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The Pentagon escalated its review of Senator Mark Kelly to a formal investigation over allegations of misconduct after he publicly urged troops to refuse unlawful orders. The move follows Kelly's video message supporting soldiers' right to disobey illegal commands, prompting political and legal controversy amid ongoing military and domestic deployments.
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Amid ongoing debates over affordability, recent articles highlight the disconnect between positive economic indicators and widespread public frustration. Political leaders face pressure to address high living costs, with discussions focusing on tariffs, inflation, and policy impacts on everyday Americans. The story underscores the complex landscape of US economic sentiment in late 2025.
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On December 23, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly defended former President Bill Clinton following the Department of Justice's release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, which included photos of Clinton with Epstein and other celebrities. Clinton's spokesperson accused the DOJ of selective transparency protecting unknown parties. The DOJ plans further releases under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Epstein victims and lawmakers criticized the partial disclosures and handling by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
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Palau has agreed to accept up to 75 third-country nationals from the US who have not been charged with crimes, in exchange for $7.5 million in aid. The deal is part of broader US efforts to resettle migrants abroad amid increased deportation policies.
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Venezuela has accused the US of pursuing continental ambitions and violating international law through military actions, including air strikes and a naval blockade. The UN Security Council heard Venezuela's claims amid ongoing US sanctions and military pressure, with concerns over sovereignty and regional stability.
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President Trump revealed plans for a new 'Golden Fleet' of battleships, claiming they will be 100 times more powerful than any before, armed with advanced technology like lasers and railguns. The ships aim to counter China and modernize the Navy, with construction beginning early 2030s.
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Since late December 2025, the US has intensified its campaign against Venezuela, seizing oil tankers and threatening military action to pressure President Maduro. The move has drawn international condemnation from Russia and China, amid ongoing tensions over Venezuela's oil reserves and US sanctions.
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On December 23, 2025, President Trump announced the Trump-class battleships, a new class of heavily armed, large surface combatants designed to restore US naval dominance. The USS Defiant, the first ship, will be 30,000-40,000 tons, equipped with hypersonic missiles, lasers, and nuclear cruise missiles. The plan includes building up to 25 ships, aiming to counter global threats and revitalize US shipbuilding amid growing Chinese naval power.
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Brian Cole Jr. pleaded guilty to placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021, just hours before the Capitol riot. The bombs did not detonate. He faces up to 30 years in prison. The case highlights ongoing threats linked to political tensions.
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On December 25, 2025, the US launched a coordinated military strike against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria's Sokoto State, targeting insurgents accused of killing primarily Christians. The operation, involving Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from a Navy ship in the Gulf of Guinea, was conducted with Nigerian government approval and intelligence support. Multiple militants were reportedly killed, marking a significant escalation in US involvement amid ongoing sectarian violence in Nigeria.
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In late December 2025, the US conducted its first known land strike in Venezuela targeting a dock used by the Tren de Aragua gang to load narcotics onto boats. The CIA reportedly carried out the covert operation, destroying the facility without casualties. This marks a significant escalation in the US military campaign against drug trafficking and pressure on President Maduro's regime, which denies involvement in narcotics trade.
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On January 5, 2026, the US and Nigeria conducted joint missile strikes targeting ISIS militants in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities linked to ISIS and was approved by Nigerian authorities. No civilian casualties were reported. The strikes follow increased US involvement in Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts amid ongoing violence.
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The National Guard has been deployed in New Orleans, confined to the French Quarter, following a recent vehicle-ramming attack and ongoing crime concerns. The deployment aims to support local law enforcement during Mardi Gras, with over 800 officers involved. The move follows similar missions in other cities this year, despite declining crime rates.
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The US conducted air strikes in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day, targeting ISIS-linked groups amid claims of Christian persecution. The strikes, confirmed by US and Nigerian officials, have heightened tensions and raised questions about regional security and religious conflict. The situation remains fluid as details are scarce.
