This brutal flu season would only get worse with another shutdown

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the individual responsible for a recent attack in Syria was killed by U.S. partner forces, although further details were not disclosed. This statement comes amid ongoing military operations in the region and reflects the U.S. commitment to countering threats in Syria.

A Ukrainian drone attack in southwestern Russia resulted in the deaths of two individuals, while parts of Ukraine experienced power outages due to ongoing Russian assaults on energy infrastructure. This incident highlights the escalating violence as U.S.-led peace talks continue in an effort to resolve the conflict.

Belarus has released a Nobel Prize laureate and other prominent political prisoners as the United States lifts sanctions against the country. This move signals a potential thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk, with U.S. officials expressing a desire to normalize diplomatic ties.

The Trump administration has paused visas and other programs that allowed Afghans, including those who assisted U.S. troops, to enter the United States legally. This decision has sparked pushback from some Republicans who are concerned about the implications for Afghan allies seeking refuge.

In Venezuela, rampant rumors circulate amid a backdrop of economic turmoil and U.S. military presence off the coast, creating a climate of uncertainty as the holiday season approaches. Reports suggest that these rumors have intensified following recent U.S. military actions, including the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, which has heightened tensions between the two nations.

Australia has enacted a ban on social media for children under the age of 16, which is set to take effect next month. This decision has prompted U.S. lawmakers to question why Congress has not taken similar actions to protect children online, amid increasing concerns about youth safety in the digital space.

The U.S. military has seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump, which marks a significant escalation in military operations in the region. This action follows months of U.S. claims that military efforts were primarily focused on combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean.

Booz Allen CEO Horacio Rozanski has warned that the world is unprepared for the cybersecurity risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing that allowing China to surpass the U.S. in AI development poses a significant threat to both the U.S. economy and national security.