Trump says the US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says the United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela as tensions mount with the government of President Nicolás Maduro. Using U.S. forces to seize an oil tanker is incredibly unusual and marks the Trump administration’s latest push to increase pressure on Maduro. Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that “other things are happening,” but he didn’t offer additional details. The seizure was led by the U.S. Coast Guard and supported by the Navy. That’s according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
House passes defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House votes to pass a sweeping defense policy bill that authorizes $900 billion in military programs. The bill includes a pay raise for troops and an overhaul of how the Department of Defense buys weapons. It comes at a time of increasing friction between the Republican-controlled Congress and how President Donald Trump’s administration has handled the military. The White House has signaled “strong support” for the must-pass legislation and says it is in line with Trump’s national security agenda. Yet tucked into the over-3,000-page bill are several measures that push back on the Department of Defense.
Federal Reserve cuts key rate, sees healthier economy next year
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row Wednesday but signaled that it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months. Chair Jerome Powell signaled at a news conference that the Fed would likely hold off on further rate cuts in the coming months while it evaluated the health of the economy. And in a set of quarterly economic projections, Fed officials signaled they expect to lower rates just once next year. Wednesday’s cut reduced the rate to about 3.6%, the lowest it has been in nearly three years.
Justice Department can unseal records from Epstein’s 2019 sex trafficking case, judge says
NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has ruled that secret grand jury transcripts from Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 sex trafficking case can be made public. The judge Wednesday joined two other judges in granting the Justice Department’s requests to unseal material from investigations into the late financier’s sexual abuse. U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman in New York reversed his earlier decision to keep the material under wraps, citing a new law that requires the government to open its files on Epstein and his longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell. The judge previously cautioned that the 70 or so pages of grand jury materials slated for release are hardly revelatory. On Tuesday, another Manhattan federal judge ordered the release of records from Maxwell’s 2021 case.
Botulism outbreak sickens more than 50 babies and expands to all ByHeart products
Federal health officials have expanded an outbreak of infant botulism tied to ByHeart baby formula to include any illnesses reported since the company began production in 2022. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that at least 51 babies in 19 states have been sickened since 2023. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said new cases include any infants with botulism who consumed ByHeart formula since the product’s release. The outbreak was announced on Nov. 8. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold in the U.S. and around the world on Nov. 11.
Record flooding threatens Washington as more heavy rain pounds the Northwest
MOUNT VERNON, Washington (AP) — Residents of western Washington state are packing up valuables and preparing to flee as heavy rain causes rivers to rise. An atmospheric river is swelling rivers toward record levels, with major flooding expected in areas like the Skagit River, north of Seattle. On Wednesday, dozens of vehicles were backed up at a sandbag-filling station in the town of Mount Vernon. Authorities warned residents within the river’s floodplain to be ready to evacuate. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency. The weather service expects several days of heavy rainfall along the coast.
Foreigners allowed to travel to the US without a visa could soon face new social media screening
WASHINGTON (AP) — Travelers who are now able to come to the United States without a visa might soon need to provide social media, email, and family history details to the Department of Homeland Security. The Trump administration has increased monitoring of international travelers. And now, Customs and Border Protection is proposing collecting five years of social media data from travelers from about roughly 40 mostly European and Asian countries who can now come to the U.S. for tourism or business for three months without visas. The public has 60 days to comment on these proposed changes.
Ukraine to give revised peace plans to US as Kyiv readies for more talks with its coalition partners
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian officials are expected to present new peace proposals to U.S. negotiators Wednesday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says this comes ahead of urgent talks on Thursday with leaders from about 30 countries supporting Ukraine’s efforts to end Russia’s nearly 4-year-old full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy has expressed readiness to hold a presidential election within three months if safety and legal conditions are met. This follows comments from U.S. President Donald Trump that questioned Ukraine’s democracy. Meanwhile, military aid for Ukraine has declined, with European support uneven. The Kiel Institute reports a significant drop in aid this year compared to previous years.
Michigan fires Sherrone Moore with cause, cites ‘inappropriate relationship’ with staff member
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan has fired football coach Sherrone Moore. The university announced on Wednesday that an investigation found evidence of an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” Officials stated that Moore’s alleged conduct was a “clear violation of university policy.” A message seeking comment by The Associated Press was left on Moore’s cellphone. College football’s winningest program is suddenly looking for a third coach in four years, shortly after a busy cycle that included Lane Kiffin leaving playoff-bound Ole Miss for LSU.
Sophie Kinsella, author of the millions-selling ‘Shopaholic’ novels, dies at 55
LONDON (AP) — Writer Sophie Kinsella, known for her rom-com “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” has died at 55. Her family announced her passing on Wednesday, following a battle with brain cancer. Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Wickham, revealed her diagnosis in April 2024. She published 10 “Shopaholic” novels starting in 2000, selling over 45 million copies worldwide. Her work was often labeled “chick lit,” a term she embraced. Kinsella’s books were adapted into films and translated into multiple languages. Her family described her final days as filled with love, music, and joy.