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Tony Dokoupil's debut as CBS Evening News anchor has been marred by live broadcast errors, internal upheaval, and criticism over editorial independence. His first week included a teleprompter malfunction, controversial segments, and internal resistance, raising questions about the network's future under new leadership.
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Over the past week, the US military has conducted multiple strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, claiming they were drug traffickers. The operations have resulted in at least 115 deaths, with survivors and legal experts raising concerns over potential extrajudicial killings amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela.
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The U.S. Congress has passed a War Powers resolution to limit President Trump's ability to conduct military operations in Venezuela following the recent seizure of Nicolás Maduro. The move reflects bipartisan concern over executive overreach and the legality of the operation, which aimed to capture Maduro and control Venezuela’s oil resources. The White House opposes the measure, citing presidential authority, but the resolution has passed the Senate and awaits House approval.
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On January 3, 2026, the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation. President Trump declared the US would 'run' Venezuela until a 'safe, proper, and judicious transition' occurs. The UK government, led by Keir Starmer, has expressed cautious support for a peaceful transition but refrained from condemning the US action, emphasizing the importance of international law. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended the US move as morally right, while opposition voices called for stronger condemnation.
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In a coordinated overnight operation, US forces conducted a military raid in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation involved extensive planning, air and land assaults, and was executed in perfect weather conditions. Maduro is now in US custody to face drug-related charges.
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On January 3, 2026, Donald Trump authorized US military strikes against Venezuela, capturing President Maduro and signaling potential ongoing involvement. The move has sparked bipartisan criticism over legality and risk of escalation, while some Republicans support the action as a crackdown on drug trafficking and regime illegitimacy.
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The U.S. military has seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, citing narcoterrorism charges. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the operation as an invasion, asserting Maduro remains Venezuela's legitimate leader. The U.S. plans a transitional government with international backing, escalating tensions in the region.
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The U.S. launched a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife amid airstrikes and international concern. Maduro is being taken to New York to face charges. The move aims to control Venezuela's oil reserves and counter Chinese influence, raising questions about legality and regional stability. The U.S. plans a long-term presence.
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Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife appeared in US court after being captured in a military operation. They face drug trafficking and weapons charges, with legal debates over immunity and recognition of Maduro's legitimacy. The case highlights US efforts to target Venezuelan leadership amid ongoing political tensions.
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Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has filed a lawsuit to block military actions aimed at reducing his rank and pension after he and other lawmakers urged troops to refuse illegal orders. The Pentagon considers Kelly's statements seditious, prompting legal and political debates over free speech and military discipline.
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured in a US military operation. Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president amid protests. Maduro pleaded not guilty in US court to narco-terrorism charges, while the US signals plans to manage Venezuela's oil industry and seek cooperation.
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The U.S. detained Venezuelan leader Maduro, asserting regional influence and challenging China's Latin American ties. Beijing condemned the action, framing it as hegemonic, while the move impacts U.S.-China rivalry and regional stability amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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On January 20, 2026, US Southern Command apprehended the Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident, enforcing President Trump's blockade on sanctioned oil tankers in the Caribbean. This action is part of a broader US campaign following the January 3 capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, aiming to control Venezuela's oil exports and restrict shipments linked to Iran, Russia, and Venezuela. The US plans to manage Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely, with proceeds controlled by Washington.
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On January 15, 2026, US forces seized the motor tanker Veronica in international waters after it defied a US naval quarantine on sanctioned Venezuelan vessels. The operation involved Marines and sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford and a US Coast Guard tactical team. This marks the sixth tanker seized under President Trump's campaign to control Venezuela's oil sector following the recent ouster of Nicolás Maduro.
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The U.S. conducted a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation has sparked political uncertainty and congressional debate over the legality and future implications of U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
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Iran's protests, sparked by economic grievances, have been suppressed after a week of internet blackout and deadly crackdowns. The US considers military options, with officials discussing sanctions, cyberattacks, and potential strikes. Iran warns US and Israel could be targets if intervention occurs. Over 500 protesters have been killed.
