The Latest News and Information For Retired Republicans

A weekly digest of the latest News, Advocacy, and People articles delivered every Saturday morning. Published on Saturday January 17, 2026.

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter dismissed the Trump DOJ's bid for California voter rolls, calling it 'unprecedented and illegal.' This ruling blocks federal efforts to ensure election integrity through access to state data.

The State Department has paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries over welfare concerns. This Trump administration policy aims to ensure financial self-sufficiency among immigrants.

A Senate report reveals UnitedHealth Group's aggressive tactics to boost Medicare funding via discretionary diagnoses. This strategy raises costs for beneficiaries and prompts calls for oversight.

Oregon is purging up to 800,000 inactive voter records under Secretary Tobias Read, following lawsuits by Judicial Watch and the Trump administration. This historic cleanup aims to boost election integrity.

The Trump administration ended TPS for 2,471 Somali nationals, requiring them to leave by March 17. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated conditions in Somalia no longer justify TPS, aligning with strict immigration enforcement.

Scott Adams, creator of 'Dilbert,' passed away at 68 on January 13 after battling prostate cancer. His iconic comic strip, once in over 2,000 newspapers, leaves a lasting legacy despite later controversies.

DHS and USCIS launched Operation PARRIS in Minnesota to combat refugee fraud, focusing on 5,600 cases without lawful status. The initiative includes new background checks and has referred fraud cases to ICE.

A weekly digest of the latest News, Advocacy, and People articles delivered every Saturday morning. Published on Saturday January 10, 2026.

The SBA suspended nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers over suspected fraud in pandemic-era loans worth $400 million. This crackdown, led by Administrator Kelly Loeffler, aims to protect taxpayer funds and ensure program integrity.

Procter & Gamble has updated Crest children's toothpaste packaging under an agreement with Texas AG Ken Paxton. This addresses concerns over excessive fluoride use depicted on previous boxes.

President Trump announced a deal for Venezuela to supply up to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., with revenue used solely for American goods. This includes agricultural products, medicines, and energy equipment.

A Chinese tycoon linked to Beijing owns golf courses near Barksdale Air Force Base, raising security concerns. Lawmakers, including Chairman Moolenaar, demand scrutiny of such strategic land deals near U.S. military sites.

The U.S. State Department expanded its visa bond policy, requiring up to $15,000 from citizens of 25 more countries. This aims to deter overstays, with bonds refundable upon compliance.

Minnesota faces severe penalties for Medicaid fraud, with losses possibly at $9 billion. Dr. Mehmet Oz, CMS administrator, orders audits and vows to claw back funds.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has dissolved after 58 years, following federal funding cuts by the Trump administration. The board voted to shut down on January 5, ending support for PBS and NPR.

The U.S. Postal Service is phasing out non-domiciled truck drivers who aren't vetted by the Postal Inspection Service. This safety-focused move aligns with Department of Transportation rules to protect American roadways.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has withdrawn from the 2026 reelection race amid a major fraud scandal. His decision on January 5 follows intense public and political pressure over state program mismanagement.

The IRS has issued guidance on a Trump administration tax deduction for car loan interest on U.S.-made vehicles. Buyers can deduct up to $10,000 in interest for cars assembled in America from 2025 to 2028.

A federal appeals court on December 30 upheld a Trump administration law cutting Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood in 22 states. This ruling enforces a one-year ban on payments to nonprofits providing abortions.

Five states—Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia—will restrict SNAP benefits from buying soda and candy starting January 1. This affects 1.4 million under the Make America Healthy Again initiative.

A federal judge upheld President Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee, affirming his authority. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has appealed, continuing the fight over this significant policy change.

A federal judge ruled on December 29 that ICE can access basic Medicaid data for enforcement. Judge Vince Chhabria allowed HHS to share key personal details, supporting the Trump administration's immigration goals.

President Trump confirmed a recent U.S. military strike on a major drug facility in Venezuela. This escalation targets trafficking infrastructure to protect Americans from illegal narcotics.