The Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua has spread its violent influence to 16 states across the U.S., according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo. The gang, known for its brutality, has recently established operations in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Montana, and Wyoming, adding to its existing presence in major states such as Texas, California, Florida, and Colorado.
President-elect Donald Trump announced that former acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker has been nominated for the role of U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday a $5 million reward per hostage for Palestinians who assist in securing the release of Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza. The offer aims to incentivize cooperation from those seeking to escape Gaza’s conflict zones, which have been the site of intense fighting for over a year.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, has closed its doors after receiving an issued warning Tuesday about a "potential significant air attack" expected to take place on Wednesday. Employees have been instructed to prepare to shelter in place.
Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin suggested Democrats adopt more aggressive messaging against Republicans, including accusing them of wanting to "kill your kids." Speaking on her podcast, Jen Rubin's Green Room, Rubin argued for a pointed response to GOP policies she claims endanger children, citing opposition to vaccinations, gun control, and medical research funding.
A Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals judge likened the female-only policy of Olympus Spa, a Christian Korean-owned business in Washington, to a "whites-only" rule during a hearing on Monday. The spa restricts entry to "biological females," citing constitutional rights, but faces accusations of discrimination from the state’s Human Rights Commission.
The House Oversight Committee announced that FEMA Commissioner Deanne Criswell will testify next week regarding controversial guidance allegedly given to FEMA relief workers in Florida to avoid homes displaying signs or flags supporting President-elect Donald Trump.