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Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok, integrated into X, has been embroiled in controversies over generating inappropriate images and offensive content. The US Department of Defense plans to deploy Grok across military networks, amid concerns over its behavior and ethical implications. The story highlights tensions between AI innovation and regulation as global scrutiny intensifies.
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Recent reports reveal a US surveillance plane used in a September strike in Venezuela was disguised as a civilian aircraft, carrying munitions internally. This raises legal questions about adherence to laws of war, amid US operations targeting drug smuggling and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
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As of February 12, 2026, the UK plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia military base to the UK-US. Despite initial US support, former President Trump sharply criticized the deal as "an act of great stupidity," delaying parliamentary ratification amid legal and political challenges. Trump has since softened his stance after talks with UK Prime Minister Starmer but warned of military intervention if US interests are threatened.
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The U.S. warns Canada that rejecting the F-35 fighter jets could lead to changes in NORAD, potentially requiring U.S. military intervention in Canadian airspace. The comments follow Canada's review of its fighter jet procurement amid rising costs and political considerations, with possible alternatives like Saab's Gripen E. Tensions with the U.S. increase as defense cooperation faces scrutiny.
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Since September, the U.S. military has conducted at least 36 strikes targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, killing 125 people. The campaign, justified by the U.S. as combatting narco-trafficking, faces criticism over legality and civilian casualties, especially after reports of follow-up strikes killing survivors.
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Families of two Trinidadian men killed in US missile strikes in the Caribbean are suing the US government for wrongful death. The lawsuit challenges the legality of the strikes, which have killed over 100 people since September, claiming they lacked legal justification and violated international law.
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A documentary about Melania Trump, covering her final days as first lady, premiered at the Kennedy Center and in theaters nationwide. It offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at her transition into the role, with mixed reviews and high-profile attendees, amid questions over its political neutrality and funding.
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The US announced significant military sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia, including Apache helicopters and Patriot missiles, as tensions rise in the Middle East over Iran and ongoing conflicts in Gaza. The deals aim to bolster regional security but face congressional criticism over oversight and strategic implications. Timing coincides with US efforts to manage regional stability.
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U.S. District Judge Michael Simon issued a 14-day order restricting federal officers from using chemical and projectile munitions against protesters near an ICE facility in Portland. The ruling follows a lawsuit over excessive force, including injuries to elderly protesters and journalists, amid nationwide demonstrations against immigration policies.
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Amid escalating US military deployments and Iran's readiness for talks, tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional influence intensify. Iran has signaled willingness to negotiate, while the US maintains military pressure. The situation remains volatile, with potential for diplomatic breakthroughs or conflict.
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The US Southern Command conducted three military strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11 individuals suspected of drug trafficking. The campaign, initiated in September 2025, has resulted in at least 144 deaths amid widespread legal and human rights criticism over its legality and transparency.
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The US has intensified efforts to seize Venezuelan oil tankers following the January raid that ousted Maduro. Recent operations include a maritime interdiction of the Panamanian-flagged tanker Aquila II, which was operating in defiance of US sanctions. The US military has also conducted strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking, resulting in fatalities. These actions aim to control Venezuela's oil exports and pressure Cuba economically.
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European NATO allies are being urged to take greater responsibility for their defense amid US calls for a shift towards modern, credible military capabilities. US officials emphasize NATO's core purpose remains intact, but stress the need for Europe to lead on homeland security, with the US focusing on global and Pacific priorities. This comes as NATO adjusts command roles and boosts defense spending commitments.
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Ukrainian drone footage reveals Russian forces using civilian vehicles and horses for logistics, raising questions about resource shortages and tactical adaptations amid ongoing conflict. The discovery highlights Moscow's reliance on unconventional transport, possibly due to equipment shortages, as Ukrainian forces target these assets.
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President Trump is considering military action against Iran over its nuclear program, with recent troop movements and diplomatic efforts intensifying. Congressional briefings and regional preparations suggest a potential escalation, though public support remains limited. The story highlights ongoing negotiations and military posturing as tensions rise.