New York Times

1. Jobs Report Shows U.S. Hiring Slowed One Year Into Trump’s Second Term

   As economists pointed to some of the president’s policies to explain the latest Labor Department data, White House aides sought to make the case for optimism in the new year.

2. U.S. Hiring Continues at Modest Pace, but Weaknesses Are Evident

   The unemployment rate fell in December, but job growth across 2025 was the lowest in five years.

3. GOP Seeks Some Distance From Trump as Midterm Election Year Opens

   The vote to open a war powers debate, a pair of attempted veto overrides and a split on health care suggested a greater appetite among Republicans to challenge the president.

4. Trump Is Making a Power Play in Latin America. China Is Already There.

   China built a dominant strategic position in the region as the leading lender and trading partner. It is watching President Trump’s next moves closely.

5. E.U. and South America to Form Free-Trade Zone With 700 Million People

   The agreement represents a push for deeper global cooperation, in contrast to the United States’ turning to coercion in its dealings with other countries.