officials destroyed a U.S.-funded World Food Program warehouse and seized 76 metric tons of food aid; the department said any resumption will depend on Somali accountability and remedial steps.

M23 held a symbolic burial in Goma for 22 people it says were killed in a Jan. 2 drone strike in Masisi. Government officials and at least one researcher dispute parts of that account, and talks between M23 and the Congolese government are ongoing.

Economy Minister Amer Bisat said Lebanon needs security and political reforms alongside economic measures for recovery, and the military reported completion of the first phase of a plan to disarm non-state groups; a draft fiscal gap law endorsed by some ministers is awaiting parliamentary action.

Denmark's defence ministry said a 1952 military rule requires forces to engage immediately if Greenland is attacked and that the order remains in force; Denmark and Greenland will meet U.S. officials next week to discuss the matter.

State and local governments asked Congress to delay cost-sharing provisions that would shift some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expenses to states, saying operational strains during the 2025 federal shutdown and other implementation challenges left programs exposed; the groups proposed pushing the start of the cost-share until 2030.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva vetoed a December congressional bill that would have cut former president Jair Bolsonaro's 27-year sentence for his role in the 2023 coup attempt; Congress could seek to override the veto.

ScotRail has opened an independent investigation after reports that some property services staff accepted gifts in return for contracts; several employees have reportedly been suspended while inquiries continue.

French President Emmanuel Macron told ambassadors the United States is 'breaking free from international rules' after recent US actions reported in Venezuela and over Greenland. European leaders have given mixed responses and ministers will discuss the matter in coming meetings.

A Metropolitan Police constable is on trial after using a Taser during a chase that prosecutors say left 61-year-old Leonard Sandiford tetraplegic and reliant on a wheelchair; the officer denies unlawful force and says he feared an immediate threat. The case is being heard at Southwark Crown Court.

London Councils has opened a review of the Older Person's Freedom Pass because rising costs are putting pressure on borough finances; one option under consideration is limiting free travel for over‑66s to buses only, which officials say could save over £100m a year.

President Trump told reporters he watched a grainy video and said Renee Good ran over an ICE agent; the New York Times and others described the footage as unclear and officials say an investigation is under way.

The Senate is set to vote on a resolution to require congressional approval before further strikes on Venezuela after U.S. forces seized President Nicolás Maduro.

Allan Hughes, already serving a drug-trafficking sentence, received a further seven-year prison term after police seized a mobile phone in May 2024 that prosecutors said contained videos and messages linking him to the supply of multiple firearms.

Late-night hosts mocked the Trump administration after it deposed Nicolás Maduro and brought him to New York to face federal drug‑trafficking charges. Top UN officials warned the intervention most likely violated international law.