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US seizes Venezuelan oil tanker off coast - Pressure on Maduro escalates

US forces intercepted and seized a tanker linked to Venezuela's shadow fleet and immediately imposed sanctions on vessels and Maduro associates. The operation aims to cut revenue for the regime and signals a major escalation in Washington pressure.

Number

1 trillion - China's 2025 trade surplus through November

Quote

"We are facing almost certain defeat" — Joe Gruters

SPX 6,839 ↓ 0.90% Dow 48,517 ↓ 0.38% Nasdaq 23,274 ↓ 1.35% Gold 4,330 ↑ 0.40% BTC 90,482 ↓ 2.20%

24 Hours

House Democrats release Epstein photos showing powerful figures

House Oversight Democrats released a new tranche of images from Jeffrey Epstein's estate that show powerful men and contentious artifacts. The images are fueling political firestorms and fresh questions about ties between elites and Epstein.

US seizes rogue oil tanker off Venezuela coast

US forces seized a suspected rogue oil tanker linked to Venezuela and followed with rounds of sanctions. Washington is escalating pressure on Maduro by targeting vessels and family members tied to the regime's oil network.

Trump administration approves NVIDIA chip sales to China

The White House approved exports of high end Nvidia chips to mainland China as lawmakers raise alarms. Nvidia is evaluating production moves to satisfy demand amid widening geopolitical scrutiny over chip exports.

Trump signs executive order banning states from regulating AI

President Trump signed an executive order seeking to block state level AI regulations and directed federal enforcement against conflicting laws. The move sets up legal battles over federal preemption of state AI rules.

Federal judge bars ICE from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was ordered freed by federal judges amid repeated court rulings limiting re detention by ICE. The case continues to provoke clashes over immigration enforcement and judicial oversight.

Indiana Republicans rebuke Trump by voting down redistricting plan

Indiana Republicans defied President Trump by rejecting a mid cycle redistricting plan, prompting accusations of threats over federal funding. The vote revealed fissures within the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Historic floods wash away homes across Washington state

Historic atmospheric rivers and torrential rain have unleashed catastrophic flooding across Washington state. Officials ordered mass evacuations and conducted large scale rescues as rivers topped records and infrastructure failed.

Blast flattens California home after contractors hit gas line

A contractor damaged an underground gas line in the Bay Area triggering a powerful explosion that leveled a home and injured multiple people. Video and drone footage captured the blast and emergency response.

Ukrainian commander says Russian forces cut off in Kupiansk

Ukrainian forces report gains as they counterattack in the northeast and claim to have isolated Russian units near Kupiansk. Kyiv officials and advisers are coordinating with Western partners as peace talks and security guarantees are debated.

EU set to indefinitely freeze Russian assets to fund Ukraine

European institutions are moving to freeze and repurpose Russian assets to bolster Ukraine while Moscow fights legal battles over seized funds. Brussels faces internal hurdles as it seeks to secure loans for Kyiv.

Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi arrested in Iran supporters say

Iranian security forces reportedly arrested Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi at a memorial event amid a wider crackdown on dissidents. Her detention has drawn international condemnation and renewed scrutiny of Tehran's rights record.

Alleged Charlie Kirk assassin says he thinks about shooting daily

New developments in the Charlie Kirk murder case drew national attention as the accused made court appearances and legal experts weighed in on the evidence. Judges ruled on media access for the high profile hearing.

House Democrats release 95000 Epstein photos

Democratic leaders in the House released a massive trove of Epstein related materials this week, including thousands of images. The disclosures have prompted renewed calls for more transparency and congressional investigation.

House Republicans push to force vote on ACA subsidy extension

Lawmakers raced to avert an Obamacare subsidy cliff with House Republicans pushing multiple strategies and the Senate rejecting dueling bills. The looming expiration threatens to spike premiums for millions if not resolved.

Trump lawyers move to block DOJ testimony in Boasberg contempt probe

The Trump legal team filed motions to block testimony and shield documents while Democrats sought to unseal special counsel findings. Meanwhile the president issued a controversial pardon that raised legal and political questions.

S P 500 and Nasdaq slip as Broadcom adds to AI sell off

Market jitters around AI and chip makers dented indexes as Broadcom and other tech names pulled markets lower. Fed officials are openly divided over the timing and size of rate cuts amid mixed inflation and labor data.

Transit secretary moves to block 73 million in funds to New York

The Transportation Department threatened to withhold highway funding from New York after an audit found improperly issued commercial driver licenses. The dispute raises new federal state tensions over immigration and licensing enforcement.

Admiral hands off US Southern Command amid scrutiny of boat strikes

A senior US admiral handed over command responsibilities amid controversy over deadly boat strikes tied to the administration. The leadership change occurs as legal and ethical scrutiny of operations increases.

Trump administration sanctions Maduro nephews in narco probe

Washington has expanded sanctions targeting members of the Maduro inner circle as the US seeks to choke off illicit revenue streams. The moves add to pressure following recent maritime interdictions.

New footage shows Israeli captives held in Gaza tunnel

Gaza faced deadly weather and continuing conflict with new footage and reports of captives. Aid and shelter losses compounded civilian suffering as families lost tents and supplies to flooding and bombardment.

Hundreds quarantined in South Carolina measles outbreak

Public health officials grapple with multiple outbreaks as measles quarantines expand and infant botulism linked to formula rises. A vomiting illness wave is also forcing local alerts and hospitalizations across states.

Trump administration ends family reunification program and TPS protections

The administration moved to roll back key immigration protections while planning tougher border measures. Policy shifts include ending family reunification programs and rescinding temporary protections for certain groups.

China posts record 1 trillion trade surplus through November

China posted a record trade surplus while domestic investment slowed and environmental programs like massive tree planting revealed unintended consequences. Economists warn the slump could reshape global trade dynamics.

National Trust files suit to block Trump White House ballroom project

Historic preservation groups sued the White House to stop President Trump's planned ballroom construction, arguing the project needs formal architectural review and congressional approval. Lawsuits aim to halt work pending review.

POTUS LATEST

"I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, concerning the very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running War. They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me,…"