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China encircles Taiwan in massive military drills... war games spark global alarm + Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen port city over UAE weapons shipment... Middle East on edge + CIA drone strike hits Venezuela in first-ever attack... Trump admin escalates shadow warCIA Drone Strike in Venezuela: First Known US Land Attack
U.S. intelligence sources say a CIA drone strike hit a Venezuelan coastal facility linked to drug trafficking, marking the first publicly confirmed U.S. land strike in the country this month and prompting legal and diplomatic scrutiny as officials weigh next steps.
Number
3 — 2025 ranks among the three hottest years on record
Quote
"We’ll knock the hell out of them" — President Donald Trump
SPX 6,896 ↓ 0.14% Dow 48,338 ↓ 0.26% Nasdaq 23,435 ↓ 0.17% Gold 4,387 ↑ 0.99% BTC 88,672 ↑ 1.77%
24 Hours
CIA Drone Strike in Venezuela: First Known US Land Attack
U.S. covert operations escalate in Venezuela with reported strikes on coastal infrastructure tied to narcotics trafficking. Officials and the White House offered varying confirmations as legal and diplomatic questions mount over strikes on foreign soil.
U.S. Military Marks 30th Strike on Suspected Drug Boat
U.S. maritime counternarcotics campaign continues in the eastern Pacific with repeated strikes on vessels alleged to be transporting drugs, leaving fatalities and provoking debate over rules of engagement at sea.
Trump Meets Netanyahu to Push Gaza Ceasefire
President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to coordinate next steps on Gaza and regional threats. The meeting highlighted pressure on Hamas to disarm and offered U.S. backing for tightened actions.
Israel to Halt Operations of Several Aid Groups in Gaza
Israel announced it will suspend operations by several humanitarian organizations in Gaza in 2026, citing new vetting rules. The move raises concerns about aid access as displaced Palestinians face worsening conditions and weather damage.
China Flexes Blockade Capabilities Near Taiwan
China staged a second day of large live‑fire exercises around Taiwan, including missile launches and simulated blockades. Taiwan condemned the drills as reckless while regional tensions and U.S. responses intensified.
Moscow Threatens Zelenskyy over Alleged Kyiv Strike
Moscow accused Kyiv of an alleged drone attack on a Putin residence and threatened retaliation. Western analysts and Kyiv pushed back, calling Russian claims unsubstantiated and warning the allegations could derail peace diplomacy.
Zelenskyy Denies Kyiv Tried to Bomb Putin Residence
Kyiv denies responsibility for the reported attack on Putin’s residence and presses for diplomatic guarantees. The U.S. and Ukraine remain at odds over the scope of security guarantees as peace negotiations continue.
Mass Protests Rock Iran after Currency Plunge
Widespread street protests erupted across Iran after the national currency plunged to record lows, forcing shop closures and prompting a central bank resignation. The unrest underscores mounting economic pressure on Tehran.
Saudi Airstrikes Target UAE‑Backed Equipment in Yemen Port
A sudden escalation in the Saudi‑UAE dispute saw Riyadh strike Mukalla port and accuse the UAE of arming separatists. The strikes and diplomatic fallout risk fracturing Gulf security cooperation and complicating U.S. regional policy.
Meta Agrees to Acquire Manus AI
Meta moved to expand its AI capabilities by acquiring Manus, a Singapore‑based agent developer. The deal raises questions about Chinese investment ties and the strategic race for advanced AI talent and products.
Copper on Track for Biggest Annual Rally Since 2009
Commodities closed 2025 on a volatile note as copper surged on supply concerns and silver rebounded after a sharp selloff. Wall Street showed a muted finish as traders weighed the year end and geopolitical risk.
Scientists: 2025 Pushed Earth Past Critical Climate Mark
Climate scientists warn 2025 was among the hottest years on record and pushed multi‑year temperature averages past critical thresholds. The data underscores accelerating warming and intensifies pressure on policymakers.
DOJ Announces 98 Arrests in Minnesota Fraud Probe
Federal prosecutors and agencies announced sweeping arrests and launched multi‑agency probes into alleged fraud tied to social services in Minnesota after viral footage surfaced. Grants and federal funding to the state are under review.
Calls Grow for Tim Walz to Resign over Fraud Scandal
Political pressure mounted on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as lawmakers and activists demanded accountability over state oversight failures tied to the fraud revelations. New footage and whistleblower claims intensified calls for resignations.
Noem Says DHS Conducting 'Massive' Audit in Minneapolis
Federal law enforcement escalated on‑the‑ground action in Minneapolis, with DHS and ICE taking operational roles alongside the FBI. Authorities said preexisting investigations ramped up after new evidence and viral reporting.
Private Search for MH370 to Resume in Indian Ocean
A private company launched a renewed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in the Indian Ocean under a no‑find no‑fee contract, reviving one of aviation's biggest mysteries after more than a decade.
New Video May Show Missing Texas Teen Near Home
New video evidence and intensified searches kept attention on a missing Texas teenager. Authorities warned the case may involve imminent danger while family and community volunteers expanded the search perimeter.
Bomb Cyclone Slams Great Lakes Northeast
A powerful winter storm and bomb cyclone battered the Midwest and Northeast, producing blizzard conditions, extensive power outages and major travel disruption as the holiday travel surge peaked.
Power Failure Halts Eurostar Services Through Channel Tunnel
A technical failure in the Channel Tunnel forced Eurostar to suspend services, stranding travelers and prompting cancellations across the UK‑continental rail link amid holiday travel chaos.
Trump Preparing to Ignore Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs
Legal and constitutional disputes intensified over presidential authority and the limits of executive action. Commentators flagged potential clashes between the White House and the Supreme Court as policy fights mount.
Judge Orders Release of Closed Kirk Hearing Transcript
Judges ordered the release of previously sealed transcripts and audio in the high‑profile Charlie Kirk killing case, a move that will open court records to public scrutiny and shape courtroom strategy going forward.
Russia Says Oreshnik Missile Enters Active Service
Russia announced the deployment of the Oreshnik nuclear‑capable missile system and displayed related assets in Belarus, raising European alarm about new strategic postures amid the stalled peace talks.
SoftBank Completes $40B Funding Push into OpenAI
SoftBank finalized major AI funding moves and struck a multibillion dollar data center deal, underscoring Asian investment in generative AI infrastructure and the mounting commercial push into compute and cloud capacity.
Commercial Real Estate Outlook Weakens for 2026
Economists flagged cooling in parts of the U.S. housing market and noted mixed prospects for commercial real estate heading into 2026 as markets digest higher rates and structural shifts in demand.
POTUS LATEST
"I just had a good and very productive telephone call with President Putin of Russia prior to my meeting, at 1:00 P.M. today, with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The meeting will take place in the main dining room of Mar-a-Lago. Press is invited. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT"