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US Seizes Rogue Tanker Off Venezuela - Crackdown on Shadow Fleet

US forces seized a tanker off Venezuela in an operation aimed at choking Nicolas Maduro’s financial lifeline and disrupting a covert shadow fleet that concealed locations to evade sanctions This marks a major escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign

Number

210 billion euros - Amount of Russian assets the EU agreed to freeze indefinitely

Quote

"I know nothing about it" — President Donald Trump

SPX 6,827 ↓ 1.07% Dow 48,458 ↓ 0.51% Nasdaq 23,195 ↓ 1.69% Gold 4,328 ↑ 0.35% BTC 90,405 ↑ 0.14%

24 Hours

US seizure signals crackdown on rogue Venezuelan tankers

The US has stepped up pressure on Venezuela by seizing tankers and targeting the so‑called shadow fleet. The actions aim to choke Maduro’s oil revenues and expose vessels that concealed their positions to evade sanctions, with exports falling sharply.

House Democrats release new batch of Epstein photos

House Oversight Democrats released a tranche of Jeffrey Epstein estate photos that show high‑profile figures and have provoked political backlash. The White House and survivors reacted as more images and claims about disturbing content surface.

National Trust files lawsuit to block ballroom construction

Preservation groups and national trusts have sued to halt President Trump's $300m White House ballroom project, arguing the administration bypassed required reviews. Multiple legal actions seek injunctions to stop construction pending proper approvals.

Thailand vows to keep fighting Cambodia despite ceasefire claim

Violence continues along the Thailand‑Cambodia border despite US claims of a ceasefire. Both governments accuse each other of renewed strikes and air operations, triggering evacuations and diplomatic alarms across the region.

EU agrees to indefinite freeze of Russian central bank assets

The EU has agreed to an indefinite freeze on Russian central bank assets to prevent Moscow from blocking funds intended for Ukraine. The move drew legal pushback from Russia and prompted EU defenses of the decision as necessary for wartime finance.

Russia damages Turkish owned vessels in attack on Ukrainian ports

Russian strikes have escalated maritime and port attacks, hitting Ukrainian facilities and damaging Turkish‑owned vessels. The strikes increase tensions over shipping safety and international cargo routes in the Black Sea region.

Judge temporarily blocks re detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

A federal judge has blocked renewed detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and his case continues to expose procedural failures in immigration enforcement. The episode has become a flashpoint in debates over ICE operations and detention policy.

US forces raid ship and seize cargo bound for Iran

US special operations have targeted vessels suspected of carrying military material to Iran and seized cargo at sea. Reports indicate growing US maritime interdiction operations tied to broader sanctions enforcement and regional pressure campaigns.

SpaceX insider sale values company at about 800 billion

SpaceX is preparing for a potential IPO after authorizing insider share deals that imply an ~$800 billion valuation. The move and internal share arrangements signal market preparation and investor positioning ahead of a public offering.

Trump signs national AI policy order to block state rules

President Trump signed an executive order to limit state AI regulations even as lawmakers and Democrats warn about chip exports to China. The administration's AI policy and recent approvals and sales of advanced AI chips to China have triggered bipartisan concern.

Broadcom shares tumble 11 percent after weak AI outlook

Tech markets faltered as investors reacted to mixed AI demand signals and guidance. Broadcom plunged after its AI revenue outlook disappointed, dragging broader tech indices lower and prompting analyst scrutiny of AI supply chain expectations.

Sources say FDA weighing strongest 'black box' warning for Covid vaccines

The FDA is reportedly considering its most serious warning for Covid vaccines while also approving new antibiotics for drug resistant gonorrhea. The twin developments underscore regulatory scrutiny of vaccines and progress on resistant STIs.

Washington flooding forces city wide evacuations

Western Washington faced historic rainfall and flooding that forced mass evacuations and dramatic rescue operations. Officials warned of levee failures and ordered large swathes of residents to leave as emergency responses ramped up.

Justice Department sues Fulton County for 2020 election records

The Justice Department expanded litigation to obtain 2020 election materials and voting data from multiple jurisdictions. Suits target Fulton County and several states as the DOJ pursues broad access to ballots and related records.

House GOP releases health plan that allows ACA subsidies to end

House Republicans unveiled a health care package that would let enhanced ACA subsidies lapse and expand alternatives favored by conservatives. The plan is set for a vote next week and is likely to reshape the subsidy debate ahead of the new year.

Indiana Senate rejects Trump backed congressional map

Indiana Republicans rebuffed President Trump’s redistricting push after state senators refused to pass a mid‑census map. The revolt exposed intra‑party fractures and ignited threats of primaries and federal funding reprisals.

Israel approves 19 new West Bank settlements

Israel approved dozens of settlement legalizations while rolling out a new barrier that will cut through West Bank farmland. The moves deepen concerns about annexation and have coincided with settler violence against Palestinian farmers.

North Korean soldiers return from Russia deployment

North Korea has publicly hailed troops returning from missions in Russia, with Kim Jong‑un awarding honors and praising their service. Pyongyang’s deployments and mine clearing efforts underscore the regime’s growing military ties with Moscow.

Leadership of US Southern Command changes amid boat strike scrutiny

Scrutiny is rising over US military operations in Latin America after boat strikes and high profile maritime actions. Leadership changes and resignations reflect tensions over rules of engagement and oversight amid an expanded Caribbean campaign.

FBI opens probe into suspected violent '764' online network

The FBI has launched large probes into violent online networks and extremist groups while the NCTC reported tens of thousands of known or suspected terrorists who entered the US in prior years. Authorities warn of evolving online and foreign threats.

China trade surplus tops 1 trillion dollars in 2025

China’s trade dominance deepened as its 2025 surplus topped $1 trillion and officials pledged export and import growth for 2026. Huawei and other firms continue to roll out improved China‑made chips as Beijing pushes on tech self reliance.

Over 250 arrested since New Orleans immigration crackdown began

The administration's immigration crackdown continued with waves of arrests and intensified enforcement in cities like New Orleans while DHS publicly retools tactics. The moves have sparked legal fights and political backlash nationwide.

Critics say Trump's AI executive order may be illegal

Legal and political fights over the White House AI order intensified as states push ahead with their own rules and opponents threaten lawsuits. The matter has sparked debates on federal authority, industry compliance, and the legality of preemption.

Zelensky to meet Witkoff and Kushner on Trump's Ukraine peace push

Diplomatic and private envoys tied to the White House are convening in Europe to advance a Trump backed peace and reconstruction plan for Ukraine. Meetings with Zelensky and European leaders will test whether private diplomacy can move the war agenda.

POTUS LATEST

"Republicans in the Indiana State Senate, who voted against a Majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, should be ashamed of themselves. Headed by a total loser named Rod Bray, every one of these people should be “primaried,” and I will be there to help! Indiana, which I won big, is the only state in the Union to do this!"