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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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Trump and Republicans Set Ambitious 100-Day Agenda with Focus on Tax Cuts


In a bold move, President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican majority in Congress are gearing up for an ambitious 100-day agenda, with tax cuts taking center stage. The plan aims to renew approximately $4 trillion in expiring GOP tax cuts, a hallmark of Trump's first term. 

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise emphasized the urgency of being prepared from Day 1, as GOP lawmakers have been meeting privately with Trump to outline their strategy. The proposed policies will reignite debates on America's priorities, income inequality, and the size and scope of government, especially given the mounting federal deficits nearing $2 trillion annually.

The tax cuts, initially passed in 2017, have significantly benefited higher-income households, with the top 1% receiving substantial reductions. As Republicans prepare to extend and enhance these cuts, they also plan to lower the corporate tax rate further and eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay.

This ambitious agenda will test whether Trump and his allies can deliver the outcomes voters expect, having granted them control of both Congress and the White House.


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