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HHS freezes federal child care payments nationwide - states must prove funds

The Trump administration halted federal child care payments to all 50 states, demanding immediate proof that funds are being spent legitimately after viral allegations of widespread daycare fraud. The freeze triggers investigations and congressional hearings

Number

5.2 million pages - DOJ review of Jeffrey Epstein files

Quote

"people will be in handcuffs" — Karoline Leavitt

SPX 6,846 ↓ 0.74% Dow 48,063 ↓ 0.63% Nasdaq 23,242 ↓ 0.76% Gold 4,332 ↓ 0.21% BTC 87,509 ↓ 1.02%

24 Hours

HHS freezes child care payments to all 50 states - administration demands proof

The Trump administration has frozen federal child care payments and ordered states to prove funds are being spent legitimately. The move follows viral allegations of fraud and has immediate budgetary and program impacts nationwide.

Everything we know about Minnesota fraud schemes - investigations widen

A sweeping fraud controversy in Minnesota child care centers has prompted congressional hearings and intense political scrutiny. Lawmakers are calling state officials to testify as investigators examine taxpayer-funded programs.

What to know about Nick Shirley the YouTuber behind viral daycare video

Independent reporter Nick Shirley produced viral footage that sparked nationwide probes and threats. The episode exposed tensions between citizen journalists and legacy media while placing Shirley at the center of safety concerns.

House Judiciary releases Jack Smith deposition video and transcript

The House released the closed deposition of former special counsel Jack Smith, revealing his views on prosecutions of former President Trump. The transcripts and video have reignited partisan battles over Jan 6 and potential future charges.

Trump pulls National Guard out of Chicago - for now

President Trump announced the removal of National Guard units from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland following legal setbacks and political pressure. The decision has immediate security and political implications for urban policing debates.

White House ends National Links Trust lease - DC golf courses taken back

The Trump administration moved to terminate the lease run by a nonprofit for Washington D.C.'s public golf courses. The action signals an expansion of federal control over city assets and potential renovation plans under the president.

US military destroys suspected narco convoy at sea - multiple killed

U.S. forces conducted lethal strikes on a convoy of vessels they allege were trafficking narcotics, killing multiple people and leaving survivors. The strikes mark an escalation in Washington's regional campaign against narco groups.

Treasury sanctions oil firms and blocks four tankers tied to Venezuela

Washington expanded sanctions targeting Venezuela's oil sector, adding companies and tankers to pressure the Maduro regime. The measures aim to choke revenue channels and intensify diplomatic leverage.

DOJ says 5.2 million pages of Epstein files are under review

The Justice Department has massively expanded its review of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, now accounting for millions of pages. The scale of the review is stretching DOJ resources and drawing public scrutiny over redactions and timelines.

Trump says Triumphal Arch construction will begin within two months - DC monument planned

President Trump is advancing a large White House renovation and a planned Arc de Triomphe style monument while demolition continues at the executive residence. New images and presidential timelines have made the project a flashpoint.

China fires rockets near Taiwan and practices port seizure - drills escalate

China staged heavy military exercises around Taiwan including rocket launches and amphibious rehearsals. The drills show Beijing's growing assertiveness and raise regional security concerns with Japan and Australia watching closely.

Finland seizes ship suspected of sabotaging undersea telecom cable

Finnish authorities detained a vessel suspected of damaging undersea telecommunications cables in the Gulf of Finland. Investigations focus on possible sabotage affecting regional connectivity and security.

Protests spread across Iran as currency plunges - economy in crisis

Mass protests over Iran's economic collapse continued into a fourth day with firms and government offices shut in many provinces. Tehran named a new central bank governor as currency turmoil deepened public anger.

Israel moves to suspend dozens of aid groups in Gaza - aid access threatened

Israel announced moves to suspend operating licenses for dozens of aid groups in Gaza, prompting warnings that the ban will devastate humanitarian services. International NGOs and residents say the action will imperil life-saving assistance.

Wall Street ends 2025 near record highs - tech rally drives gains

U.S. equity markets closed 2025 with strong gains driven by tech optimism while mortgage rates fell to their lowest level of the year. The market picture contrasts with political uncertainty at home.

US measles cases surge to a 30 year high - CDC urges vaccination

The United States recorded its highest measles total in decades while a drug resistant fungus spread in Tennessee hospitals. Public health officials are urging vaccination and infection control measures as threats rise.

Trump administration orders Colorado coal plant to stay open - retirement halted

The federal government ordered an aging Colorado coal generator to remain in operation, reversing closure plans and signaling energy policy priorities. Critics warn the move could raise costs for ratepayers and slow the energy transition.

TSMC wins annual US license to import chip equipment to Nanjing - trade carveout

Taiwanese and US semiconductor supply issues continued to shape geopolitics as TSMC secured an annual license for US equipment exports to its Nanjing plant and Nvidia sought increased H200 production. Chip production remains central to US China tensions.

ICE plans $100 million wartime recruitment blitz targeting patriotic audiences

ICE plans a $100 million recruitment push and the White House is weighing denaturalization for Somali Americans accused in fraud schemes. The twin moves signal an aggressive immigration enforcement posture with political risks.

Venezuela holding at least five Americans including a New Yorker - detentions rise

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have led to detained American citizens as U.S. pressure mounts. Families and officials urge action as diplomatic routes are tested.

Bulgaria joins the euro on Jan 1 - country adopts new currency

Europe faces policy shifts as Bulgaria enters the eurozone and French leaders propose social media limits for children. European officials also warned of a changing transatlantic relationship amid strategic competition.

Taliban to jail barbers who shave men’s beards - new punitive law

Hardline measures and regional diplomatic fallout followed Trump policies as Mali and Burkina Faso imposed retaliatory travel bans and Afghanistan’s Taliban moved to criminalize barbers under strict social codes. The moves reflect rising global tensions.

Putin vows victory in Ukraine in New Year address - defiant tone

Russia doubled down in its messaging on the Ukraine war as Putin vowed victory and Russian drone strikes struck Ukrainian cities. U.S. and allies continue to assess battlefield developments and allegations of targeted strikes.

First veto kills Colorado water project funding - local leaders outraged

President Trump used his veto power to reject bipartisan infrastructure bills early in his second term, sparking accusations of political retaliation. The vetoes kill funding for projects and inflame intra party tensions.

POTUS LATEST

"Good News! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration, much like we had under Sleepy Joe Biden. Remember when Clooney, after the now…"