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US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker - Tensions Soar

U.S. forces captured a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela, prompting Caracas to denounce the move as piracy and raising regional wariness. Investigations show the ship spoofed location data, deepening diplomatic and legal fallout.

Number

100,000 - Residents ordered to evacuate in Washington state due to catastrophic floods

Quote

"We are Russia’s next target" — Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General

SPX 6,900 ↑ 0.19% Dow 48,727 ↑ 1.39% Nasdaq 23,580 ↓ 0.31% Gold 4,305 ↑ 1.90% BTC 91,031 ↓ 1.09%

24 Hours

US seizes oil tanker off Venezuelan coast

U.S. forces seized a sanctioned crude tanker off Venezuela, triggering sharp diplomatic blowback from Caracas and new investigative leads showing the ship spoofed its location. The operation has escalated regional tensions and prompted legal and political debate over the legality of the seizure.

US proposes free economic zone in parts of Donbas after pullback

U.S. officials floated creating a free economic zone in parts of Donbas as negotiators press for land concessions in any peace deal. Kyiv insists any territorial transfer must be approved by Ukrainians, complicating US and European diplomatic efforts.

Senate rejects extension of Obamacare subsidies as premiums loom

The Senate rejected competing health bills aimed at extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, making a steep rise in premiums likely for millions. Both partisan proposals failed, leaving lawmakers scrambling for an off‑ramp before the deadline.

Fed cuts interest rates 25 basis points markets react

The Federal Reserve cut rates by 25 basis points while officials warned the labor data may be overstated. Economists and Fed watchers say a systemic overcount in jobs could shape the path for further easing next year.

GO NOW: 100000 ordered to evacuate as Skagit Valley floods

A powerful atmospheric river hammered Western Washington, forcing mass evacuations and a state of emergency. Floodwaters and mudslides have left roads closed and prompted urgent rescue operations across multiple counties.

Judge rips Justice Department as she orders release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Federal courts repeatedly ordered the release of Kilmar Ábrego García, the wrongly deported Salvadoran, drawing rebukes of Justice Department conduct and renewed scrutiny of the administration's removal practices. Judges sharply criticized government lawyers in several rulings.

Noem testifies before House on worldwide threats amid tense exchanges

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced a combative House hearing marked by protests, calls for her resignation, and intense exchanges with lawmakers over deportations and security. Activists repeatedly disrupted testimony, escalating partisan conflict.

Accused Charlie Kirk killer to appear in person for first court hearing

Pretrial proceedings in the Charlie Kirk assassination case are intensifying as defense teams and prosecutors square off over media access and courtroom cameras. The accused killer is scheduled for his first in‑person appearance, setting up legal fights over transparency.

OpenAI launches GPT 5.2 as 'code red' subsides

OpenAI rolled out GPT‑5.2 amid a 'code red' scramble while Disney struck a landmark investment and licensing deal to bring its characters to Sora. Time named the architects of AI Person of the Year as the technology reshapes media and markets.

Dow hits record high as markets rally

Markets swung as the Dow set new highs while Oracle plunged on disappointing results and heavy spending on data centers. Investors debated whether AI investments are fueling a bubble as volatility spread across tech stocks.

NATO chief warns Europe must prepare for war 'Russia's next target'

NATO leaders issued stark warnings about Russian aggression and urged rapid defense build‑ups across Europe. Officials said the alliance must prepare for high intensity conflict and shore up readiness to deter Moscow.

Trump sanctions Maduro's nephews and oil shippers

The Trump administration widened pressure on Maduro with targeted sanctions and shipping penalties while Venezuelan opposition figures praised U.S. steps and continued high‑profile appearances abroad. Tensions have grown after the tanker seizure and sanctions.

Trump launches 'Gold Card' visa to fast track residency

The administration advanced high profile immigration initiatives from a pricey 'Gold Card' visa program to proposals screening tourists' social media and plans to buy aircraft for deportation flights. Measures aim to tighten controls even as critics warn of overreach.

FBI official calls antifa biggest US threat but provides few details

Top FBI testimony spotlighted antifa as a domestic threat but produced few specifics, prompting criticism from lawmakers. Officials struggled to detail membership or structure as Congress pressed for clarity on the designation.

South Carolina measles outbreak accelerates as hundreds quarantined

A measles outbreak in South Carolina surged after holiday gatherings, forcing hundreds into quarantine and alarming public health officials. The outbreak has highlighted low vaccination pockets and prompted emergency responses.

Former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore jailed after firing

The University of Michigan fired head coach Sherrone Moore amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship and an ongoing criminal probe that led to his arrest. The program faces immediate turmoil as administrators seek a replacement.

Botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart infant formula expands to all products

Federal health officials expanded an infant botulism probe tied to ByHeart formula and recalled products as illnesses grew. The outbreak prompted a nationwide safety review of the company's product line.

Heirs sue OpenAI and Microsoft claiming ChatGPT influenced murder suicide

Families have filed lawsuits alleging ChatGPT and similar AI tools played a role in murder and suicide cases, marking the first high‑profile legal challenges claiming direct harm from chatbot interactions. Plaintiffs seek damages and accountability from AI firms.

Winter storm floods Gaza camps and worsens humanitarian crisis

A severe winter storm battered Gaza, flooding displacement camps and worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Aid delivery and shelter conditions deteriorated as cold and rain struck vulnerable populations.

Zelensky to hold urgent talks with 30 countries as peace push intensifies

President Trump pressed European leaders and sought quick progress on a peace plan while Ukraine raced to gather allies for urgent talks. Officials will meet in Paris and elsewhere to discuss complex territorial and security tradeoffs.

Defense bill could force Pentagon to disclose boat strike footage

Lawmakers and committees are demanding accountability over Navy strikes and Pentagon transparency after contested maritime operations. House Republicans are pushing for footage release while critics call the strikes legally troubling.

Federal judge blocks Trump deployment of National Guard to Los Angeles

Courts and congressional oversight challenged the legality of domestic National Guard deployments ordered by the White House. Judges and senators questioned both the legal basis and the chain of command for using troops in U.S. cities.

Bulgaria's government resigns amid mass protests over corruption

Mass protests by Gen Z and other groups forced Bulgaria's government to resign amid corruption allegations and widespread unrest. The collapse comes just weeks before the country was due to join the eurozone.

Rivian unveils in house AI chips to power autonomous driving

Electric vehicle maker Rivian announced plans to build proprietary AI chips and custom car computers to advance autonomy and robotaxi ambitions, signaling a major vertical move into AI hardware for self driving.

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"I inherited a MESS from the Biden Administration — The Worst Inflation in History, and the Highest Prices our Country has ever seen. In other words, Affordability, just 13 months ago, was a DISASTER for the American People, but now, it’s totally different! Prices are coming down FAST, Energy, Oil and Gasoline, are hitting five year…"