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A federal jury found Marlon and LaShonda Moore guilty this week of conspiracy, multiple wire fraud counts and money laundering after prosecutors said their “Blessings In No Time” program took more than $25 million from over 10,000 people during the COVID‑19 pandemic; a sentencing date has not been set.

Michael McKee was arrested in Illinois and charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe, who were found dead in their Columbus home on Dec. 30. McKee is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency to block courts and private creditors from seizing Venezuelan oil revenues held in designated U.S. Treasury accounts. The order places proceeds from Venezuelan oil sales into a legal firewall in the Foreign Government Deposit Funds, the administration said it was needed for U.S. national security and foreign policy.

An ICE officer reportedly fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis, and the incident has prompted lawmakers from both parties to call for investigations and other responses on Capitol Hill.

The proposed Billionaire Tax Act would impose a one-time 5% tax on assets of California residents worth over $1 billion; if organizers gather enough signatures it would appear on the November ballot and, if approved, apply retroactively to residents as of Jan. 1.

Amazon has started selling Novo Nordisk's new oral Wegovy weight‑loss pill in the United States, where Novo Nordisk began rolling it out on Jan. 5; Amazon says it will also add the pill to prescription kiosks in select One Medical clinics in the coming weeks.

Officials say an ex-husband was arrested in Illinois and charged in the Dec. 30 deaths of a Columbus couple, and the couple's children were found safe.

President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency to block seizure of Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts; the order cites the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act.

Four tankers that left Venezuela in early January with their transponders off have reportedly returned to Venezuelan waters, after U.S. forces seized some vessels amid a U.S. push to access Venezuelan oil following Nicolás Maduro's arrest.

Oceania Cruises announced it will accept only guests aged 18 and older for new reservations; bookings made before Jan. 7, 2026 that include minors will still be honored.

A U-Haul analysis ranked Texas first on its 2025 Growth Index using one-way customer transactions, and the company reported more than 265,000 people moved to Texas from other states in 2025.

Court records show Michael David McKee has been charged with two counts of murder in the Dec. 30 deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe; the couple's two young children were found unharmed.

Meta has agreed to multiple nuclear power arrangements with TerraPower, Oklo and Vistra to supply electricity for its AI data centers, including near-term purchases from Vistra starting later this year and funding for new reactors targeted for 2030–2032.

Dozens of tech figures are using a Signal group called "Save California" to oppose a proposed one-time 5% tax on individuals with more than $1 billion in net worth; the initiative needs about 875,000 signatures to get on the November ballot.

A drone strike on Christmas morning struck a group marching toward a church in Julud, Sudan; local reports say 11 people were killed and 18 injured.

The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council said it has not disbanded, rejecting a broadcast announcement by a member that claimed the group had dissolved; the STC said the announcement was made under coercion and that some members in Riyadh were detained.

Sports betting in Missouri went live on December 1, and the article reports that several national sportsbooks are offering new-user sign-up promos and bonus bets.

Avelo said it will stop flying deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is closing hubs including its Mesa Gateway operation on Jan. 27; the company said the ICE work did not produce consistent, predictable revenue.

Ikea unveiled a broad line of Matter-compatible smart lights, sensors, bulbs and plugs at CES 2026, and the article reports many of the devices are priced under $10 with most available this month.

University Hospitals has placed a medical helicopter and an ambulance at the Northeast Ohio Regional Airport, and crews are using temporary hangar housing while awaiting an FAA permit for permanent modular living quarters.

The article reports that Gen Zers carry an average $94,101 in personal debt and that economist Alice Lassman calls the generation's response 'disillusionomics' as many rethink work and money.

Bill Gates wrote that he remains optimistic about global progress thanks to advances in technology and health, while noting three concerns that could change the trajectory: a projected rise in child deaths, cuts to aid, and risks from artificial intelligence.

Iranian cities prepared for more weekend protests after demonstrations that began in late December over a currency collapse spread across many cities; authorities said they would protect strategic infrastructure and public property.

Rescue teams in Cebu City are searching after the privately owned Binaliw landfill collapsed; officials say four people have died and more than 30 workers remain missing.

In 2024 Quebec announced an $870 million project to replace Montreal Olympic Stadium's damaged roof, with officials saying work is on time and on budget and expected to finish in 2028.

EV sales and federal subsidies have cooled entering 2026, prompting some automakers to scale back costly projects while many are preparing lower-priced electric models aimed at mainstream buyers.

Iran cut internet access during nationwide protests that rights groups said have led to at least 62 deaths, and the article notes a new warning from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Once you earn $400 or more in self-employment income, the IRS requires a self-employment tax that is 15.3% applied to 92.35% of net earnings, and you may also owe regular federal and state income tax; estimated quarterly payments are required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more.

The IRS ended its Direct File program in late 2025 and the Direct File website is not available as of January 2026. Taxpayers can still use IRS Free File (AGI limit $84,000), free fillable forms, volunteer VITA/TCE services, and some commercial services that offer free federal filing.

Research by Investopedia and Travel + Leisure lists Pueblo among the 50 best places to retire and names it the only Colorado town on the 2025 list; reported median monthly housing in Pueblo County is $1,083.