
Nikki Fried, only statewide elected Democrat in Florida, enters race for governor
CNN
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried on Tuesday announced a run for governor, setting up a primary between the only statewide-elected Democrat in Florida and Rep. Charlie Crist.
Fried made the announcement in a video posted on Twitter where she attacks the Sunshine State's "rigged system" and pledges to take on a range of issues that include health care, education and marijuana legalization. "We can build a state that gives power back to you," Fried said in the video. "Listen, this won't be easy. Those in power will do whatever harm it takes to stay there. But I have spent my whole life taking on the system. I am unafraid, I'm tested, I am ready."
The Trump administration is preparing to use private military contractors to protect oil and energy assets in Venezuela rather than deploying US troops, according to two sources familiar with the plans, setting up a potential boon for security firms with experience in the region and ties to the administration.

Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, arrives in Washington this week for high-stakes talks with US President Donald Trump on the future of Venezuela following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro. The meeting comes after Trump surprised many by allowing Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, to assume control, dashing opposition hopes for a new democratic era.

Most Americans see an immigration officer’s fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good as an inappropriate use of force, a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds. Roughly half view it as a sign of broader issues with the way US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is operating, with less than one-third saying that ICE operations have made cities safer.










