Former FBI official David Sundberg announced his candidacy for Maryland's 5th Congressional District seat, which is being vacated by retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer. Sundberg, who was ousted from the FBI shortly after President Trump took office in 2025, cited his commitment to the rule of law and combating political influence in the justice system as reasons for his run. The district is considered a solid Democratic seat, and Sundberg has positioned his campaign around protecting democracy and ensuring Congress functions as a co-equal branch of government.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., previously known for his opposition to glyphosate, has now endorsed a Trump administration executive order aimed at boosting domestic glyphosate and phosphorus production, aligning with the president's push to support agricultural chemical industries. This position marks a shift from Kennedy's past stance on pesticides, sparking criticism from environmental advocates and raising concerns about his political loyalty amid ongoing debates over pesticide safety and regulation. The move also highlights internal tensions within Kennedy's broader MAHA coalition, which comprises diverse health and environmental groups.
Florida's Board of Education has approved adding information about the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro into the upcoming school year’s anti-communism history curriculum. The curriculum will include references to Maduro’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking, indictments against him and his wife, and Venezuela’s ties to Iran, aiming to educate students on oppressive regimes. Critics, including some state senators, have expressed concern that the information is premature and may be confusing, as Maduro’s regime remains in flux.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics concluded with memorable moments including historic victories in hockey and figure skating, and Norway leading with a record 41 medals. In Mexico, the government killed cartel leader “El Mencho,” causing violence and disruptions in Puerto Vallarta. A severe blizzard affected over 41 million people in the U.S. Northeast, bringing dangerous snow, wind, and travel chaos. Additionally, the release of Jeffrey Epstein files prompted resignations and investigations of high-profile individuals worldwide.
The US Supreme Court's ruling will not prevent Donald Trump's tariffs, leaving open the possibility for ongoing trade measures despite the court's decision. While one aspect of trade policy has been closed off, the ruling does not eliminate the use of tariffs as a tool for trade enforcement.
Eileen Gu, a U.S.-born freestyle skier competing for China, responded to criticism from U.S. Vice President JD Vance regarding her decision to represent China at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Gu stated her victories have shaped public perception and acknowledged facing scrutiny and safety concerns, including a past attack on Stanford's campus. She highlighted her sporting achievements, including becoming the most decorated freestyle skier in Olympic history.
A poll conducted in late January shows that 55% of US adults believe Donald Trump is moving the country in the wrong direction during his second term, marking an increase from previous periods. Support for Trump has declined among Republicans, with fewer now endorsing his mental fitness and ethical conduct. Additionally, confidence in the effectiveness of the US system of checks and balances has decreased, and only 27% of Americans support most or all of Trump's policies.
U.S. stocks declined on Monday following President Donald Trump's announcement of increased tariffs, with the S&P 500 dropping 1%, the Dow losing 821 points, and the Nasdaq falling 1.1%, amid ongoing trade uncertainties. Investors also continued to sell shares of companies potentially impacted by artificial intelligence competition, such as cybersecurity firms and software companies, leading to significant losses in these sectors. Global markets reacted variably, with European indices mostly down and Asian markets showing mixed results, while bond yields and Federal Reserve rate expectations indicated continued economic uncertainty.
FedEx filed a lawsuit seeking a full refund of tariffs imposed under President Trump's emergency tariffs, which a US Supreme Court ruling found to be illegal. The court's decision invalidated the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), allowing companies like FedEx to pursue refunds for duties paid. Several other companies and a Democratic-led bill have also called for the government to return collected tariffs, with some estimating the government has gained around $130 billion from these tariffs.
Trump invoked the 1974 US Trade Act to impose new tariffs following a Supreme Court loss, referencing potential "balance-of-payments" issues. Experts analyze whether the law's language about a "balance of payments deficit" is historically appropriate today, noting that the concept was relevant during the Bretton Woods era when official reserve movements balanced deficits. The article emphasizes that the US currently does not face the same international payments problems as in the 1970s and that the law's framing may no longer be applicable to modern economic conditions.
A CNN poll indicates that President Donald Trump's approval ratings among independents have fallen to a new low, with only 32% believing he has the right priorities and 61% feeling his policies are moving the country in the wrong direction. His overall approval remains at 36%, with significant declines among young Americans and Latino voters, and a drop in strong support from Republicans, especially younger ones. The poll reveals that most Americans want Trump to focus on economic issues, particularly the cost of living, in his upcoming State of the Union address.
The Supreme Court's decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which overturned Trump's tariffs, was achieved with a majority that relied on the "major questions doctrine," a controversial legal standard often used to limit presidential and agency powers. While the ruling temporarily favored the public, conservative justices' use of this doctrine raises concerns about its potential to be wielded in ways that reinforce judicial and political influences, especially if a Court vacancy occurs during Trump's tenure. The dissenting justices argued for a more straightforward interpretation, indicating deep ideological divides, and the outcome reflects broader concerns about the Court's direction and future nominations.
