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  Trump envoys huddle with Putin in Abu Dhabi... as US, Russia, Ukraine sit down for first war talks + Trump vows US oil drilling in Venezuela... as Maduro cheers ‘new era’ + TikTok sells US stake to Oracle... as Trump-backed deal dodges ban

TikTok deal: US and China greenlight American spin off

After months of brinkmanship Washington and Beijing approved a majority US owned joint venture to run TikTok in America, transferring control to a group of investors and averting an imminent divest or ban deadline

Number

230 million - People under alerts for ice heavy snow and extreme cold

Quote

"ICE is a hammer, it doesn’t matter how cute the nail is" — Van Lathan


SPX 6,913 ↑ 0.55% Dow 49,384 ↑ 0.63% Nasdaq 23,436 ↑ 0.91% Gold 4,955 ↑ 0.85% BTC 89,899 ↑ 0.49%


24 Hours

TikTok sold to US backed investors ahead of divest deadline

A long running national security and regulatory standoff over TikTok ends as the U.S. and Chinese parties sign off on a spin‑off structure. The new U.S. entity transfers majority control to American and allied investors, resolving an imminent divest‑or‑ban deadline.

Trump launches Board of Peace charter at Davos

The Trump administration unveiled and ceremonially launched a private international body to shape Gaza's reconstruction. The plan pairs high profile investment pledges with a Kushner led masterplan, provoking immediate questions about feasibility and political buy‑in.

Trump reveals framework for Greenland deal with NATO

President Trump’s Greenland push has triggered a transatlantic diplomatic crisis. NATO and Nordic officials have publicly rebuked U.S. demands while Washington frames a security and mineral access framework that remains disputed in Copenhagen and Nuuk.

Jack Smith testifies before House Judiciary Committee

Former special counsel Jack Smith faced the House Judiciary Committee in a combative public hearing. Smith defended his decisions, acknowledged key admissions, and sparred with Republicans as Democrats pushed back on partisan attacks.

Trump sues JPMorgan Chase for 5 billion over alleged debanking

President Trump filed a high profile lawsuit against a major bank claiming political debanking. The litigation escalates tensions between the White House and Wall Street and sets up a prolonged legal battle over bank practices following Jan 6.

Federal officers detain five year old in Minnesota operation

New ICE directives and a controversial Minneapolis arrest have reignited a national debate over immigration enforcement. Reports and memos indicate agents may enter homes without judicial warrants while protests and questions about tactics keep tensions high.

Private autopsy reveals details of Renee Good shooting

The killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer remains a flashpoint. Family commissioned autopsies and legal teams released details of multiple gunshot wounds, fueling scrutiny of enforcement tactics and prompting demands for independent investigations.

House passes final spending bills as shutdown deadline nears

Congress moved to pass the final spending measures ahead of a looming deadline while Democrats protested Homeland Security and ICE funding. The package avoided an immediate shutdown but deep partisan divisions persist.

Two Republicans side with Democrats on war powers effort

Congress debated and narrowly rejected measures meant to limit the president's ability to deploy troops without approval. The votes expose fractures within and between parties over the administration's foreign military posture in Latin America.

More than 200 million Americans under winter storm alerts

A historic winter system threatens a vast swath of the United States with heavy snow, ice and life threatening cold. Authorities warned of power outages, travel chaos and widespread school and service disruptions across multiple states.

US completes withdrawal from the World Health Organization

The United States finalized its formal exit from the World Health Organization, a move the administration argues is rebalancing global health cooperation. Health and foreign policy experts warn of diplomatic and public health ramifications.

Sweeping Amazon layoffs slated for next week

Amazon is preparing a fresh round of sweeping corporate cuts as it continues a major workforce restructuring. Reports warn thousands of corporate roles are at risk, signaling further pressure in the tech sector amid cost cuts.

Microsoft investigating outage affecting Outlook and Teams

A widespread Microsoft outage disrupted email and collaboration tools for many users. The company acknowledged issues with Microsoft 365 and Outlook and worked to restore service as businesses scrambled for workarounds.

French navy intercepts Russian linked oil tanker in Mediterranean

European navies stepped up enforcement against Russia linked shadow fleets moving sanctioned oil. France intercepted a suspect tanker in the Mediterranean, signaling a tougher allied posture on sanctions evasion.

Russia strikes damage Ukrainian towns as fighting continues

Ukraine continues to repair infrastructure and resist Russian bombardment even as diplomatic efforts press forward. Damage to power plants complicates civilian life and reconstruction as Kyiv seeks more support from its allies.

Trump says US watching Iran as armada heads to Gulf

Washington announced deployments and Tehran issued military claims as regional tensions rise. The White House said a large naval presence was heading to the Gulf while Iran publicized missile tests that alarmed Western officials.

Former FBI officials accused of self awarded trophy amid Trump probe

Whistleblowers and critics continue to scrutinize actions at FBI and related agencies. Former officials are accused of questionable conduct while new reporting highlights internal culture battles and alleged misuses of resources.

FBI arrests activist who taunted Pam Bondi over church protest

Federal authorities arrested several people tied to anti ICE protests that disrupted a Minneapolis church service. The arrests follow a national crackdown and renewed legal action led by the Justice Department and state attorneys general.

Venezuela unveils oil bill to attract foreign investment

The United States is pressing Venezuela to open its oil sector while legal filings describe criminal networks and violent incursions. Caracas unveiled reforms aimed at luring investors but questions about security and governance remain.

Health insurance CEOs testify to Congress on rising costs

CEOs of major insurers faced congressional questioning over rising healthcare costs and denied practices that lawmakers say drive up premiums. The hearings highlighted tensions between insurers, hospitals and drug makers.

Bank of Japan raises growth forecasts but holds rates steady

The Bank of Japan adjusted its outlook ahead of an election while keeping rates steady, reflecting subtle policy shifts. Markets watched growth and inflation forecasts as Japan navigates political change and economic normalization.

James Webb captures infrared death of a star in Helix Nebula

Space science and safety stories advanced as telescopes and seismometers deliver new findings. James Webb captured vivid death throes of a star while methods to track returning space debris drew attention as launches increase.

Elon Musk fortune hits new record as Tesla stock spikes

Elon Musk and Tesla remain at the center of market and tech headlines as Musk's net worth surged with Tesla gains and the company expands robotaxi trials. Regulators and markets watched closely as robotaxi operations scale up.

Top doctor warns Trump cognitive decline is worsening

Concerns over the president's fitness and visible injuries circulated after new photos and medical commentary. Both aides and critics debated explanations for bruising and cognitive questions as images and commentary spread online.

POTUS LATEST

"I am so happy to have helped in saving TikTok! It will now be owned by a group of Great American Patriots and Investors, the Biggest in the World, and will be an important Voice. Along with other factors, it was responsible for my doing so well with the Youth Vote in the 2024 Presidential Election. I only hope that long into the future…"