RawDiary

Now

  Xi Declares Taiwan ‘Reunification’ Unstoppable... War Drums Echo + Trump Slams Borders Shut: Seven New Nations Banned as 2026 Dawns + NYC Swears In First Muslim Mayor: Mamdani Takes Oath on Quran—GOP Fumes

Trump Freezes Child Care Payments Nationwide - States Told to Prove Spending

The White House ordered a nationwide freeze on federal child care funding amid explosive fraud allegations centered in Minnesota. States will receive no new payments until they provide detailed verification that funds are being spent legitimately triggering federal and congressional probes into the program

Number

6.15% - Average 30 year U S mortgage rate lowest level in 2025

Quote

"We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form" — President Donald Trump


SPX 6,846 ↓ 0.74% Dow 48,063 ↓ 0.63% Nasdaq 23,242 ↓ 0.76% Gold 4,332 ↓ 0.21% BTC 87,478 ↓ 0.04%


24 Hours

Trump Withdraws National Guard - Chicago Los Angeles Portland

President Trump announced the withdrawal of National Guard units from several major Democratic-run cities after legal and political pushback. The move signals a tactical retreat while the White House warns troops could return if crime rises.

Trump Freezes Child Care Payments to All States

The White House halted child care funding nationwide amid explosive fraud allegations centered in Minnesota. States face a federal freeze while officials demand proof of legitimate spending and Congress moves to investigate.

U S Military Strikes Three Alleged Drug Boats - Dead Reported

The U S military carried out multiple strikes on vessels it says were engaged in narcotics trafficking, resulting in confirmed deaths and reports of survivors abandoning ship. The Coast Guard is conducting searches amid questions about the operations.

CIA Finds Ukraine Did Not Target Putin Residence

U S intelligence rejects Kremlin claims that Ukraine tried to assassinate Vladimir Putin, while Kyiv says a peace deal is nearly complete. The conflicting accounts complicate international diplomacy as Washington seeks clarity.

Most of Iran Shuts Down as Protests Spread

Mass protests and economic collapse fueled nationwide unrest in Iran with strikes, arrests and defiant crowds chanting against leadership. The crisis has led to shutdowns in multiple provinces and a harsh government response.

Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City Mayor

Zohran Mamdani took office as New York City mayor in a historic midnight ceremony, using a Quran for the oath and unveiling key deputies to begin a progressive agenda focused on child care operations and climate plans.

Read Jack Smith's Deposition Transcript

The House Judiciary Committee released former special counsel Jack Smith's deposition and transcript, spotlighting his view of the Jan 6 prosecutions. Smith reiterated he would pursue charges again and defended his decisions before Congress.

Everything We Know About the Minnesota Fraud Scandal

Allegations of widespread fraud in Minnesota child care programs have drawn national attention and triggered congressional hearings. Lawmakers and investigators are preparing oversight actions and subpoenas as the scandal expands.

U S Sanctions Four Venezuelan Oil Firms and Tankers

The U S tightened pressure on Venezuela with sanctions on oil firms and tankers while Caracas has detained Americans in retaliation. The moves mark an escalation in Washington's campaign to isolate the Maduro regime.

Sabotage Suspected in Cutting of Undersea Cable - Police

Finnish authorities seized a ship suspected of sabotaging undersea telecommunications cables and investigations point to deliberate damage. The incident has raised alarms about maritime sabotage targeting critical infrastructure.

Xi Declares Reunification with Taiwan Unstoppable

China and Taiwan remain at the center of escalating tensions as Beijing vows reunification and conducts military drills. Taipei vows to defend its sovereignty while international observers warn the standoff could spiral.

So Long Warren Buffett - Berkshire CEO Steps Down

Markets closed out a turbulent year with strong gains while household borrowing costs eased. Legendary investor Warren Buffett stepped down from the helm of Berkshire Hathaway as investors eye 2026 outlooks.

DOJ Reviewing 5.2 Million Jeffrey Epstein Documents

The Justice Department has launched a massive review of Jeffrey Epstein related documents and is recruiting attorneys to process millions of pages. The effort aims to meet legal disclosure obligations amid public pressure.

Chief Justice Roberts: Constitution Remains Firm and Unshaken

Chief Justice John Roberts released the judiciary's annual report assuring the Constitution remains robust while warning of political pressures. The administration and courts brace for major rulings in the coming term.

UN Chief Condemns Israeli Law Blocking Aid to UNRWA Facilities

Humanitarian groups and UN officials criticized Israeli moves to curtail aid operations in Gaza even as Russian strikes continue to target Ukrainian infrastructure. The intersecting crises raise urgent concerns for civilians.

Kim Jong Un Pushes Arms Exports and Weapons Buildup

North Korea signaled deeper military ties with Russia while accelerating arms exports and domestic weapons programs. Pyongyang's New Year rhetoric underscores a continued focus on defense and external partnerships.

China Signals It Won't Give an Inch in Latin America

Beijing moved to protect and expand its influence in Latin America as Washington seeks to limit Chinese access. The contest for influence in the Western Hemisphere intensified amid tanker and trade disputes.

Appeals Court Allows Medicaid Cuts to Planned Parenthood

Federal courts and the Justice Department advanced several politically charged legal actions including Medicaid funding decisions and claimed agency 'wins.' Appeals courts continued to shape policy by allowing contested funding changes to proceed.

White House Eyes Revoking Citizenship for Somali Convicted Frauds

The White House signaled plans to strip citizenship from immigrants convicted of fraud as part of its crackdown on alleged Somali-run scams. The move has ignited fierce political debate and threats of denaturalization measures.

White House Adjusts Imports of Timber and Lumber Under Section 232

The Trump administration adjusted tariff and trade policy affecting timber furniture and other goods while delaying some tariff hikes amid economic and political pressure. The moves aim to balance domestic industry protection with inflation concerns.

Insider Hackers Admit Role in Million Dollar Ransomware Extortion

Cybersecurity incidents and insider schemes raised alarms about critical infrastructure and corporate trust. Authorities reported extortion plots by former security workers while municipal systems were compromised by simple password failures.

U S Grants TSMC License to Import Chip Equipment to China

Semiconductor policy remained a flashpoint as the U S granted annual export licenses and firms moved to boost production. TSMC and Nvidia deals show Washington's delicate balance between trade and national security interests.

Iran Executed Over Two Thousand in 2025 as Unrest Mounts

Reports document an unprecedented surge of executions in Iran and detail the regime's harsh punishments as dissent grows. The human rights crisis compounds political unrest and international condemnation.

Hundreds of Thousands in Moscow Face Blackout After Drone Wave

A massive drone and sabotage campaign has disrupted Russian urban infrastructure with large blackouts reported in Moscow. The incidents raise fears of escalation and put pressure on national emergency responses.

POTUS LATEST

"Good News! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration, much like we had under Sleepy Joe Biden. Remember when Clooney, after the now…"