US seizes sanctioned oil tanker off coast of Venezuela, Trump says

Indiana Republicans have blocked a redistricting effort that would have favored their party, prompting former President Trump to express his disapproval, stating he hopes the Senate leader responsible loses in future elections. This rejection signifies a notable shift in the state's political landscape, distancing local Republicans from Trump's influence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid escalating tensions with the United States, particularly following a recent military buildup by the U.S. in the Caribbean region. This support comes as the U.S. has intensified its pressure campaign against Maduro's regime, including the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast.

The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump, which the White House plans to transport to a U.S. port to seize the oil onboard. This action has been condemned by Caracas as an act of 'international piracy.'

The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump. The White House intends to hold the vessel at a Texas port while releasing the crew upon docking. This action marks a significant escalation in U.S. military operations in the region, part of an ongoing pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government.

Elon Musk is collaborating with the government of El Salvador to introduce the Grok chatbot, developed by his artificial intelligence company xAI, to over 1 million students in more than 5,000 public schools as part of an AI-powered education initiative. This announcement was made on December 11, 2025, by xAI, highlighting a significant move towards integrating AI in education.

Tens of thousands of residents in western North America are under evacuation orders as heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, particularly affecting Washington state and British Columbia. Authorities continue to warn that water levels are rising, and the risk of flooding remains high following several days of intense storms.

The Trump administration is reshaping American diplomacy, particularly regarding its relationships with Europe, as discussed in a recent NPR episode featuring correspondents Greg Myre and Eleanor Beardsley. The focus is on the evolving U.S. stance towards Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia and the implications for European alliances.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the United States is advocating for the establishment of a 'free economic zone' in eastern Ukraine, which would serve as a buffer between conflicting armies. Zelenskyy emphasized that any territorial arrangements would require a referendum to ensure legitimacy.