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Trump freezes child care funding to states - nationwide pause

The Trump administration ordered a freeze on federal child care payments, extending a pause beyond Minnesota amid alleged widespread fraud; funds will be released only after states provide verification of legitimate spending, risking service disruptions.

Number

5.2 million pages - DOJ review of Jeffrey Epstein documents

Quote

"If asked whether to prosecute a former President based on the same facts today I would do so regardless of whether that President was a Republican or a Democrat" — Jack Smith

SPX 6,846 ↓ 0.74% Dow 48,063 ↓ 0.63% Nasdaq 23,242 ↓ 0.76% Gold 4,332 ↓ 0.21% BTC 87,771 ↑ 0.29%

24 Hours

Explosion at Crans‑Montana bar kills many - police declare major emergency

A powerful explosion and ensuing fire tore through a packed bar in the Crans‑Montana ski resort during New Year’s celebrations. Authorities have declared a major emergency as multiple people were killed and dozens were injured. Investigations and live updates continue as officials work to identify victims and determine the cause.

US military strikes three alleged drug boats - three killed

The U.S. military carried out strikes on multiple vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking in international waters, reporting several fatalities and prompting search and rescue operations for possible survivors. The strikes are part of an escalating campaign against alleged narco‑terror convoys. Officials are coordinating with the Coast Guard as investigations continue.

Trump orders withdrawal of National Guard from Portland Los Angeles and Chicago

President Trump ordered withdrawal of National Guard units from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland after legal setbacks and court rulings. The administration signaled the forces could be redeployed if crime spikes. The moves mark a major shift in federal deployments to large cities this week.

Trump administration freezes child care payments to states

The Trump administration froze child care payments amid allegations of widespread fraud in Minnesota day care programs and extended pauses pending reviews. Federal officials said funds will be released only after verification of legitimate spending. The move impacts state child care programs nationwide as scrutiny intensifies.

House Oversight to probe Minnesota fraud claims - hearings set

Congressional Republicans moved to investigate alleged fraud in Minnesota’s social services with planned hearings and oversight inquiries. House committees have scheduled sessions and invited state officials to testify. The scandal has become a central political flashpoint as investigations expand.

Jack Smith says he would prosecute Trump again - deposition released

The House Judiciary Committee released the closed‑door deposition of former special counsel Jack Smith, who defended his prosecutions and said he would prosecute again under the same facts. The transcript and video prompted renewed debate about legal judgments made during his tenure. His testimony is shaping political and legal narratives ahead of 2026 hearings.

DOJ reviewing 5.2 million Epstein files - review expands

The Justice Department has ramped up review of millions of pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, seeking outside attorneys to assist. Officials say the review now covers more than five million pages and will take weeks. The expansion has reignited scrutiny of long‑running investigations and disclosure timelines.

Iran shuts down as protesters storm government offices

Nationwide protests in Iran have forced shutdowns across provinces as demonstrators escalate chants against the regime and target government offices. The unrest comes amid a collapsing economy and heavy security responses. International observers warn the situation could intensify as the government seeks control.

Xi declares reunification with Taiwan unstoppable

Chinese leader Xi Jinping used a New Year’s address to declare reunification with Taiwan unstoppable while Beijing staged major military drills. Taiwan’s government has vowed to defend its sovereignty and remained on high alert. The rhetoric raises tensions across the Taiwan Strait heading into 2026.

US intelligence says Ukraine did not target Putin residence

US intelligence concluded Ukraine did not target Russian President Vladimir Putin in a recent alleged drone strike, contradicting Kremlin claims. The CIA assessment has complicated diplomatic narratives and raised tensions about disinformation. Russia responded with renewed rhetoric as fighting continues in Ukraine.

