The Follow Up

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on Jan. 31. The State Department readout (attributed to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott) said the two agreed to continue working to advance mutual economic and security interests. No timelines or specific agreements were provided.
Secretary Rubio also spoke with Mexican Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente (readout dated Jan. 30, published on the State Department site). The readout said they discussed advancing shared priorities and regional security and reaffirmed cooperation on bilateral and regional issues. No further operational details were released.

DHS announced expedited federal funding to Mississippi on Jan. 31 to support state-led recovery from a winter storm. Under an amended federal emergency declaration, FEMA will reimburse Mississippi $3.75 million for emergency protective measures. The DHS release said the department and FEMA are providing commodities, direct federal assistance, and expedited financial support to supplement state and local response.

A statement titled “Statement on Jury’s Verdict in Trial of R. Brian Watson and Northstar Commercial Partners” was released on Jan. 31. The internal seed metadata did not include the issuing office or the text of the statement. (If the statement concerns a federal prosecution or civil matter, consult the relevant Department of Justice or court press release for the full text and details.)

Sources

U.S. Department of State readouts for Rubio calls with Brazil and Mexico (Office of the Spokesperson).
U.S. Department of Homeland Security news release on expedited funding to Mississippi (Jan. 31, 2026).

External links

U.S. daily roundup — Jan. 31, 2026: State Department readouts; Mississippi storm aid; jury verdict statement