Karishma Manzur’s op-ed warns against allowing President Donald Trump to pull the United States into an unjustified conflict in Venezuela. Pointing to the disastrous second Iraq war, the article insists that Americans learn from the past and avoid a repeat of that debacle.

As Republicans and Democrats prepare for next year’s midterms, December’s special elections have both sides strategizing for success. Democrats hope to build on momentum from recent wins, while Republicans are determined to assert their competitiveness ahead of the bigger contests to come.

Idaho’s trustees have rung the alarm about the growing epidemic of teen vaping, urging state legislators to take immediate action. The current tobacco tax law, written in 1974, does not address electronic cigarettes—leaving a vital public health gap unaddressed. Trustees believe updating this statute will be a crucial step in preventing further misuse of vaping products.

Democratic lawmakers are scrutinizing the governor’s proposed budget cuts, arguing they may be too extensive. State Rep. Timm Ormsby, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, notes the actual budget gap lawmakers must address is still unclear, prompting further debate in the Northwest.

Americans are voicing strong support for using the 9/11 fee to fund overdue airport upgrades, emphasizing a renewed focus on flying safety and efficiency. This proposal promises modernized infrastructure, from air traffic control improvements to streamlined traveler experiences.

Surgery Partners and Baylor Scott & White Health bring a new wave of care to the Brazos Valley. The Physicians Centre Hospital in Bryan is set to become a Baylor Scott & White facility, reflecting the region’s rapid population growth.

A beloved senior center in Yakima faced closure before public servants stepped in to keep it open. In a heartfelt letter, a local resident reflects on the value of the center and her renewed respect for those who helped save it.

In his first year in the U.S. Senate, Adam Schiff challenged President Trump head-on while spotlighting affordability as a core priority. Despite persistent efforts to pass legislation, he saw little success, reflecting the tough hurdles facing new lawmakers.

Texas lawmakers have launched the state’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, committing $5 million to an initial cryptocurrency investment. With $10 million set aside for digital assets, this move signals closer government engagement with evolving economic technologies.

A recent Texas ruling has handed Republicans and former President Donald Trump a key advantage as they head into the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats, looking to regain ground, face limited strategies to counter the GOP’s expanding redistricting power.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a comprehensive overhaul of federal crop insurance rules, rolling back bureaucratic hurdles and broadening farmers’ access to risk protection. Nearly $1 billion in new funding is also flowing into rural Georgia, signaling a significant commitment to bolstering American agriculture at both the regulatory and financial levels.

Until recently, few brands could trace the forests that provided their viscose fabrics. Now, with renewed emphasis on transparency under regulations like the EUDR, the fashion industry stands at a critical turning point.

Former President Donald Trump claims Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “isn’t ready” to endorse a U.S.-authored peace proposal. The proposed agreement aims to end the Russia-Ukraine war, but Trump suggests Kyiv remains hesitant to sign.

A newly released U.S. National Security Strategy repositions its highest priority to the Western Hemisphere, marking a decisive shift from years of China-centric rhetoric. This document also acknowledges, for the first time, the possibility that the United States may not maintain indefinite military overmatch over China.

A coalition of 17 local and regional groups has united to oppose an upscale hotel plan slated for 147 acres on Paris Mountain. The site sits at the intersection of Clarke, Loudoun, and Fauquier counties, prompting concerns over environmental impact and the region’s character. Organizers argue the development poses risks to local surroundings while supporters highlight potential economic opportunities.

Officials from the United States, Israel, and Qatar are gathering in New York on Sunday to restore ties following an Israeli airstrike on Qatar in September. Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, joins Israeli official David Barnea for talks aimed at mending relations with this key U.S. ally.

Freight railroads across the United States have received federal approval to rely more heavily on technology when inspecting tracks. This change means fewer physical checks, as automated tools take on a larger role in ensuring rail safety.

A recent Dallas Morning News Editorial questions whether so-called “Trump accounts” truly offer the right path for supporting younger generations. Instead, it encourages policies that promote growth, reduce taxes, and strengthen education, arguing these efforts lay a stronger foundation for the youth.

In a stark warning, Dr. Mehmet Oz, who heads the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, cautions Minnesota Governor Tim Walz that his state’s federal Medicaid funding is at risk. The threat stems from an alleged Somali Medicaid fraud scheme and concerns over the integrity of the state’s healthcare program.

Two rival baby bonds proposals are poised to face one another in the next legislative session. State leaders insist these bonds offer children a brighter financial future than existing Trump Accounts, though passing them will be an uphill battle.

A half-million children have crossed America’s southern border since 2021, many disappearing into the shadows after their arrival. Despite more than $23 billion spent by federal agencies and nonprofits to help them, the fate of these minors remains murky, with lingering questions about the possibility of exploitation and inadequate accountability.