Staten Island man, 28, among Americans freed from Venezuelan prison, report says
Jan. 15, 2026, 9:12 p.m.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A 28-year-old Staten Island man whose family lost contact with him in early December was among several Americans released Tuesday from Venezuela’s prison system, according to the New York Times, which cited relatives and U.S. officials.
https://www.silive.com/news/2026/01/staten-island-man-28-among-americans-freed-from-venezuelan-prison-report-says.html
How the New USPS Postmark Changes Could Affect Mail Voting
A new Postal Service rule could affect your ballot, your tax return and more.
January 15, 2026
Recent changes to the way the U.S. Postal Service postmarks and distributes mail could have an outsize impact on elections and voting, particularly in a big federal election year like 2026.
The Postal Service last year clarified that its policy is to apply postmarks at central processing facilities and not necessarily at the local offices where mail is dropped off. With more mail now being routed through large distribution hubs, what does this change mean for election officials and voters?
https://www.ncsl.org/state-legislatures-news/details/how-the-new-usps-postmark-changes-could-affect-mail-voting
LIS Technologies to Invest More Than $1 Billion in Laser Uranium Enrichment Facility
Sole U.S.-origin and patented laser enrichment technology developer to create approximately 200 jobs and invest nearly $1.4 billion in Oak Ridge
January 16, 2026
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Laser Isotope Separation Technologies officials announced today the company will expand in Roane County.
LIS Technologies will create 203 jobs and invest $1.38 billion in an Oak Ridge, Tennessee, facility on the formerly named Duct Island. This announcement marks the third-largest nuclear-related investment since the creation of TNECD’s Nuclear Energy Fund.
https://tnecd.com/news/lis-technologies-to-invest-more-than-1-billion-in-laser-uranium-enrichment-facility/
Live
Artemis II Rollout
Live coverage of NASA’s integrated SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission began at 7 a.m. EST, as the vehicle embarks on its multi‑hour journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A rollout media event featuring NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the Artemis II astronauts is scheduled for 9 a.m. EST.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTs799cmxBc
CMH
@USArmyCMH
17 JANUARY 1781 – BATTLE OF COWPENS
Amid the Continental Army’s flagging Southern Campaign, BG Daniel Morgan won a crushing victory over a British force under the command of the reviled LTC Banastre Tarleton, revitalizing the fight for independence in the south.
8:05 AM · Jan 17, 2026
https://x.com/USArmyCMH/status/2012511472471994612
NRO
@NRO_gov
MISSION SUCCESS: NROL-105 launched yesterday at 11:39 p.m. EST on a @SpaceX
Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
In 2026 and beyond, NRO will continue to prioritize the accelerated deployment of next-generation systems.
Press release:
https://www.nro.gov/Portals/135/Documents/news/press/2026/NROL-105%20Press%20Release%20Final.pdf
2:15 AM · Jan 17, 2026
https://x.com/NRO_gov/status/2012423415773159541
President Trump Gaggles with Press Before Departing the White House, Jan. 16, 2026
The White House
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2itol6xtloc
12:00 PM EST
Inauguration of the 75th Governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger
Abigail Spanberger for Governor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_oG0itO5JM
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12:00 PM EST
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger Delivers Inauguration Remarks
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) delivers her inauguration remarks from the state Capitol following her swearing in as the 75th governor of the state.
https://www.c-span.org/event/state-legislature/virginia-gov-abigail-spanberger-delivers-inauguration-remarks/439456