↑ Trump, Donald J Venezuela Frees Dozens of Political Prisoners - At least 80 people were released, including one with U.S. ties, though more than 800 remain detained in Venezuela for opposing President Nicolás Maduro’s rule, rights groups say.Russia Asks United States to Stop Pursuit of Fleeing Oil Tanker - The tanker, which had been sailing to Venezuela to pick up oil, has claimed Russian protection, although the U.S. authorities say it is a stateless vessel.Another New Year at War: Ukraine’s Troops Doubt It Will Be the Last - After a year of Russian advances, the goal for 2026 is simply to survive, said one officer in eastern Ukraine. “It’s hard to make any plans,” he said.How Two Powerful U.S. Allies Came to Blows in Yemen - Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates burst into the open this week with an unusually direct confrontation that has global implications.The Two Questions I Wish We’d Stop Asking in 2026 - How did we get here? I don’t want to know.In Hearing Transcript, Jack Smith Defends Decision to Indict Trump - The former special counsel accused President Trump of “exploiting” violence on Jan. 6, 2021, according to an interview released by House Republicans.Trump Vetoes 2 Bills, Drawing Accusations of Retaliation - The president said he blocked the bills to save taxpayers’ money. But he has grievances against a tribe in Florida and officials in Colorado.Venezuela Detains Americans Amid Growing U.S. Pressure - The number of American citizens held in Venezuela has grown since the start of the U.S. military and economic campaign against President Nicolás Maduro.Even as Trump Targets Boats in Strikes, Coast Guard Continues Anti-Drug Operations - Cutters are still stopping smugglers and seizing drugs, but the prosecutions of go-fast boat crews are dwindling in a realignment of federal resources.Will the A.I. Boom Continue to Drive Up Stocks in 2026? - The boom in artificial intelligence was the biggest driver of gains in the stock market. That could pose a risk in 2026.