Author: Andrew Rogers

Missouri lawmakers are preparing to eliminate the state income tax, joining nine other states in the U.S. that have already removed it. The proposal will be a central topic in the upcoming legislative session. House Speaker Jon Patterson said he supports ending the tax but offered few details on how the state would replace the billions in revenue it generates. Missouri’s income tax brings in over $4 billion each year, making it the largest source of state revenue. Patterson told FOX4 that the move is aimed at making Missouri more competitive and encouraging population growth. “We have to do things…

Maryland Representative Steny Hoyer will announce his retirement from Congress on Thursday, ending a political career that spanned more than four decades. Hoyer, 86, served in Congress since 1981 and held two four-year terms as House majority leader, playing a pivotal role in passing landmark legislation, including the Affordable Care Act. In an interview, Hoyer said he did not want to “outstay his ability to do the job,” reflecting a desire to step aside while still capable of contributing effectively. He represents a district covering the eastern Washington suburbs and parts of southern Maryland. Hoyer rose to the second-ranking position…

President Donald Trump will attend this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, accompanied by several top officials, a source familiar with the plans said Wednesday. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright are among the Cabinet members expected to join him. Also included in the delegation are U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. The delegation will meet with global leaders during the annual forum, scheduled for January 19-23, 2026. Trump will attend in person, after addressing last year’s forum remotely, four days after returning…

The U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee has voted to subpoena billionaire Leslie Wexner for a deposition regarding his ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia confirmed the action on Wednesday, noting that subpoenas were also issued to the executors of Epstein’s estate. Wexner, the former CEO and founder of Victoria’s Secret-owner L Brands, has previously drawn scrutiny due to Epstein managing his personal finances and serving as trustee of Wexner’s charitable foundation. The billionaire has not faced any criminal charges in connection with Epstein. Representatives from the Wexner Foundation did not…

Amid growing global attention on Venezuela, another potential flashpoint is emerging in Iran. Western intelligence reports indicate that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, may have a contingency plan to leave the country if domestic unrest spirals out of control. According to a report cited by Western media, Khamenei could seek refuge in Moscow, with Russian authorities potentially assisting his safe passage. The plan would involve a small, trusted group of up to 20 people, including his son and possible successor, Mostafa Khamenei. Preparations reportedly include a secured exit route, ready access to cash and assets abroad, and rapid evacuation…

Tensions are mounting in the North Atlantic over an oil tanker now under Russian naval protection. The tanker, currently positioned between Iceland and the British Isles, has drawn attention from both the United States and Russia amid claims it may be violating sanctions by transporting Iranian oil. U.S. officials say the ship, which previously carried Venezuelan crude, is currently empty. The vessel, formerly known as Belawan, has been renamed Marinera and now sails under the Russian flag. This change has raised new questions about its legal status and ownership. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to block sanctioned…

Chinese military watchers are closely monitoring the country’s aircraft carrier expansion, focusing on whether a new conventional carrier, dubbed the Type 003A, is in the works. While satellite imagery has confirmed a nuclear-powered Type 004 carrier under construction, no concrete evidence yet confirms a new conventional carrier. In November 2025, China commissioned the Type 003 Fujian, a CATOBAR carrier capable of launching both fighter jets and early warning aircraft. This marks a major upgrade from its earlier carriers, the Type 001 Liaoning and Type 002 Shandong, which use ski jumps for STOBAR operations. Fujian also supports China’s new fifth-generation J-35…

Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo are rising after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi remarked on Taiwan in November. China has already taken trade measures against Japan, prompting analysts to examine what levers Tokyo might hold if the relationship worsens. China’s latest move came on Wednesday, when Beijing announced an anti-dumping investigation into a critical chipmaking material imported from Japan. This follows previous steps, including bans on Japanese seafood and restrictions on dual-use goods with potential military applications. Despite these measures, analysts and trade groups report that overall trade between Japan and China remains steady for now. However, China relies heavily…

The United States plans to take long-term control of Venezuelan oil sales and market the country’s crude indefinitely, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Wednesday. The move is part of Washington’s broader effort to influence political and economic change in Venezuela while also easing pressure on global oil supplies. Speaking at an energy industry conference in Miami, Wright said the United States will begin by selling oil that is currently stored and backed up in Venezuela. After that, Washington will continue to sell oil produced in the country on an ongoing basis. He stressed that these sales will be…

Republicans in Congress are showing little interest in limiting President Donald Trump’s war powers as he escalates threats abroad. Trump’s recent military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has sparked concern among Democrats and some U.S. allies. Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime Trump ally, gave a blunt response when asked if Congress would limit the president’s authority. “No,” Graham told NBC News. His answer reflects the lack of GOP enthusiasm for reclaiming Congress’ constitutional war powers. Trump has indicated he could take further steps, including the possibility of using ground troops in Venezuela. He also warned other countries about…