U.S. Oil Expansion in Venezuela Challenges Trump's Democracy Promotion Promises

• Iraqi lawmakers on Thursday approved a new government headed by businessman Ali al-Zaidi, ending months of deadlock in Baghdad. • The prime minister’s media office said parliament granted confidence to Zaidi’s cabinet, while the INA state news agency reported an absolute majority backed 14 ministerial nominations.

• Nepal’s opposition parties moved in Kathmandu to block all eight ordinances introduced by the government, escalating political and legal pressure on the ruling side. • The article says the fight centers on measures pushed by the government and now facing an organized effort in the National Assembly to strike them down.

• Nine Japanese political parties, including the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and opposition groups, agreed on Thursday to require social media operators to reduce disinformation, misinformation and slander during elections. • The plan would push platforms to halt reward payments to users, respond faster to deletion requests, and label AI-generated content, with lawmakers aiming to pass legislation during the current Diet session.

• A South Carolina court overturned the murder convictions of Alex Murdaugh, the prominent attorney convicted of killing his wife and son, setting the stage for potential retrial or release. • The judicial decision reverses the high-profile case that captivated national attention and raised questions about the investigation and trial proceedings.

• The Department of Homeland Security appointed a new acting director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, marking a leadership change during the administration's ongoing immigration policy overhaul. • The appointment comes as the administration pursues significant changes to immigration enforcement and detention practices, including closure of the 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center.

• A survey by Rutgers University and partner institutions found Americans disapprove of Trump administration policies targeting science and medicine by a margin exceeding 2-to-1, reflecting broad public opposition. • The polling data indicates significant public concern about the administration's approach to scientific research funding and medical policy implementation.

• The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on legislation providing military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues with ongoing Russian drone and ballistic missile strikes. • Russia conducted fresh attacks on Kyiv, injuring at least 4 people, underscoring the urgency of US support discussions in Congress.

• President Donald Trump stated 'I don't think about Americans' financial situation' while attending high-stakes US-China summit negotiations, sparking political fallout over rising consumer prices. • Vice President Vance responded that 'we have a lot of work to do,' as new data shows businesses' costs surged at their highest monthly rate in over four years with grocery prices also climbing.

• The US Supreme Court voted 6-3 to uphold the authority of the Preventive Services Task Force to recommend which healthcare services must be covered with no cost-sharing under the Affordable Care Act. • The ruling affirms that the independent medical body retains power to determine preventive care coverage standards for millions of Americans with ACA insurance plans.

• The Senate advanced legislation that would withhold congressional pay during federal government shutdowns, linking lawmaker compensation to budget negotiations outcomes. • The proposal represents a procedural step toward holding elected officials financially accountable for shutdown-related disruptions to federal operations and public services.

• The Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair nominee, resolving a weeks-long standoff over Republican demands for a probe into outgoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell's conduct. • Warsh's confirmation represents a significant shift in Federal Reserve leadership as the administration prioritizes new economic policy direction amid ongoing inflation concerns.

• FBI Director Kash Patel denied drinking allegations raised during a Senate budget hearing, addressing questions about his conduct while leading the federal law enforcement agency. • The testimony occurred as the Senate reviewed FBI budget appropriations and operational oversight priorities for the fiscal year.