Trump closes airspace 'above and surrounding' Venezuela

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a formal pardon amid an ongoing corruption trial, following support from former President Donald Trump, who suggested Netanyahu should be pardoned. In a video address, Netanyahu expressed that the trial is causing significant internal divisions within the country.

President Trump has announced the complete closure of airspace above and surrounding Venezuela, citing a deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in the region. This decision follows warnings from the Federal Aviation Administration regarding safety concerns for airlines operating in the area.

John McAuliff, a 33-year-old small business owner, secured a seat in Virginia's state legislature by focusing his campaign on the rising cost of energy, defeating a Republican opponent. His victory is part of a larger trend, with 13 Democrats winning seats in the recent elections, solidifying the party's control in Virginia.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's strategy of balancing loyalty and punishment appears increasingly desperate as international pressures mount. His regime faces accusations of drug trafficking and human rights violations, leading to heightened scrutiny and military presence from the United States in the Caribbean region.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has accused President Trump of steering the United States toward a potential foreign war with Venezuela, raising concerns about the lack of congressional approval for military actions. Schumer's remarks highlight constitutional issues regarding military oversight and the implications of unilateral decisions made by the executive branch.

Since Donald Trump's re-election, his family has engaged in extensive global dealmaking, raising concerns about the potential misuse of presidential power for personal gain. This includes connections to various international issues, such as evictions in Vietnam and legal pressures in the Balkans, which appear to be intertwined with Trump's financial ambitions.

Venezuela has suspended all deportation flights in response to President Trump's declaration that the airspace above and surrounding the country is closed, citing a colonialist threat to its sovereignty. The Venezuelan government has rejected foreign orders and threats, emphasizing its right to control its airspace.

Former federal prosecutor Joseph Moreno criticized President Trump for using a derogatory slur against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, calling the remark 'absolutely indefensible.' This comment came in the aftermath of a shooting incident involving National Guard members in Washington, D.C., where two were critically injured. Trump referred to Walz as 'seriously retarded' in a post on Truth Social, linking it to his views on immigration and security policies.