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Trump declares blockade: Sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers barred

President Trump ordered a total blockade on sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela, instantly spiking oil prices and prompting furious denunciations from Caracas and global alarm over a new US escalation in the region

Number

67 - People killed in the January midair collision for which the US admitted liability

Quote

"The FCC is not an independent agency, formally speaking" — Brendan Carr

SPX 6,721 ↓ 1.16% Dow 47,886 ↓ 0.47% Nasdaq 22,693 ↓ 1.81% Gold 4,357 ↓ 0.40% BTC 86,111 ↓ 0.10%

24 Hours

Trump orders blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers

President Trump ordered a blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan tankers, triggering market shocks and sharp diplomatic blows between Washington and Caracas. The move prompted immediate price reactions and furious pushback from Venezuela.

Brown University manhunt enters fifth day

The Brown University shooting manhunt stretched into a fifth day as detectives appeal to the public for new leads. Police released images of people seen near the person of interest to widen the search perimeter.

First funerals held for Bondi Beach shooting victims

Australia grieves after the Bondi Beach terror attack as funerals begin and investigators trace the attackers' movements. Survivors and families have accused police of failing to act as the attack unfolded.

Medical examiner says Rob and Michele Reiner died of multiple sharp force injuries

New developments in the high-profile murders of Rob and Michele Reiner: the medical examiner released causes of death and the couple's son appeared in court. The family publicly addressed the tragedy.

Bongino to step down as FBI deputy director in January

Dan Bongino announced he will step down as FBI deputy director, a move confirmed and commented on by President Trump. The departure closes a brief and turbulent chapter at the bureau.

White House installs plaques mocking Biden and Obama

The White House unveiled a new 'Presidential Walk of Fame' featuring captions under portraits of former presidents, sparking immediate controversy and widespread criticism across parties.

Trump to make primetime address on Venezuela and 2026 agenda

The White House scheduled a primetime address as the administration faces foreign policy tensions and domestic political pressure. The speech is billed as a review of the year and a preview of 2026 priorities.

Energy Department watchdog to probe canceled clean energy grants

The Energy Department's termination of nearly $8 billion in clean energy grants has triggered an inspector general probe and an administration push to reshuffle climate research, alarming scientists and state officials.

Ghislaine Maxwell asks judge to overturn conviction

Ghislaine Maxwell launched new legal bids seeking to overturn or vacate her sex trafficking conviction as deadlines approach for release of related files, setting up renewed court battles.

Jack Smith defends Trump prosecutions in closed door session

Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his Trump prosecutions in closed-door sessions and told lawmakers he would bring charges again, drawing fierce interest from congressional Republicans.

Discharge petition forces vote on ACA subsidies

House Republicans faced internal revolt as centrist GOP members joined Democrats to force a vote to extend ACA subsidies, while leadership pushed through a partisan health bill that leaves subsidies to expire.

FCC chair tells Congress the agency is not independent

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr drew intense scrutiny after telling senators the FCC is not independent and the agency removed language from its website, prompting heated hearings.

U S admits liability in deadly midair collision near DCA

The U S government accepted responsibility for a deadly midair collision that killed 67 people and internal reviews blamed pilot and air traffic failings, prompting legal and safety fallout.

Police investigating fatal shooting of MIT professor at home

A prominent MIT professor was shot dead at home and authorities are investigating whether the attack was a targeted assassination; the scientific community is in shock as searches for a suspect continue.

EU leaders face crunch over loaning frozen Russian assets to Ukraine

European leaders prepared for a high stakes summit on using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, weighing legal and political workarounds to mobilize billions for Kyiv.

Senate pushes 900 billion defense bill to Trump's desk

The Senate advanced and passed a massive defense authorization that funds the military and pressures the Pentagon to release contentious strike footage, setting up final approval by the president.

OpenAI in talks with investors about multibillion dollar raise

AI and chip competition dominated tech headlines as OpenAI held investor talks, Reuters reported Chinese progress on EUV chip machines, and market reactions hit companies tied to AI pricing and data center plans.

Trump expands travel ban to block Palestinians and others

The Trump administration stepped up immigration restrictions including broader travel bans and a reported denaturalization campaign, drawing domestic and international criticism and legal concerns.

Judge blocks ICE rule requiring notice for lawmaker visits

Multiple federal judges blocked or paused Trump administration policies limiting congressional oversight of immigration detention, preserving lawmakers' ability to inspect facilities.

Harvard morgue manager sold body parts to customers and was sentenced

Harvard faced multiple scandals this week as a morgue manager was sentenced for selling body parts and the university launched investigations into students who recorded senior figures discussing Epstein ties.

Appeals court allows National Guard to remain deployed in DC

Courts issued rulings allowing the National Guard to remain deployed in Washington, D C while legal challenges proceed, a key win for the administration amid broader disputes over force deployments.

Senate confirms Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator

The Senate confirmed billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator after a turbulent nomination process, installing a controversial private astronaut at the helm as the agency faces critical program decisions.

Poll finds Trump's approval rating slipped this week

Polls showed slippage for President Trump on approval and economic ratings while voters broadly opposed military action against Venezuela, complicating the White House's policy push.

Fani Willis erupts during Georgia Senate hearing

Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis faced intense questioning and criticism in a special committee hearing over decisions and payments tied to the Trump prosecution, resulting in emotional exchanges and heated testimony.

POTUS LATEST

"Raphael Warnock was on Meet the Fake Press with a one sided and very biased Kristen Welker as the Host(ess!). Warnock spent the entire show using Religion to try and divide the Country! If a Republican, in particular ME, made those statements, it would be FRONT PAGE NEWS. He ended by saying that he was going to his Church to preach now,…"