Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration is pursuing an oil tanker linked to Venezuela as part of its pressure campaign against President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
- The Justice Department has released more files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but lawmakers are criticizing the agency for missing its full release deadline.
- Thousands of immigrants without legal status have skipped immigration court this year, leading to a surge in "in absentia" deportations.
- The U.S. government has granted the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina full federal recognition, a milestone the tribe has sought since 1888.
- Holiday scams are on the rise, with common schemes including fake shipping notifications, stolen packages, and fake donation requests.
Introduction to Current Events
The Trump administration has announced that the U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker linked to Venezuela, as part of its ongoing pressure campaign against President Nicolas Maduro’s government. This move is seen as an effort to enforce a blockade against sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. The action is the latest in a series of measures taken by the Trump administration to target the Venezuelan government, which it accuses of corruption and human rights abuses.
The Trump Administration’s Pressure Campaign
The Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Venezuela has been ongoing for several years, with the U.S. imposing sanctions on the country’s oil industry and other sectors. The administration has also recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president of Venezuela, despite Maduro’s claims to the presidency. The pursuit of the oil tanker is seen as a further escalation of this pressure campaign, and is likely to increase tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela.
The Epstein Case
In other news, the Justice Department has released more files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but lawmakers are criticizing the agency for missing its full release deadline. The files, which were released over the weekend, include some previously redacted information, but the names of co-conspirators remain largely redacted. The Justice Department has come under pressure to release more information about Epstein’s crimes and those who may have been involved in them.
Immigration Court
Thousands of immigrants without legal status have skipped immigration court this year, leading to a surge in "in absentia" deportations. If an immigrant misses a court appearance, the government can issue an "in absentia" removal order, which allows for their deportation without a hearing. Immigration courts are facing intense pressure, with the administration having fired judges and deported some people to countries they have never lived in.
New Orleans Music
When you think of New Orleans music, you might not immediately think of Christmas carols. However, many local musicians have deep roots in the church, and the city is home to a thriving music scene. This Christmas, NPR network station WWNO’s Rosemary Westwood chatted with some of the city’s favorite stars, including jazz singer John Boutte and bounce queen Big Freedia, about their favorite holiday songs.
Holiday Scams
As the holiday season approaches, scams are on the rise. Common schemes include fake shipping notifications, stolen packages, and fake donation requests. To protect yourself, it’s a good idea to search for a vendor’s name along with words like "scam," "fraud," and "complaint" to see if other customers have had negative experiences. You should also be wary of unexpected texts or emails requesting personal information, and avoid buying gift cards from vendors that are not well-known.
Other News
In other news, the U.S. government has granted the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina full federal recognition, a milestone the tribe has sought since 1888. The city of Cartagena, Colombia, is set to ban horse-drawn carriages, a move that is dividing the city over concerns about tradition, tourism, and animal welfare. Comedian Bowen Yang has left Saturday Night Live midway through his eighth season, making his final appearance on the show this weekend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s pursuit of an oil tanker linked to Venezuela is the latest move in its pressure campaign against the Maduro government. The Justice Department’s release of more files on Jeffrey Epstein has been criticized by lawmakers, and thousands of immigrants without legal status have skipped immigration court, leading to a surge in "in absentia" deportations. As the holiday season approaches, it’s a good idea to be aware of common scams and take steps to protect yourself. The U.S. government’s recognition of the Lumbee Tribe and the ban on horse-drawn carriages in Cartagena, Colombia, are also notable news stories from the past week.