RawDiary

Now

Supertanker seized near Venezuela — Heading to Houston

US forces seized a Venezuelan oil tanker and are routing the vessel to Houston as Washington escalates sanctions and legal pressure on Maduro by targeting shipping networks and family associates

Number

1 trillion - China's 2025 trade surplus as of November

Quote

"I stand before you as a free man" — Kilmar Abrego Garcia

SPX 6,828 ↓ 1.06% Dow 48,480 ↓ 0.46% Nasdaq 23,221 ↓ 1.58% Gold 4,329 ↑ 0.36% BTC 90,193 ↓ 2.52%

24 Hours

Supertanker seized near Venezuela — Heading to Houston

The US has seized a Venezuelan tanker and escalated sanctions aimed at Maduro and his network. Officials say the seized vessel is headed to Houston while US sources warn more interceptions could follow as Washington tightens pressure.

Zelenskiy visits Kupiansk — Ukraine retakes frontline ground

Ukraine reported territorial gains as President Zelenskiy toured recaptured front line areas. Kyiv says Russian units around Kupiansk were cut off as talks over a demilitarized zone surface in diplomatic channels.

Video shows Israeli captives in Gaza tunnel — New footage released

Severe storms and collapsing structures have compounded Gaza's humanitarian crisis while new footage and reports underscore the plight of captives and displaced civilians. Rescue teams continue to recover bodies amid worsening conditions.

Trump signs AI order — Blocks state AI rules

The White House moved to preempt state AI rules with an executive order while OMB directed vendors seeking federal contracts to disclose political bias measures. The actions set up federal state legal fights over AI regulation.

Democrats release new Epstein photos — Lawmakers escalate fight

House Democrats released another tranche of photographs from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, showing prominent figures and sparking renewed political fallout and calls for more documents to be made public.

DOJ sues Georgia county for 2020 records — Civil rights probe opened

The Justice Department broadened litigation aimed at election records and alleged discriminatory practices. Federal suits now seek voting data from multiple states while separate actions target local policies deemed racially exclusionary.

National Trust sues to halt Trump White House ballroom project

Historic preservation groups have filed lawsuits to block construction of President Trump's new White House ballroom, alleging the project bypassed required review and threatens protected historic fabric.

Putin forces hit tanker and cargo ship — Tit for tat strikes

Russia has struck maritime targets in a series of tit for tat moves while Moscow publicly backs Venezuela against US pressure. The Kremlin has also moved to legally challenge European steps to redirect frozen Russian funds.

Officials warn of catastrophic flooding in Washington state

A powerful atmospheric river has produced catastrophic flooding across Washington state, prompting evacuation orders for thousands and large scale rescue operations as rivers crest and communities are inundated.

EU freezes Russian assets indefinitely — Bypasses veto threats

Europe moved to lock down Russian assets to aid Ukraine while Moscow launched legal challenges to block transfers. The measures aim to secure funds for Kyiv while avoiding vetoes from member states aligned with Russia.

Admiral to step down amid scrutiny of Caribbean strikes

Leadership changes and scrutiny have hit US Southern Command as boat strike operations draw legal and moral criticism. Senior commanders are handing off duties amid mounting questions over the strikes' legality and consequences for troops.

Federal judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia released — Key ICE case collapses

The high profile ICE detention case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia continued to unfold as judges ordered release and barred re detention, drawing national attention and legal orders restricting immigration enforcement actions.

Judge allows cameras in Charlie Kirk assassin hearing — Court rules

Courtroom battles continue in the Charlie Kirk assassination case as judges set rules on cameras and experts weigh in on the strength of evidence presented. The accused made a notable first appearance in open court.

Over 250 quarantined in South Carolina measles outbreak

Measles outbreaks in the United States forced large quarantines and heightened public health responses. Officials reported hundreds quarantined across multiple clusters as health authorities try to contain spread.

Broadcom tumbles 11% as AI angst rattles markets

Markets wobbled as AI related stocks fell and investors digested mixed macro signals. Broadcom plunged despite strong results while Fed policymakers debated the timing and scope of future rate cuts amid stubborn inflation.

Lawmakers alarm as White House greenlights Nvidia chip sales to China

Debate over sales of advanced Nvidia chips to China intensified as the White House approved exports and the company weighs increased production. Lawmakers raised national security concerns as demand from Chinese customers surged.

Trump 'Gold Card' visa program opens for $1M applicants

The administration rolled out a paid investor visa program and moved to rescind or restrict prior immigration protections, prompting legal and political pushback and warnings about costs for applicants if courts intervene.

DoJ asks appeals court to remove judge from contempt hearings

The Justice Department and the Trump team are locked in litigation over contempt probes tied to deportation operations and other enforcement actions. Appeals filings seek to limit court inquiries and testimony in high profile probes.

Danish intelligence warns US may be seen as military threat under Trump

A Danish intelligence assessment warned that US economic and military pressure under the current administration could be perceived as a threat by allies, flagging concerns about Washington's growing assertiveness on the global stage.

HUD opens probe into Boston housing DEI policies

HUD opened a high profile probe into Boston's housing programs alleging race based practices while the agency publicly questioned the city's use of DEI measures. Federal scrutiny could put funding and policies at risk.

Sources say FDA plans black box warning for Covid vaccines

CNN and other outlets reported the FDA is considering its strongest safety warning for Covid vaccines. Sources say regulators are weighing a 'black box' style notice as part of heightened safety reviews.

Oklahoma BLM leader indicted on fraud and money laundering charges

Leaders of a local Black Lives Matter chapter in Oklahoma face federal fraud and money laundering charges alleging donor funds were spent on luxury purchases. The indictments highlight increased federal enforcement of nonprofit fraud.

Indiana lawmakers reject redistricting plan despite Trump pressure

Indiana Republicans rebuffed a Trump backed push to redraw congressional maps, delivering a significant political rebuke and illustrating limits to the president's influence in state level fights over redistricting.

DOT threatens to pull 73 million from New York over flawed CDL issuance

Federal auditors and the Department of Transportation flagged improper issuance of commercial driver's licenses in New York and threatened to withhold tens of millions in federal highway funds pending compliance and steps to fix the problem.

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,…"