Trump: Venezuela 'surrounded' by warships

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December 17, 2025

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Venezuela 'completely surrounded' by US warships, Trump says

'Surrounded': President Donald Trump said Venezuela is "completely surrounded by the largest armada" in South American history — one that Trump threatens will only get bigger until the return of oil, land and other assets he claims belong to the U.S. The latest >

Tankers: Trump also announced a blockade of all tankers carrying "sanctioned" oil and said he has designated the Nicolás Maduro-led Venezuelan regime as a foreign terrorist organization, marking three major moves in an escalating standoff. Read more >

Details emerge in killings of Rob Reiner and wife Michele

Reiner deaths: A court hearing for Nick Reiner, accused of killing his parents, is expected to begin today if he is medically cleared. Preliminary, though unconfirmed reports, suggest the couple's daughter discovered Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner dead before calling the police. Details >

Photos: Los Angeles police released photos of Reiner's arrest. He has been booked for suspicion of murder and is being held without bail. Reiner has hired attorney Alan Jackson, whose previous high-profile clients have included Kevin Spacey and Karen Read. The latest >

Investigation: A motive for the killings remains unclear. Reiner has had a public struggle with addiction, and several media outlets reported he and his father recently attended a party at Conan O'Brien's home, where they were seen arguing. Read more >

Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks, others pay tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner >

Deaths of Rob Reiner and wife were preventable: Psychologist >

Michelle Obama praises Rob Reiner after his death, refutes Trump remarks >

Police release video tracking movements of man wanted in Brown University shooting

Video: Police released additional videos of an unidentified person of interest — along with a timeline of his movements — as the search continues for the gunman who opened fire at Brown University over the weekend in what authorities describe as a targeted attack. The latest >

'No excuse': As the manhunt continues, Trump took to social media to call out the university: "Why did Brown University have so few Security Cameras? There can be no excuse for that." Rhode Island officials have urged patience, describing the investigation as complex. Read more >

Reward: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the shooter. The FBI said the man they are seeking is about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and has a stocky build. Details >

Rhode Island AG says FBI 'got over their skis' in Brown University manhunt >

Student says roommate died in campus shooting: 'Doesn't feel real' >

Trump blames Brown, not FBI, for delay in finding shooting suspect >

Accused Bondi Beach gunman charged with 15 counts of murder

Bondi Beach: Accused Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder, after waking from a coma in a Sydney hospital, where he has been since police shot him and his father, who died at the scene. The latest >

Shooting: The two shooters killed 15 people celebrating Hanukkah on Sunday, and funerals have begun for the victims. More than 20 others are still being treated in hospitals. Read more >

Bondi Beach survivors recount 'terrifying' shooting that killed 15 >

Texas A&M rabbi's son wounded in Sydney Hanukkah shooting >

Bystander shown in videos disarming gunman >

Ahead of holiday travel, FAA achieves 16% of air traffic upgrade goals: Report

Travel: The head of the FAA says the agency needs an additional $20 billion to overhaul the nation's outdated air traffic control system — on top of the $12.5 billion Congress approved. A new report found the FAA is behind schedule in implementing a plan to rejuvenate air travel. Details >

Holiday rush: U.S. airlines expect a record 52.6 million passengers to fly between Friday and Jan. 5 — about 2.9 million travelers per day — putting the air traffic system under significant stress. Read more >

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

Trump addresses the nation.
Former special counsel Jack Smith sits for a closed-door House Judiciary Committee deposition.
Trump expands travel ban and restrictions to include an additional 20 countries.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets the Qatari prime minister.
FCC leader Brendan Carr will face Senate questioning for the first time since the Jimmy Kimmel controversy.
The Powerball jackpot sits at an estimated $1.25 billion with a drawing set tonight.

Police in Atlanta believe a homeowner opened fire on two boys, ages 15 and 16, to prevent the teens from stealing packages from his porch. What to know >

A "burn cage" incinerator has been found at the Hollywood Hills home formerly inhabited by singer D4vd, according to a private investigator. The latest >

The state of Missouri said it's being sued by China for $50 billion over potentially seized assets. Details >

Police in Tennessee arrested a 62-year-old man who married a 16-year-old girl in Alabama. The investigation >

The Department of Homeland Security said its officials did not pull over the son of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and accused her of a "PR stunt." The latest >

Colorado authorities said a naked man took one of their patrol vehicles on a joy ride. Read more >

A lengthy witness list has been filed in the trial of a California "Party Mom" accused of throwing alcohol-fueled parties for underage students. Details >

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor was fatally shot at his home near campus, authorities reported. What we know >

NOMINATE A REMARKABLE WOMAN

Do you know an incredible woman who's making a difference through community service, personal achievement or innovation? She could receive a $25,000 donation for the nonprofit of her choice and an all-expenses-paid VIP trip to Nashville! Nominate a Remarkable Woman in your life by Dec. 19! Nominate >