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US seizes Venezuelan tanker - pressure on Maduro escalates

U.S. forces captured a tanker linked to Venezuela’s shadow fleet and moved to confiscate its oil as part of a broader campaign of seizures and sanctions aimed at the Maduro regime, raising regional tensions and prompting international protests

Number

100,000 - People facing potential evacuation amid catastrophic flooding in western Washington

Quote

"We will not stand by and watch sanctioned vessels sail the seas" — White House

SPX 6,901 ↑ 0.21% Dow 48,704 ↑ 1.34% Nasdaq 23,594 ↓ 0.25% Gold 4,352 ↑ 0.89% BTC 92,475 ↓ 0.05%

24 Hours

US seizes sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela - shadow fleet crackdown begins

U.S. forces seized a tanker near Venezuela and officials say the move signals a broader campaign to disrupt a 'shadow fleet' moving sanctioned oil. Washington has paired seizures with sanctions aimed at Maduro's inner circle and says more seizures could follow.

Trump warns land strikes on Venezuela coming soon - White House threat escalates

President Trump has publicly threatened imminent land strikes on Venezuela as the administration tightens sanctions and military pressure. The White House and Congress face escalating diplomatic fallout and regional tensions.

Trump signs executive order on AI - federal rules to override states

The White House signed a sweeping executive order aimed at preempting state AI regulations and creating federal enforcement mechanisms. The measure directs the attorney general to lead litigation efforts and centralizes federal AI policy.

Trump grants full pardon to Tina Peters - White House announcement

President Trump issued a controversial pardon for Tina Peters, a convicted former county clerk, prompting legal questions over its effect on state charges and sparking partisan backlash. Multiple White House posts and reactions followed.

Indiana Senate strikes down Trump backed redistricting map - GOP rebels

Indiana Republicans delivered a rare rebuke to President Trump by rejecting a mid-decade redistricting map he backed. The defeat undercuts a GOP plan to add House seats and exposes fractures in Trump’s influence with state lawmakers.

Senate rejects dueling health bills - ACA subsidies face cliff

Congress failed to advance rival health bills, making it likely that enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies will expire. Lawmakers' inability to agree threatens major premium hikes for millions of Americans next year.

Catastrophic flooding inundates western Washington - evacuations ordered

Western Washington is grappling with catastrophic flooding after days of heavy rain, prompting a state of emergency and mass evacuations. Officials warned tens of thousands could be displaced and rescues continue amid rising waters.

6.7 magnitude quake strikes off northeast Japan - tsunami advisory issued

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off northeast Japan, triggering tsunami advisories and emergency response. Authorities monitored coastal areas and issued guidance as aftershocks and advisory updates followed.

Storm batters Gaza tent camps - at least 10 dead and shelters flooded

A violent winter storm battered Gaza, flooding tent camps and killing civilians while humanitarian agencies warn of worsening conditions. The storms compounded an already acute humanitarian crisis among displaced Palestinians.

Accused Charlie Kirk assassin appears in court and smirks during hearing

The accused killer of political activist Charlie Kirk made his first in-person court appearance as judges consider media access and camera rules for the high-profile trial. Footage showed the defendant’s demeanor and court battled over coverage.

Do Kwon sentenced to 15 years for $40 billion Terraform fraud

Do Kwon, the Terra founder blamed for a massive $40 billion crash, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after a high-profile trial. Judges imposed penalties far beyond prosecutors' requests, marking a landmark crypto fraud verdict.

Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI - characters to be licensed for AI videos

Disney struck a major partnership with OpenAI that includes a $1 billion investment and licensing of iconic characters for AI-generated video tools. The deal signals big shifts in how studios monetize intellectual property in the AI era.

White House proposal would require visitors to hand over five years of social media

The administration signaled plans to expand visa vetting by collecting years of social media history from many visitors, a move that would reshape entry screening for travelers and World Cup visitors. Civil liberties advocates raised alarms.

Reddit files suit against Australia to block under 16 social media ban

Reddit launched legal challenges to Australia’s pioneering ban on social media accounts for under-16s, arguing the law infringes on free expression and political communication. The company has filed suits in high courts as enforcement begins.

Nato chief warns Europe to prepare for large scale war - deterrence urgent

NATO and European officials issued stark warnings about the risk of large-scale war with Russia, urging preparedness comparable to past global conflicts. Political and military leaders called for stepped-up deterrence and readiness.

China says it drove away Philippine aircraft over Scarborough Shoal - confrontation escalates

China’s maritime forces and drone programs escalated concerns in the region after Beijing reported intercepting Philippine aircraft near Scarborough Shoal and tested a drone 'mothership' capable of launching swarms. Analysts flagged military implications.

AI led tech slide extends into third day - Oracle and Nvidia slide premarket

Stock markets showed volatility tied to AI sector moves after tech names slid, even as major indices hit record highs. Investors are weighing AI demand, Oracle and Nvidia results, and broader rotations across sectors.

Measles outbreaks accelerate in US with hundreds quarantined

Public health authorities are battling outbreaks and vaccine safety concerns as measles spreads in parts of the US and the FDA expands reviews into adult vaccine-linked deaths. CDC data still shows COVID vaccines protect children from severe illness.

Gas explosion levels Bay Area home and injures six - residents evacuated

A powerful gas explosion in the Bay Area leveled a home, sent six people to hospitals and ignited a major fire. Dramatic video surfaced as investigators probe reports a construction crew struck an underground gas line earlier.

Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia released from federal immigration detention

A federal judge ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia released from immigration custody after his case drew national attention. The rulings triggered immediate releases, court orders to check in with authorities and renewed debate over immigration enforcement.

Noem confronted in House hearing over deportations and deported veteran testimony

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced intense questioning over deportations and was confronted by veterans during a heated House hearing. Lawmakers pressed the administration on cases of deported former military personnel and policy legality.

Third grand jury refuses to indict Letitia James - DOJ setback

Federal prosecutors repeatedly failed to convince grand juries to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, dealing multiple setbacks to Justice Department efforts. Each refusal renewed scrutiny of the prosecutions and DOJ strategy.

Verdict due next week in Jimmy Lai national security trial

Hong Kong’s High Court will hand down a verdict soon in the high-profile case against media tycoon Jimmy Lai, concluding a long-running national security prosecution that has drawn global attention to press freedom in the city.

US to attend Ukraine peace talks in Europe - Trump says US will participate

Diplomatic efforts and security talks around Ukraine intensified as the U.S. agreed to attend European-hosted peace talks while Kyiv seeks guarantees. The EU approved another large aid tranche to support Ukraine's recovery and defense.

POTUS LATEST

"For years, Democrats ignored Violent and Vicious Crime of all shapes, sizes, colors, and types. Violent Criminals who should have been locked up were allowed to attack again. Democrats were also far too happy to let in the worst from the worst countries so they could rip off American Taxpayers. Democrats only think there is one crime –…"