Israel revokes licences of dozens of aid groups in Gaza - live

Israel announced it would revoke licences for dozens of international NGOs operating in Gaza, including major aid groups, a move that aid organizations say will destroy lifelines for civilians. Palestinians warned the ban will shatter humanitarian operations as winter sets in. International condemnation and UN concerns followed immediately.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani issues first address

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor at midnight, delivering his first message and immediately making senior appointments. The new mayor's choices and ceremonial use of Qurans drew intense political attention and controversy. Early staffing moves signal the priorities Mamdani aims to pursue.

Australia rings in 2026 under heavy security after Bondi attack

Australia marked New Year with heightened security and public tributes following the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed multiple people. Authorities staged heavy deployments and held moments of silence while officials reviewed security failures. The solemn celebrations reflected nationwide unease.

Iran carried out over 2200 executions in 2025

Human rights groups and monitors reported Iran carried out an unprecedented number of executions in 2025 even as protests surged. The surge in capital punishment and detention deepens international condemnation while economic grievances fuel domestic unrest. Observers warn the crackdown may further destabilize the country.

China imposes new beef tariffs on Australia - farmers face billion dollar hit

Beijing moved to tighten trade and fiscal measures that reverberated through regional agriculture and consumer markets. New tariffs and a VAT on contraceptives provoked backlash in trading partners while threatening export revenues. The policies underscore Beijing's broader domestic and diplomatic recalibration.

Chip crunch could lift electronics prices up to twenty percent in 2026

A global memory chip crunch and rising AI demand are pressuring the electronics supply chain, with analysts warning of significant price increases for consumer devices in 2026. Policy moves and licenses around chip manufacturing are reshaping industry flows as firms race to secure capacity. The story will drive markets and corporate strategy in the year ahead.

SpaceX OpenAI Anthropic prepare blockbuster IPOs

Wall Street ended 2025 on mixed footing while major tech and AI names drove overall gains. Massive potential IPOs from SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic could reshape public markets if executed in 2026. Analysts flagged volatility in the final trading session as investors positioned for the new year.

US sanctions Venezuelan oil firms and tankers

The United States stepped up sanctions and military pressure on Venezuela amid disputes over oil shipments and regional security. Caracas has detained Americans in apparent retaliation as tensions with Washington escalated. Sanctions targeted oil firms and tankers to limit Maduro regime revenue streams.

Mali and Burkina Faso ban US citizens in retaliation

Mali and Burkina Faso announced reciprocal travel bans on US citizens in retaliation for US visa restrictions, reflecting rising diplomatic tensions in West Africa. The moves complicate regional cooperation and underscore the global fallout from foreign policy disputes. Several governments warned of further reciprocal measures.

Israel escalates West Bank demolitions forcing mass displacement

Israeli forces continued demolitions in the occupied West Bank, displacing Palestinian families and triggering international criticism. Prime Minister Netanyahu downplayed settler violence even as U.S. concerns grew. The actions add to mounting tensions in the West Bank and complicate diplomatic efforts.

Trump vetoes Colorado water project - funding blocked

President Trump issued the first vetoes of his second term, blocking bipartisan infrastructure and tribal measures and signaling continued use of presidential veto power. Critics argued the moves were punitive while the White House defended them as fiscal checks. The vetoes will shape early 2026 legislative fights.

Bulgaria joins eurozone despite disinformation campaign

Bulgaria formally adopted the euro after a contentious domestic debate and an information campaign accused of pro‑Russian disinformation. The move marks a major economic shift for the country and raises questions about public support and transitional costs. Brussels framed the step as integrationist despite domestic unease.

NASA rover snaps day night Mars panorama

NASA released striking new images from multiple missions including a Mars rover panorama that blends day and night and deep space galaxy cluster pictures. Combined observations from space telescopes produced high resolution views of colliding galaxies and distant clusters. The releases highlight continuing gains in astronomical imaging.

Measles cases surge to highest level in thirty years

Public health officials warned of surging infectious disease threats as vaccination rates fell and measles cases hit multi‑decade highs. A fast spreading fungus with limited treatment options also alarmed hospitals. Health systems face renewed strain as subsidies and coverage questions loom in 2026.

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…"