NYTIMES (Paul Sonne) - Why Is Taking the Rest of the Donetsk Region So Important to Putin?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the question “the one remaining item” in Abu Dhabi peace talks. Russia disputed that.
NPR (Frank Langfitt) - U.S. intervention in Venezuela divides Houston
In nearly two dozen interviews, Houstonians expressed everything from admiration and relief to skepticism and dread following the seizure of leader Nicolás Maduro.
NYTIMES (Shane Goldmacher and Reid J. Epstein) - Republican National Committee Enters 2026 With Nearly $100 Million Edge on D.N.C.
Democrats have struggled to raise money, as is often the case for the party out of power, but the depth of their financial hole against the Republican National Committee is noteworthy.
WASHINGTONPOST (Brianna Tucker) - Democrats narrow GOP House majority as Menefee wins Texas special election
After Menefee is sworn in, Democrats will have 214 House seats. Republicans currently hold 218, giving House Speaker Mike Johnson a razor-thin majority.
WASHINGTONPOST (Salvador Rizzo) - DOJ misconduct complaint against D.C. federal judge dismissed
Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg of D.C. was accused of bias by the Justice Department, which then failed to provide evidence against him.
NPR (Kristin Wright) - Anti-ICE protesters call for national action against federal immigration tactics
Hundreds of groups hold protests against federal immigration operations, calling for an end to ICE surge. Demonstrators challenge Minneapolis-based retailer Target.
Hundreds of groups hold protests against federal immigration operations, calling for an end to ICE surge. Demonstrators challenge Minneapolis-based retailer Target.Open
NPR (The Associated Press) - Mine collapses in eastern Congo, leaving at least 200 dead
The collapse happened Wednesday due to heavy rains at the rebel-controlled Rubaya mines. Congo is a major supplier of coltan, which contains a key component in the production of smartphones.
The collapse happened Wednesday due to heavy rains at the rebel-controlled Rubaya mines. Congo is a major supplier of coltan, which contains a key component in the production of smartphones.Open
ABCNEWS - WATCH: 9-year-old piano prodigy goes viral
9-year-old piano prodigy Alexander Zhou and Kaufman Music Center president and CEO Tony Mazzocchi discuss Alexander’s musical journey.
ABCNEWS - WATCH: When the snow came down these heroes stepped up
A special thanks to the men and women who never get a snow day.
NYTIMES (Nicholas Kristof) - Do We Want Live in Alex Pretti’s America or Gregory Bovino’s?
As in the Civil Rights battles of the 1960s, Americans are at a fork and must pick their path.