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CIA drone strike on Venezuelan port - First known US attack on mainland

U.S. sources say the CIA conducted a drone strike on a Venezuelan port facility linked to drug trafficking, marking the first reported US strike on Venezuelan soil and sharply escalating tensions in the region

Number

28,000 - Approximate whooping cough cases reported in the United States this year

Quote

"Our people defend themselves and will not abandon their weapons" — Hamas

SPX 6,904 ↓ 0.02% Dow 48,404 ↓ 0.12% Nasdaq 23,452 ↓ 0.09% Gold 4,363 ↑ 0.44% BTC 88,117 ↑ 1.13%

24 Hours

DHS launches massive Minnesota daycare fraud probe

Federal homeland agencies have launched a high-intensity probe after a viral video alleged widespread fraud at Minnesota daycare centers. State licensing systems faltered under scrutiny as officials scramble to verify records and respond to public outrage.

Feds launch massive operation in Minnesota over daycare fraud

Federal law enforcement surged into Minnesota to follow money trails revealed by citizen journalism. ICE and other agencies are conducting on-the-ground investigations targeting sites tied to alleged Medicaid and childcare fraud.

Gov. Tim Walz faces calls to resign over fraud scandal

Political fallout is mounting for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Republicans press for accountability. Lawmakers and pundits say earlier warnings were ignored and Walz faces a steep reelection fight.

Watchdog launches probe into Rep. Ilhan Omar ties to Minnesota fraud

A conservative watchdog and reporters are digging into Representative Ilhan Omar’s finances amid the wider Minnesota fraud probe. Scrutiny focuses on disclosure gaps and potential links to entities tied to the allegations.

Judge orders Fed to keep funding CFPB during appeals

Multiple federal courts have blocked White House efforts to choke off funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Judges ordered the Federal Reserve and the administration to keep payments flowing while appeals proceed.

Judge temporarily blocks end of TPS for South Sudanese

A federal judge issued an administrative stay blocking plans to end protections for South Sudanese nationals. The rulings keep temporary deportation safeguards in place pending further legal review.

Court permits sharing of Medicaid data with ICE

Courts have cleared the way for agencies to share limited Medicaid data with immigration authorities for enforcement. Judges ruled that basic participant information can be used to identify potential immigration violations.

CIA conducts drone strike on Venezuelan port

U.S. covert and military strikes in Latin America escalated this month with reported CIA drone strikes on Venezuelan facilities and a broader boat bombing campaign. Officials say strikes target drug trafficking nodes tied to narco‑terror groups.

Saudi airstrikes hit Yemeni port after UAE weapons shipment

A diplomatic and military rift in the Gulf widened after Saudi strikes targeted a Yemeni port allegedly tied to Emirati shipments. The clash prompted the UAE to announce force withdrawals and raised alarm about a broader regional split.

Mass protests erupt across Iran over currency collapse

Iranian cities erupted in protests as the rial plunged and living costs soared. Tehran warned foreign powers against interference while leaders threaten harsh responses to any external military action.

Kremlin dismisses calls for proof after alleged attack on Putin home

Moscow accused Kyiv of an attempted strike on a presidential residence and used the allegation to harden its negotiating stance. International observers sought evidence as the claim threatened to derail peace momentum.

House China panel calls Beijing drills deliberate escalation near Taiwan

China staged large live‑fire drills around Taiwan while Beijing criticized a major U.S. arms sale to Taipei. Capitol Hill also condemned the drills as a deliberate escalation in the region.

Russia says nuclear capable missiles deployed to Belarus

Russia announced the deployment and activation of new missile systems in allied territory, raising alarm in Europe and complicating delicate peace negotiations. The moves increase pressure on Kyiv and its partners.

Zelensky says Trump weighs US troop deployment to Ukraine

Diplomatic talks between the US Ukraine and European partners intensified as Zelensky urged stronger American commitments. The debate centers on security guarantees and whether US troops could be deployed to deter Russian advances.

Trump meets Netanyahu and hints at wider strikes on Iran

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met amid threats to Iran and shifting Middle East strategy. Reports say Netanyahu may bestow an unprecedented honor on Trump as bilateral ties deepen.

Israel moves to suspend dozens of aid groups including Doctors Without Borders

Israel announced suspensions of several international aid groups operating in Gaza citing vetting failures. The decision affects multiple NGOs including high‑profile organizations and will reshape humanitarian access.

US imposes new sanctions targeting Iran Venezuela drone networks

Washington rolled out new sanctions targeting entities tied to Iranian and Venezuelan drone and missile trades. The Treasury and State Departments named individuals and firms accused of facilitating weapons flows.

HUD audit flags more than 5 billion in questionable rental payments

A Trump administration audit and followups flagged billions in questionable rental and housing payments from the prior administration. Officials released reports showing payments to dead and ineligible recipients.

Trump Kennedy Center takeover sparks artist boycott

Renaming the Kennedy Center after President Trump sparked a wave of artist cancellations and public controversy. Several high‑profile performers pulled New Year’s Eve appearances in protest.

Ocean Infinity restarts search for MH370 after 11 years

Private deep sea search teams have relaunched an extended hunt for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 using robotics and sonar. The mission will scour the Indian Ocean seabed in a renewed 55‑day effort.

Jan. 6 pipe bomb suspect seeks release ahead of trial

A Jan. 6 era pipe bomb defendant appeared in federal court this week as defense attorneys pressed for release and prosecutors sought detention. The case revives legal and security questions tied to the Capitol unrest.

Drug resistant fungus now in 27 US states

U.S. public health agencies are tracking multiple respiratory and fungal outbreaks this winter. A highly contagious fungus is spreading across states while flu and whooping cough cases surge, pressuring hospitals and public health systems.

Fed minutes reveal sharp split over next rate cuts

Federal Reserve minutes released this week show deep divisions among policymakers over the timing of future rate cuts. Markets are parsing the split as economists weigh the path for 2026 rates.

Meta acquires AI firm Manus in major deal

Meta completed a major AI acquisition as industry M&A accelerates and investors double down on artificial intelligence. SoftBank also finalized a multibillion commitment to major AI players, underscoring intense capital flows into the sector.

POTUS LATEST

"I just had a good and very productive telephone call with President Putin of Russia prior to my meeting, at 1:00 P.M. today, with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The meeting will take place in the main dining room of Mar-a-Lago. Press is invited. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT"