Dec 19 2 strikes on alleged drug boats kill 5 in eastern Pacific, U.S. military says By Associated Press The U.S. military said Thursday that it had conducted two more strikes against boats it said were smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing five people. Continue reading
Dec 19 WATCH: Rubio holds year-end news conference, addressing Venezuela, Ukraine war, Gaza and more By Associated Press In a freewheeling, more than hourlong meeting with reporters, Secretary Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's radical overhaul in foreign assistance and detailed the administration's work to reach a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan in time for the new year. Continue reading
Dec 18 TikTok signs deal to sell U.S. unit to American investors, including Oracle and Silver Lake By Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. business to three American investors — Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX — ensuring the popular social video platform can continue operating in the United States. Continue reading
Dec 18 Watch 5:08 What's in the U.S. weapons package for Taiwan and why China is angry By Nick Schifrin The Trump administration has approved the largest single package of weapons sales to Taiwan in U.S. history. Many of the systems mirror those the United States has supplied to Ukraine. The move is part of a broader U.S. effort to… Continue watching
Dec 18 Watch 6:06 Venezuela oil blockade could have 'chilling effect' on Maduro, ex-ambassador says By Geoff Bennett, Dan Sagalyn For weeks, the Trump administration has been escalating pressure on Venezuela and the government of Nicolás Maduro. Wednesday night, we heard from a critic of the approach. For a different perspective, Geoff Bennett spoke with Jimmy Story. He spent 25… Continue watching
Dec 18 EU delays massive free-trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur amid farmer protests By Sam McNeil, Associated Press The European Union is delaying a massive free-trade deal with South American countries after fiery protests by farmers and last-minute opposition by France and Italy threatened to derail the pact, seen by its backers as an important geopolitical move for both continents. Continue reading
Dec 18 Israel launches airstrikes in Lebanon as deadline to disarm Hezbollah looms By Bassem Mroue, Associated Press Israel has carried out airstrikes on southern and northeastern Lebanon. Thursday's strikes come as the deadline to disarm Hezbollah looms. Continue reading
Dec 18 Kremlin envoy will visit Miami for latest talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine, U.S. official says By Matthew Lee, Associated Press A U.S. official says a Kremlin envoy will travel to Florida to discuss a U.S.-proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine. Continue reading
Dec 18 State Department announces $10 billion-plus arms sales package to Taiwan, angering China By Matthew Lee, Associated Press President Donald Trump's administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones, drawing an angry response from China. Continue reading
Dec 18 Bishop Ronald Hicks named new archbishop of New York By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Pope Leo XIV on Thursday made his most important U.S. appointment to date, naming a fellow Chicagoan as the next archbishop of New York to lead one of the biggest U.S. archdioceses as it navigates relations with the Trump administration… Continue reading