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On November 23, 2025, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation effective January 5, 2026, citing a bitter feud with former President Donald Trump. Once a staunch MAGA ally, Greene criticized Trump over the Jeffrey Epstein files and foreign policy, prompting Trump to label her a "traitor" and endorse a primary challenger. Greene is considering a 2028 presidential run.
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The US has officially designated the so-called Cartel de los Soles, linked to Venezuela's military and accused of drug trafficking, as a foreign terrorist organization. The move escalates US pressure on Maduro amid military buildups and potential talks, though Venezuela denies the allegations. The designation could enable further sanctions and military options.
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The US Mint produced its final penny on Wednesday, ending 232 years of coinage. The move aims to save costs, as pennies now cost more to produce than their face value. Existing coins remain in circulation, but future production has ceased following bipartisan support and government cost-saving measures.
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New U.S. coins for the 250th anniversary favor traditional American symbols over progressive themes like civil rights and women's suffrage. Despite proposals for diverse designs, including figures like Frederick Douglass and Ruby Bridges, the final designs omit these, reflecting political debates over how American history is represented.
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Recent investigations reveal that over $9 billion of federal funds allocated to Minnesota programs since 2018 may have been stolen through widespread fraud, primarily involving the Somali community. Authorities warn of ongoing schemes, with more charges expected as investigations deepen.
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In early January 2026, the US escalated its campaign against Venezuela by seizing two oil tankers carrying Venezuelan crude, one in the North Atlantic and another in the Caribbean. This follows the recent US military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The US plans to control and sell Venezuela's oil, directing proceeds through US accounts indefinitely, amid intensified sanctions and a blockade that has severely disrupted Venezuela's oil exports.
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In 2025, President Trump announced multiple tariffs targeting global trade, including plans for a new External Revenue Service and tariffs on pharmaceuticals and movies. Many of these threats were not implemented, amid ongoing trade disruptions and economic turbulence caused by erratic tariff policies.
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The US Treasury imposed sanctions on a Venezuelan drone manufacturer and its chairman for aiding Iran's UAV program and chemical procurement. The move highlights ongoing US efforts to curb Iran-Venezuela military cooperation amid broader regional tensions.
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The US has seized multiple vessels involved in Venezuelan oil exports, including the supertanker M Sophia and the tanker Galileo, amid ongoing efforts to control Venezuela's oil industry following the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. The Sagitta tanker was also apprehended in defiance of US sanctions.
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Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, an assistant professor at Emory University, was removed from her position amid protests and political pressure due to her father's role in Iran's government and recent US sanctions against him. The university cited personnel reasons, but the controversy highlights tensions over academic ties to Iran.
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Japan's Finance Ministry confirmed no direct intervention to support the yen in the past month, despite market speculation. The yen has strengthened from around 160 to 154 against the dollar amid signals of potential coordinated action with the US, as traders assess Japan's response to currency volatility ahead of a snap election on February 8.
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President Trump announced a new pilot program, 'Trump Accounts,' providing $1,000 for children born 2025-2028. Funded by the federal government and invested in stock index funds, the accounts aim to promote savings, financial literacy, and socio-economic mobility, launching on July 4 as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations.