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Trump commutes George Santos sentence - Immediate release sparks uproar

President Trump signed a commutation freeing former Rep George Santos from an 87 month fraud sentence immediately. The move triggered bipartisan outrage and legal questions and has become the dominant political flashpoint of the day.

Number

1,400 - Approximate number of NNSA staff set to be furloughed due to the government shutdown

Quote

"I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck George, have a great life!" — President Donald Trump

SPX 6,664 ↑ 0.53% Dow 46,191 ↑ 0.52% Nasdaq 22,680 ↑ 0.52% Gold 4,213 ↓ 2.12% BTC 106,958 ↑ 0.45%

24 Hours

Trump commutes George Santos sentence - Santos freed immediately

President Trump abruptly commuted the prison sentence of former New York Rep. George Santos, freeing a high profile convicted lawmaker and igniting immediate political backlash. The move has major legal and partisan consequences and dominates US politics.

Zelensky meets Trump at White House - Kyiv presses for Tomahawks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House to press for long range Tomahawk missiles while President Trump signalled caution. Reports conflict over whether Tomahawk requests were denied leaving Kyiv guarded and US policy in flux.

Putin blitzes Ukraine hours after Zelensky White House visit - strikes reported

Russian forces launched fresh strikes as the Ukraine war grinds on, including attacks near Kherson and other contested areas. Casualties were reported and both sides remain on alert as international diplomacy continues to lag behind battlefield events.

Hamas refuses to disarm under ceasefire - group holds position

The fragile Gaza ceasefire is fraying as Hamas refuses to disarm and tensions escalate over returns of remains and control of territory. Both the breakdown in implementation and retaliatory strikes are threatening the fragile pause.

Israel received coffin of missing hostage handed to Red Cross

Handovers of hostage remains and disputed deliveries are fueling tensions between mediators, Israel and Hamas. The Red Cross and other intermediaries are at the center of contentious transfers and identification processes.

US holding survivors from drug boat off Venezuela - military detains two

The US military struck a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean and rescued survivors who are now being held aboard Navy ships. The operation marks a stepped up maritime interdiction campaign and raises legal and diplomatic questions.

Trump says Venezuela leader Maduro offered oil to US amid rising tensions

Tensions with Venezuela are spiking as Washington and Caracas trade warnings and military moves while diplomatic signals like oil offers surface. The US is seen mobilizing forces and authorizing covert action amid concerns of wider confrontation.

Federal courts to run out of funding as shutdown drags on

The continuing government shutdown is crashing into key institutions from the judiciary to nuclear security. Federal courts and the Supreme Court warned of funding shortfalls and the NNSA announced furloughs that pose national security risks.

Trump administration pauses 11 billion in Army Corps projects

The White House is pausing billions in Army Corps projects as a negotiating lever in the shutdown fight. Local infrastructure work in several cities is stalled as federal funding and contract decisions are put on hold.

Trump asks Supreme Court to allow National Guard deployment in Chicago

The White House has asked the Supreme Court to lift lower court blocks on deploying the National Guard to US cities. The move escalates legal fights over federal troop deployments to assist immigration and law enforcement operations.

What to know about nationwide No Kings rallies this weekend

A new wave of No Kings protests against President Trump is planned across the country this weekend. Organizers and critics clash over funding and intent as political leaders on both sides mobilize for or against the demonstrations.

UN urges Israel to open all crossings into Gaza to increase aid flow

Humanitarian access to Gaza remains precarious as aid convoys struggle and devastated families return to ruined neighborhoods. The UN is calling for open crossings while scenes of destruction and starvation underline the scale of the crisis.

John Bolton surrenders to face classified materials indictment

Former national security adviser John Bolton surrendered and pleaded not guilty to an 18 count indictment accusing him of mishandling classified information. The case marks a high profile Justice Department prosecution with political fallout.

FBI arrests Louisiana man accused of taking part in Oct 7 Hamas attack

US prosecutors arrested a Louisiana resident accused of participating in Hamas's Oct 7 attack and charged others linked to the massacre. The arrests underline ongoing security probes into foreign extremist networks operating in the US.

Alaska storm damage so severe many evacuees may not return for 18 months

Alaska communities face catastrophic storm damage from a Pacific typhoon remnant that left remote villages devastated. Officials warn that many evacuees may be displaced for 18 months or longer as recovery and rebuilding plans are drawn up.

China expels top generals amid sweeping anticorruption purge

China has expelled and purged senior military officials in a sweeping anticorruption campaign that reshapes the People's Liberation Army hierarchy. The removals fuel speculation about internal instability and Xi Jinping's consolidation of power.

FAA allows Boeing to raise 737 MAX production to 42 planes per month

The FAA has lifted production caps on Boeing's 737 MAX allowing output to rise as regulators keep a close watch after prior safety incidents. The move has major consequences for airline deliveries and global aerospace supply chains.

Wall Street rises to finish best week in two months after bank stocks stabilize

Markets steadied after earlier bank turmoil with a late week rally that boosted investor confidence. At the same time structural concerns about regional bank loans and strained AI related deals are keeping traders cautious.

New SNAP work rules may cut access to food stamps

Federal changes to SNAP work rules and warnings about benefit exhaustion raise alarm about food security for millions. Officials say benefit delays could force vulnerable families to cut meals ahead of winter.

Prosecutor who resisted Trump pressure is fired from DOJ

High level Justice Department turmoil continues as prosecutors are removed and lawmakers call for probes into special counsels. The firings and investigations highlight ongoing tensions over politicization of prosecutions.

Marines plan to fire 155mm artillery over California freeway this weekend

The Marines plan a live artillery demonstration firing over a busy Southern California freeway while a Marine from the 'Gunfighters' unit died in a helicopter crash. Both stories underscore training risks and public safety concerns.

China official seeks to quell global concern over rare earth curbs

Rare earths and critical minerals are central to a new geopolitical tug of war as China tightens controls and other countries use diplomacy to secure supply. The issue is reshaping trade and strategic partnerships globally.

US and UN sanction former Haitian security chief and gang leader

International accountability moves include sanctions and legal rulings over complicity in atrocities. A US jury found BNP Paribas liable for enabling Sudanese abuses while the UN and US imposed sanctions on Haitian criminal figures.

Trump signs order imposing 25 percent tariffs on certain trucks and 10 percent on buses

President Trump moved to impose tariffs on heavy trucks and extended tariff relief for automakers, signaling a new trade posture aimed at protecting US industry while offering temporary relief to domestic manufacturers.